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.

In this episode of the Kansas Canopy Podcast, guestRyan Armbrust, the Rural Forestry Program Coordinator, takes us on a captivating journey through Kansas’ surprising and often overlooked history of trees. From the fossilized hackberry leaves that date back millions of years to the stories of early settlers navigating the state's changing landscapes, Ryan uncovers the deep-rooted connection between trees and the history of the land. He reveals unexpected tales, like how Texas invaded Kansas in 1843 and how steamboats once relied on the Arkansas River. Whether you’re a longtime Kansan or new to the state, Ryan’s insights will leave you with a fresh perspective on how trees have shaped the evolution of Kansas.

View photos mentioned in this episode: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC3xP4

KU Biological Survey History of Trees in Kansas Full Program:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRARDYdkDow

Kansas Historical Society: https://www.kansashistory.gov/

Join KU Field Station Manager Sheena Parsons, Northeast Rural District Forester EJ Jamison, and Northeast District Fire Management Officer Bryce Haverkamp to discuss the 2023 prescribed burn of Rice Woodlands, a tract of the Baldwin Woods Forest Preserve.

The majority of the Rice Woodland is relatively undisturbed eastern deciduous forest. Thirty-one species of trees and 21 species of shrubs and vines were recorded on the tract in a 1963 study—remarkably high species richness for native forests in the central United States.

In this episode of the Kansas Canopy Podcast, we explore the Blue Rapids Hazardous Tree Mitigation and Forest Renewal Project, a standout example of effective community forestry. Blue Rapids successfully removed 39 hazardous trees and replanted an equal number, strategically placing them throughout parks, right-of-ways, the city arboretum, and the town center.

Join us as we sit down with Derek DeBoer, President of the Blue Rapids Tree Board, to discuss the project's implementation, the funding opportunities provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the long-term benefits for the community. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about resilience, renewal, and the power of a healthy urban canopy.

Learn more about this and other community forestry grant opportunities on our website: https://www.kansasforests.org/community_forestry/communityassistance.html

Jason Deal with Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks along with Utilization and Marketing Forester Dave Bruton sat down to discuss timber theft issues in Kansas. Timber theft affects private land owners and public land managers. Dave and Jason discuss how individuals can best protect their trees as well as how these thefts impact our timber industry.

Learn more about reputable timber sales: https://www.kansasforests.org/forest_products/

In this episode, Blaine Stroble, NE community forester, discusses the vital role community tree inventories play in maintaining healthy and resilient urban forests. Learn how these inventories help communities make informed decisions about tree care, promoting environmental and economic benefits that enhance quality of life for residents.

Find your community forester: https://www.kansasforests.org/about/staff/index.html

Join Fuels Specialist Luke Berning as we discuss the important steps to preparing for and conducting a safer burn pile.

Join Community Forestry Program Coordinator Matt Norville as we look at what it takes to become a Tree City USA community and why Kansas needs more communities to join the program!

This month we are remembering fallen firefighters, discussing how firefighter training has evolved, and a memorial service to honor those who have fallen in the line of duty and their families. This episode is in honor of Wildland Firefighter Week of Remembrance.