Improving wildlife habitat, timber harvest, and recreationare among the top reasons landowners are calling north central rural district forester Thad Rhodes. In this episode of the Kansas Canopy Podcast, Thad guides us through the what, how, and why of timber stand improvement projects, sharinghis perspective on how forestry objectives have evolved over the last 20 years.

• Learn more about Timber Stand Improvement: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/download/improving-your-woodland-for-timber-production_L725

•  Woodland Management for Wildlife: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/download/forest-management-for-wildlife_MF2899

• Contact your rural district forester: https://www.kansasforests.org/about/meet_our_staff/ruralforestry.html

In this episode, we are joined by Christopher Hanson, Workforce Development Specialist at the Kansas Forest Service. Christopher breaks down the wildland fire career path—from getting RED CARD qualified to pursuing advanced roles—while sharing what makes Kansas wildfire unique.

He also highlights training opportunities offered by KFS, the importance of fitness and mental resilience, and how mentorship and statewide programs help grow the next generation of fire professionals.

• Firefighter Training: https://www.kansasforests.org/fire/wildlandfiretraining.html
• About the Fire Program: https://www.kansasforests.org/about/meet_our_staff/firemanagement.html

Forests aren’t just for trees—they’re vital habitats for bats, too. In this episode, Rural and Community Forester Chelsea Hanson joins us to explore how thoughtful forest management can support healthy bat populations across Kansas.

From protecting roost trees and managing riparian buffers to using prescribed fire and timber harvests wisely, Chelsea explains how forestry practices can create better conditions for bats to roost, forage, and thrive.

Tune in to learn how landowners and communities alike can help keep Kansas’s forests—and its bats—healthy for generations to come.

• KDWP: https://ksoutdoors.gov/Wildlife-Habitats/Wildlife-Conservation
• NRCS: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/state-offices/kansas
• K-State Extension Bat Information: https://www.wildlife.k-state.edu/species/bats/
• Merlin Tuttle's Bat Conservation: https://www.merlintuttle.org/

Emerald ash borer (EAB) has forever changed the future of ash trees in North America — and Kansas is no exception. In this episode, Forest Health Coordinator Shad Hunfnagel of the Kansas Forest Service explains how this invasive insect arrived in the U.S., its devastating impacts on communities and ecosystems, and what options landowners still have to protect or manage their ash trees. We’ll explore why EAB is so difficult to detect, what Kansans can do to slow its spread, and whether there’s any hope for ash trees in the years ahead.

Learn more about EAB: https://www.kansasforests.org/

Sign up for the Kansas Canopy Newsletter: https://kfs.myflodesk.com/klkuvgulw5

Smokey Bear may be the face of fire prevention, but protecting Kansas from wildfires takes all of us. In this episode, Fire Prevention Specialist Shawna Hartman of the Kansas Forest Service shares Smokey’s surprising backstory, the five timeless fire safety rules, and how communities can prepare for and reduce wildfire risks. From understanding the “home ignition zone” to joining Firewise USA, Shawna offers practical steps for homeowners, neighborhoods, and event organizers to help keep Kansas safe—because only you can prevent wildfires.

• Request Smokey Bear: https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8HwUE7aBV87SW3A
• NFPA Resources: https://www.nfpa.org/NFPA-Solutions?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19188247804&gbraid=0AAAAAD3hth1qAzW9jmagBFoq7IH_xd3fr&gclid=CjwKCAjwwNbEBhBpEiwAFYLtGKFUy1rMGQogYQABwdTFkS_Wxu0t4Emd8tGzy3cqqASPiCtU5Vj-ERoCDGQQAvD_BwE

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Drew Ricketts, Wildlife Extension Specialist at Kansas State University, to explore why even the best intentions can lead to harmful outcomes when it comes to wild animals.

From “rescuing” fawns to preventing snake bites, Dr. Ricketts walks us through common human-wildlife encounters and explains how species are biologically adapted to thrive without our help.

We discuss Kansas laws, public health risks, and what to do if you encounter injured or endangered wildlife. Most importantly, we unpack how to teach the next generation to respect wild animals—by giving them the space they need to stay wild.

• Fins, Fur, and Feathers: https://open.spotify.com/show/7HyaYenrLLztd5l9NseZ8h

• Let wildlife be wild: https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2025/05/agriculture-leave-wildlife-alone.html

• Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit Information: https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Rehabilitation/Wildlife-Rehabilitation-Permit-Information

• K-State Extension Wildlife Management: https://www.wildlife.k-state.edu/

• Animal Diversity Web: https://animaldiversity.org/

The Kansas Forest Service is facing unprecedented challenges due to proposed federal budget cuts. This episode explores what’s at stake—not just for the agency, but for landowners, communities, and ecosystems across the state.

From wildfire response to community tree planting, invasive pest control to water quality improvements, State, Private, and Tribal Forestry funding touches nearly every corner of Kansas. You’ll also hear firsthand accounts from partners and landowners—including voices from Shawnee County, KU Field Station, Blue Rapids, and the Kansas Forestry Association—who have seen the impact of KFS programs up close.

Together, they paint a picture of what’s working, what’s at risk, and what can be done to help ensure these services remain available for the people and landscapes that depend on them.

In this episode, we are joined by K-State Mesonet meteorologist Chip Redmond to explore some of the most enduring weather-related wives' tales. From moon halos and woolly bear caterpillars to smoke patterns, animal fur, and even persimmon seeds, Chip breaks down which bits of weather lore hold up under science—and which are just poetic myths. Tune in to learn how to separate weather wisdom from weather whimsy!

• https://mesonet.k-state.edu/
• https://www.weather.gov/
• https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/

In this episode, Dr. Cassandra Olds, veterinary entomologist at Kansas State University, shares insights from her publication Ticks in Kansas and explains why ticks are a growing concern in the state. Learn how to identify common ticks, prevent bites, and recognize early signs of tick-borne illness—especially important for those who work or spend time outdoors. Dr. Olds also offers practical tips and local resources to help Kansans stay safe and informed.

• Ticks in Kansas Publication: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/item/ticks-in-kansas_MF2653
• KSRE Bookstore: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/
• K-State Department of Entomology: https://entomology.k-state.edu/

Join Kansas landowner Austin Floersch as we discuss his successes in cultivating a vibrant wildlife habitat in his northeast Kansas woodlands. Austin shares management successes, resources he has utilized, and hopes for the future of his property. Fuels Specialist Luke Berning also joins us in sharing how Austin's property can be an example of Kansas landowners working to maximize the use and enjoyment of their woodlands.