Spring and summer evenings in Kentucky come alive with the sounds of frogs calling from wetlands, ponds, and forest edges. These vocalizations aren't just background noise—they're an important way to identify species. Learn the different types of frog calls as Dr. Steven Price, with the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, shows us how to recognize these unique sounds and better understand the amphibians that live all around us. Also on tap: Dr. Ellen Crocker, with the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, brings us the next Pesky Plant installment — porcelain berry. Don't let its beauty fool you, this invasive vine known for its striking, multicolored berries, can quickly become a serious problem in Kentucky's woodlands and landscapes. 6.10.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.mgcafe.uky.edu/woods-today

What's got spots all over and totally sucks (tree sap)? It's the spotted lanternfly, one of Kentucky's newest invasive pests. Join us as Dr. Jonathan Larson, UK Entomology, teaches about the spotted lanternfly and what it means for your trees. Also on tap: Tree-of-heaven? That's definitely a misnomer! This invasive tree is a threat in both forests and urban areas. And, as if that wasn't bad enough, it's also the favorite host of the spotted lanternfly. Join Dr. Ellen Crocker, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, to learn more about how to identify and control tree-of-heaven. The battle against the spotted lanternfly is heating up and our trees are on the front lines. Barbara Karsnitz,Kentucky Division of Forestry, will discuss what they are doing to track populations of this new invasive in Kentucky. 6.3.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.mgcafe.uky.edu/woods-today

Many warbler songs are easier to remember when tied to phrases. Dr. D.J. McNeil, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, will show us how these little memory tricks can help you pick out warbler songs more easily and start recognizing them on your own with a new edition of Wings of Kentucky. Also on tap: Rooting Out the Myths: Is Clear-cutting Always Bad for Wildlife? Clear-cutting often gets a bad reputation—and in some cases, concerns are valid. Seeing a stand of trees removed can feel alarming. However, the idea that clear-cutting is always harmful to wildlife is a myth. Like many forestry practices, its impact depends on how, where, and why it's used. Join Dr. Matt Springer, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension as he lets us know how clear-cutting could be helpful for some wildlife. 5.27.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.mgcafe.uky.edu/woods-today

Invasive species come in all forms and fashions here in the Commonwealth and we will touch on an invasive plant, an invasive insect, and an invasive pathogen currently impacting our state. Join Alexandra Blevins, Kentucky Division of Forestry's Forest Health Program Coordinator, for a discussion about invasive threats to our woodlands. Also on tap: With 44 state parks and two scenic linear trails, Kentucky State Parks offers something for everyone looking to get outside and explore. Planning your next adventure can be even easier with their free official Kentucky State Parks app, OuterSpatial. Robert Myers, Kentucky State Parks, will tell us more about this app and what it has in store. 5.20.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today or to watch the video of this episode, visit https://forestry.mgcafe.uky.edu/woods-today

Amphibians play a vital role in Kentucky's forests and waterways. Join Dr. Steve Price, UK Forestry and Natural Resources Department Chair and Professor of Stream and Riparian Ecology, as he breaks down why these frogs, toads, and salamanders are so important to our forests and streams. Also on tap: Join Dr. Amanda Gumbert, UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension - along with John Pike and Pace Cooke-Emmons from WaterwaysLex as they describe how volunteers can help improve water quality and the work they are doing to organize watershed groups in central KY. 5.13.26 Each episode has a video of the segment at this website.

Ever wondered who's really behind those nighttime chirps and buzzes? In this From the Woods Today segment, Jonathan Larson, UK Entomology dives into the fascinating world of insect songs—why insects make them, how to tell them apart, and what they can teach us about our forests. Also on tap: What do you think about From the Woods Today? We invite you to share your feedback by participating in a short survey that is part of a research study. The survey takes no more than 5 minutes to complete. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. No compensation is provided, but your input will help us better understand our audience and improve future programming. Thank you for helping us grow From the Woods Today! Each episode has a video of the segment at this website. 4.29.26

Planting a tree is only the beginning! In this From the Woods Today episode, Chris Wiedamann with the Kentucky Division of Forestry explains what comes next after a tree has been planted. Learn practical tips to help keep your young tree healthy and discover how long‑term planning and management help trees thrive, which contributes to healthier forests! Also on tap: Are strange spots or early leaf drop affecting your trees? Dr. Ellen Crocker, UK Forestry and Natural Resources, breaks down anthracnose — a common tree disease— explaining what causes it, which trees are most affected, and what you can do to manage it. Learn how to recognize the symptoms and protect the long‑term health of your trees and forests. Each episode has a video of the segment at this website. 5.6.26

Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, is a reminder of the importance of caring for Kentucky's forests and the benefits they provide. It's also a good time to revisit forest health challenges, including the impact of the emerald ash borer. In this edition of From the Woods Today Katherine Bullock, UK Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension helps us learn the history behind Earth Day and why we celebrate it each year. Also on tap...Dr Ellen Crocker, UK Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, talks about the invasive insect emerald ash borer (EAB). In 2009, EAB was discovered in Shelby County, KY and it has killed millions of ash trees across the state ever since. 4.22.26 To view the video for this podcast go to FromTheWoodsToday.com

Owning woodland comes with both opportunities and challenges. In this episode, Dr. Ellen Crocker and Billy Thomas with the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension discuss the key issues woodland owners face and how to navigate them successfully. Learn how to address them and who can assist you on your woodland stewardship journey to make your property healthier and more productive. Also on tap: What do you think about From the Woods Today? We invite you to share your feedback by participating in a short survey that is part of a research study. The survey takes no more than 5 minutes to complete. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. No compensation is provided, but your input will help us better understand our audience and improve future programming. Thank you for helping us grow From the Woods Today! Want to participate now? Visit FromtheWoodsToday.com and click on the link. 4.15.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today. Each episode has the video of the segment at the website.

Severe weather is a fact of life in Kentucky, with tornadoes being one of the most dangerous—and misunderstood—threats we face. In this episode, Matt Dixon, senior meteorologist with the UK Ag Weather Center, breaks down the basics of tornadoes, explaining how tornadoes form, what conditions are right for their development, and what the Fujita (EF) Scale really means when we hear tornado ratings like EF-2 or EF-4. While on the topic of tornadoes, Matt also discusses common tornado myths, including the dangerous belief that taking shelter under highway overpasses is safe. Matt explains why some long‑held assumptions about tornado safety can put people in danger instead. Also on tap: the Kentucky Division of Forestry's Tornado Strike Team plays a critical role in helping woodland owners assess storm-related damage. Forest landowners, homeowners, and municipalities or communities impacted by the December 2021 tornadoes can access technical forestry assistance and additional forestry services through this team. 4.8.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today. Each episode has the video of the segment at the website.

Ever heard that cutting only the largest trees is good for a forest? Billy Thomas, UK Forestry & Natural Resources - Extension, calls that bluff on this April Fools Edition of From the Woods Today. Billy will break down one of forestry's most common and costly myths. Also on tap…Dr. Steve Price, UK Forestry & Natural Resources Department Chair, takes on common misperceptions about Kentucky's amphibians and reptiles — including frogs, salamanders, turtles, snakes, and lizards. We'll also hear from Dr. Matt Springer, UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, as he dives into the clever survival strategies animals use to avoid predators, such as faking injuries with "broken wings," playing dead, mimicking venomous species, and even using themselves as bait. This April Fool's edition mixes myth‑busting with a closer look at how forests and nature really work. 4.1.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today. Each episode has the video of the segment on the website.