This week, Dr. D.J. McNeil from UK Forestry and Natural Resources returns with another installment of Wings of Kentucky, where he'll introduce us to one of our most fascinating feathered friends—the woodcock. Learn what makes this bird so special and why Kentucky provides important habitat for its survival. Also on tap...Dr. Amanda Gumbert will be speaking with Nicole Clements, Watershed Coordinator for Banklick Creek Watershed, about activities they have done to restore and protect water quality in northern KY. 3.4.26 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 above.

This week on From the Woods Today, we're welcoming Alexandra Blevins, Forest Health Specialist with the Kentucky Division of Forestry. Alexandra will kick things off by explaining what invasive species are and why they are such a threat to Kentucky's forests. Also on tap...Alexandra will walk us through some of the most common invasive pests, diseases, and plants affecting our woodlands—and what you can do to help slow their spread. Whether you're a landowner, nature-lover, or just curious about forest health, this is an episode you don't want to miss! 2.25.26 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 above.

Silvopasture is the intentional integration of forages, livestock, and trees into a managed system. While there are many benefits of silvopastures, the single most important may be enhancing animal welfare by providing shade during the summer months and shelter during the winter months. This presentation by Dr. John Fike, Virginia Tech, will provide an introduction to, and an overview of, silvopasture use in transition zone states like Kentucky that have tall fescue based grazing systems.

Also on tap... The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) can help Kentucky woodland and pasture landowners establish silvopasture through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) which typically reimburses up to 75% to 90% of eligible costs. Join us as Kentucky NRCS State Forester Jon Shultz discusses how landowners can access EQIP for their property to establish silvopasture and other conservation practices. 2.18.26

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 above.

Kentucky's forests are full of incredible wildlife—but some of the most fascinating birds are the ones hiding right on the trunks of trees! This week on From the Woods Today, Dr. D.J. McNeil, UK Forestry and Natural Resources, highlights the fascinating world of bark‑clinging birds, including our energetic nuthatches and hardworking woodpeckers. These species are vital to forest health, helping control insects, create habitat, and play a key role in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. Also on tap...Beyond their beauty, many of our native wildflowers have traditional meanings rooted in folklore, culture, and generations of connections to the land. Want to learn about what these blooms have symbolized throughout history? Don't miss this segment with Anna Wiker from the Kentucky Master Naturalist Program, who will explore this fascinating subject and share the traditional meanings and symbolic roles that flowers have held over time. 2.11.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today.

Exploding trees? Is this real or AI? Dr. Jacob Muller, UK FNR - Extension, will have our first episode of Tree Tales: Rooting out the Myths. Will extreme temperatures make a tree explode? Find out on this episode. Also on tap...Dr. Ellen Crocker, UK FNR - Extension, will have another segment of Pesky Plants as she talks about lesser celandine. This invasive buttercup forms dense matts, especially in streamsides and wet areas, crowding out other plants and you don't want to see it in your forests. Also, Jacob Stewart from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources shares details about a new Kentucky Vendor Conservation Database—an tool designed to connect woodland owners with qualified conservation vendors and support high‑quality conservation work across the state. 2.4.26

For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today.

Maple syrup has a rich history in Kentucky. Many people associate this sweet treat with New England. However, Kentucky has its own unique relationship with maple syrup. John Duvall, KY Maple Syrup Association, talks about the basics of maple syrup and some Maple Days that will be celebrated in February at producers across the state. Also on tap…Join us as Dr. Ellen Crocker, UK Forestry & Natural Resources - Extension, gives an overview of common maple diseases, what to watch for, and simple steps to keep your trees healthy. 1.21.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today.

Did you know late winter is one of the best times to prune your trees? With leaves gone, it's easier to see the tree's structure and make clean cuts that can promote healthy growth in spring. Proper maintenance means stronger, healthier trees later. Chris Wiedamann, Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator with the Kentucky Division of Forestry offers us expert tips on pruning techniques and tree care essentials. Also on tap...What's good about dead trees in our forests? Trees are an essential part of Kentucky's forests throughout their whole life. How do dead and dying trees benefit the forest? Join Frannie Preston, UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, to learn about the ecosystem benefits that trees provide at the end of their life cycle. For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today.

Forests are home to countless species, and the way we manage them matters. Proper forestry practices can help ensure wildlife thrives. Join Dr. Matt Springer from UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension as he shares practical ways you can support birds, mammals, and pollinators through responsible forest management. Also on tap...Wintercreeper may look like a beautiful groundcover, but it's an invasive species threatening Kentucky's forests and native plants. It forms dense mats that choke out wildflowers and prevent new trees and shrubs from growing. Join Dr. Ellen Crocker, UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, as she explains why this plant is harmful and what you can do to stop its spread. For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today.

Kentucky is home to numerous native conifers. Join us to learn about these native cone-bearing trees as Laurie Thomas, UK Forestry and Natural Resources-Extension, discusses conifer identification. Also on tap...It's not too late to decorate! Join Kentucky Master Naturalist Outreach Coordinator Anna Wiker to learn how you can get out in the woods and get material and inspiration for a sustainable and easy-to-make holiday wreath. 12.17.25

For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today.

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we're joined by Dr. Jonathan Larson from UK Entomology to explore the bugs that often hitch a ride into your home during the holiday season. Also on tap...Dr. Ellen Crocker, UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension will share insights on Pesky Plants, focusing on the invasive round-leafed bittersweet. 12.10.25 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today.