In the Woods

In this episode of Oregon State University Extension’s In the Woods podcast, host Jacob Putney talks with wood products extension specialist Scott Leavengood about a new lumber grading training program created in response to Oregon Senate Bill 1061 (the Oregon Forest to Homes Act). The program will certify small-scale sawmill operators to visually grade their own lumber for use in Oregon building construction under a limited, direct chain of custody, without applying grade stamps. The one-day trainings will teach simplified, conservative grading rules for key Oregon softwood species and include a hands-on test; certification is valid for five years. Use is limited to lumber sold directly to homeowners/builders for one- and two-family detached dwellings, with documentation provided for building inspectors. Initial sessions are planned for October in La Grande and Roseburg, with registration via the Oregon Wood Innovation Center website.

Oregon State University’s In the Woods podcast host Jacob Putney interviews OSU Extension regional fire specialists Chris Adlam (southwest Oregon) and Micah Schmidt (northeast Oregon) about Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs) and their role in expanding prescribed fire on non-federal lands. They describe how fire suppression became dominant over the past century despite long Indigenous burning traditions, and how PBAs re-emerged in the 1990s in the Great Plains and later spread to California and Oregon. PBAs are community networks where neighbors and partner organizations share labor, equipment, planning, and training to conduct safe burns, often with volunteers and sometimes paid coordination. Guests discuss Oregon PBAs’ growth and accomplishments, benefits like changing public attitudes and building social license, and barriers including capacity, permitting, funding, liability concerns, and limited region-specific research. They share ways to get involved via OSU’s Extension Fire Program resources, trainings, and documentaries.

00:00 Podcast Intro

00:32 Meet The Hosts

01:21 Chris Fire Ecology Path

02:22 Micah Prescribed Fire Work

03:32 What PBAs Are

03:52 Prescribed Fire History

05:11 PBA Origins And Growth

06:47 How PBAs Form Operate

09:49 Who Can Participate

12:58 Oregon PBAs Impact

17:22 Changing Fire Relationships

20:48 Extension Role In PBAs

24:01 Barriers And Challenges

26:14 Prescribed Fire Roadblocks

26:27 Landowner Research Gaps

27:39 Permits And Capacity Fixes

28:36 Future Of PBAs

30:34 More Fire And Youth Training

31:39 How To Join Or Start

35:39 Volunteer Skills Needed

37:20 Parting Thoughts And Tribal Roots

38:57 Training And Broad Support

41:45 Lightning Round Micah

45:33 Lightning Round Chris

50:00 Wrap Up And Credits

OSU Extension forester Jake Barker interviews Becca Shively of Sustainable Northwest about post-fire recovery and restoration after Oregon’s 2020 wildfires, focusing on the Western Oregon Cascades Recovery Effort (WOCRE). Shively explains Sustainable Northwest’s forestry work and describes WOCRE’s landowner assistance program, which provides intensive technical support and financial help to small family forest landowners facing barriers such as limited seedling access, lack of capacity after trauma, contractor shortages, and cost-share requirements. She outlines how the program aggregates bulk seedling orders and bundled contractor bids, pays contractors directly, and coordinates with conservation districts, USDA NRCS RCPP funding, a Forest Service grant funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, and American Forests for seedlings. The program will serve 40 landowners across Clackamas, Marion, Lane, and Jackson counties, treating about 2,000 acres, and has faced federal funding disruptions and staffing constraints.

·      00:00 Podcast Intro

·      00:41 Why Post Fire Recovery

·      01:58 Meet Becca Shively

·      02:48 Sustainable Northwest Overview

·      04:04 Recovery Work Categories;

·      06:24 Behind The Scenes Work

·      07:52 Landowner Assistance Barriers

·      12:13 Enrollment Status And Reach

·      13:17 Partners Funding Seedlings

·      16:59 Aggregation And Contracts

·      21:29 Planning And Eligibility

·      23:16 Scaling The Model

·      26:20 Federal Funding Curveballs

·      29:08 Why Reforestation Matters

·      34:56 Fit In Regional Recovery

·      38:09 Lightning Round

·      39:40 Wrap Up And Credits

Oregon State University’s In the Woods podcast host Jacob Putney interviews Washington State University Extension colleagues Patrick Shults and Justin O’Dea about agroforestry and cultivating shiitake mushrooms on logs as a forest-farming enterprise. They describe shiitake’s origins in China and modern log-cultivation roots in Japan, and explain why shiitake is a reliable, versatile choice for hobbyists and small woodland owners. The episode covers low-capital startup needs (fresh hardwood logs, drill/inoculation tool, spawn, wax, and a stock tank for soaking), species recommendations and pitfalls (avoid conifers and Oregon ash; red alder and Oregon white oak perform well; bigleaf maple is variable; cultivated hazelnut shows promise), inoculation and timing (fell late winter, wait ~6 weeks, drill and fill holes with sawdust spawn, wax, then a 12–18 month spawn run), forced fruiting by soaking, typical yields, and key lessons on moisture management, bark care, and site logistics, plus resources including pnwforestmushroomgrowers.net.[00:00:32] welcome and guests [00:01:26] patrick’s extension journey [00:02:28] justin’s mushroom background [00:03:36] why shiitake and agroforestry [00:03:59] origins of log-grown shiitake [00:05:23] why shiitake is so popular [00:07:08] gear and setup basics [00:11:16] best tree species for bolts [00:16:53] bolt size and handling tips [00:17:42] inoculation step-by-step [00:19:58] timing fresh logs and seasonality [00:21:06] why wait six weeks [00:22:05] shiitake growth and competition [00:22:48] spawn rate teaser [00:23:01] drilling hole spacing [00:23:48] sawdust vs plug spawn [00:25:47] spawn run timeline [00:28:36] forced fruiting schedule [00:30:31] expected yields over time [00:31:51] first timer lessons [00:34:28] moisture management tips [00:36:07] forest farming takeaways [00:39:18] lightning round qanda [00:40:47] recommended resources [00:43:26] closing thanks and wrap

This episode of 'In the Woods' podcast, hosted by Jake Barker of Oregon State University's Extension Service, explores post-wildfire restoration on private forest lands based on the LEAF (Landowner Experience After Fire) survey. Conducted by OSU in response to the 2020 Labor Day fires, the survey gathered insights from over 200 landowners across Oregon on their recovery experiences from 2017 to 2023. Key findings were shared, including the importance of local capacity, coordination, and organizational support in driving effective recovery. Guest Kara Baylog, a program coordinator with OSU's Forestry and Natural Resources extension, discussed the survey's methodology, the barriers landowners faced, and the types of assistance that proved most effective in aiding recovery efforts. For more information on this and other episodes, go to inthewoodspodcast.com.

List of Chapters and Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to In the Woods Podcast

00:35 Overview of Today's Episode: Post-Wildfire Restoration

01:57 Introducing Kara Baylog and the LEAF Survey

02:34 Details of the LEAF Survey

06:35 Survey Findings: Emotional and Practical Responses

08:22 Challenges and Barriers in Post-Wildfire Restoration

13:15 Importance of Management Planning

17:13 Role of Agencies and Organizations in Recovery

24:34 Types of Assistance Provided to Landowners

32:33 Future Directions and Final Thoughts

37:11 Conclusion and Lightning Round

40:14 Credits and Acknowledgements

This podcast episode from Oregon State University's Extension Service covers community forests in the Pacific Northwest and their role in the community-based conservation movement. Hosted by Jake Barker, the discussion features Daniel Wear from Sustainable Northwest. They explore the definition, goals, and management practices of community forests, emphasizing the significance of maintaining water quality, fire risk mitigation, and timber revenue through community-led initiatives. Key examples include the Arch Cape Community Forest and Montesano City Forest, showcasing varying structures and benefits. Funding challenges and sources are also discussed, along with the role of the Northwest Community Forest Coalition in supporting new and existing community forests. Daniel leads Sustainable Northwest's Community Forest Program which includes his facilitation of the Northwest Community Forest Coalition along with his direct support to communities in protecting their drinking water supplies through forest management. Daniel earned an MPA in Environmental Policy and Management from the University of Washington, with the goal of helping conservation non-profits connect communities to the resources needed for landscape protection. Daniel loves biking of all kinds, camping, and if possible, a combination of the two. For more accessible information on this and other episodes, visit IntheWoodsPodcast.com.

00:00 Introduction to In the Woods Podcast

00:32 Host Introduction and Episode Topic

01:19 Guest Introduction: Daniel Wear

04:31 Defining Community Forests

11:22 Examples of Community Forests

18:51 Watershed Management in Community Forests

27:12 Challenges and Opportunities in Community Forests

30:47 Public Access and Community Involvement

38:39 Funding and Support for Community Forests

44:47 Lightning Round and Conclusion

This episode of 'In the Woods' podcast from Oregon State University's Forestry and Natural Resources Program features Dr. Seri Robinson, a professor in the College of Forestry's Wood Science and Engineering program. Dr. Robinson discusses her unique career path that merges art and science, particularly her expertise in the study of spalting. Spalting is a process where fungi react to environmental stressors, producing vivid pigments in the wood. Robinson delves into the science behind this phenomenon, the historical applications in art, and the potential innovative uses in modern technology like optoelectronics. She also addresses common myths about the safety of spalted wood in kitchen applications, the toxicity of wood dust, and the importance of selecting appropriate wood species for food-related uses. The episode concludes with Dr. Robinson sharing resources for further learning and her favorite tool and tree species. Go to inthewoods.com for accessible resources concerning this and other episodes. 

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:45 Meet Dr. Seri Robinson

01:11 Journey into Wood Science and Spalting

01:54 The Science Behind Spalting

03:23 Art and Science Intersect

04:13 Career Path to OSU

05:46 Understanding Spalting and Fungal Decay

08:47 Wood Safety in the Kitchen

10:34 Woodworking Safety Tips

16:46 Wood Finishes and Cutting Boards

19:55 Supporting Dr. Robinson's Research

21:02 Lightning Round Questions

22:43 Conclusion and Credits

In this episode of In The Woods by Oregon State University's Extension Service, host Jake

Inside the Portland Airport Renovation: Sustainable Northwest Woods and Xena Forest Products

In this episode of the 'In the Woods' podcast, host Scott Leavengood from Oregon State University's Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Service dives into the recent renovations at Portland International Airport (PDX). Scott talks with Ryan Temple of Sustainable Northwest Woods and Ben Deunling of Xena Forest Products, two key figures in Oregon's forest products industry. They discuss the logistics, challenges, and stories behind sourcing and implementing local, sustainable wood products for the airport renovation. Learn about the specifics of sourcing from local forests, dealing with supply chain issues during a pandemic, and the importance of promoting diverse species for forest resilience.

For more information and resources concerning this episode and more, go to inthewoodspodcast.com.

00:00 Introduction to In the Woods Podcast

00:56 Meet Ryan Temple: Sustainable Northwest Wood

01:35 Ryan Temple's Journey and Sustainable Practices

04:36 Meet Ben Deunling: Xena Forest Products

05:13 Ben Deunling's Journey and Innovative Products

08:31 The Portland Airport Renovation Project

19:54 Challenges and Innovations in Wood Flooring

23:07 Scaling Up: Building the Facility

23:48 Challenges in Timing, Segregation, and Pricing

28:18 Partnerships and Coordination

28:36 Feedback and Future Projects

32:44 Lessons Learned and Reflections

35:39 Lightning Round: Favorite Tree Species

39:30 Resources and Final Thoughts

The episode of 'In the Woods,' hosted by Carrie Cantrell, features Dani Berger, a master's student from Oregon State University. The discussion delves into Dani's research on how recreational users respond to different types of messaging about forest management at McDonald Research Forest and Tillamook State Forest. Dani explains the methodology of her study, which included control groups and the use of photos with varying management types accompanied by ecological or social benefit messages. The findings suggest that ecological messaging generally results in higher positive perceptions compared to economic messaging. The conversation also touches upon effective communication strategies, the importance of audience understanding, and the potential influence of messaging on public opinions about forest management. Additionally, Dani offers insights on the practical applications of her research and her future studies on climate-adapted floodplain forests. Find more accessible resources at inthewoods.com!