Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Reed Graham
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The Kentucky Master Logger WebTV Program was hosted in 30 Kentucky County Offices spread out throughout Kentucky to reduce drive time and travel for the logging workforce by providing relevant and timely information delivered close to home. All of the content was delivered live from the UK Forestry and Natural Resources Departments Webinar Studio housed in the Thomas Poe Cooper Building on Campus and streamed to the 30 participating county offices. 376 Master Loggers were dispersed throughout th
Author: Jeremy Williams
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The East Kentucky Veterans Park and Trail was created to honor local veterans as well as provide a safe walking area for citizens to improve their health. The veterans committee, along with Tri-Cities Heritage Development reached out to the Harlan County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent to provide information to identify tree species along the trail. The ANR agent worked with the group and the University of Kentucky’s Department of Forestry and Wood Utilization Center to
Author: DJ Scully
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Community Needs Assessment completed in 2019 indicated that more community parks and greenspaces are a priority of Campbell County residents. The Extension Environmental Advisory Council took on a project to encourage walking, hiking, and exploration in our communities. Meetings were held to design the Campbell County Trail Passport Project showcasing 19 trail maps featuring over 40 miles of walking and hiking trails in Newport, Bellevue, Dayton,
Author: Rebecca Konopka
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The 2021 Kentucky Master Logger WebTV Program was hosted in 30 Kentucky County Extension Offices to reduce drive time and travel for the logging workforce by providing relevant and timely information delivered close to home. All of the content was delivered live from the UK Forestry and Natural Resources Departments Webinar Studio on campus and streamed to the participating county offices, including Carter County. Of the 376 Master Loggers dispersed throughout the participating county off
Author: Philip Konopka
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The 2021 Kentucky Master Logger WebTV Program was hosted in 30 Kentucky County Extension Offices to reduce drive time and travel for the logging workforce by providing relevant and timely information delivered close to home. All of the content was delivered live from the UK Forestry and Natural Resources Departments Webinar Studio on campus and streamed to the participating county offices, including Lewis County. Of the 376 Master Loggers dispersed throughout the participating county offi
Author: Shad Baker
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Agents in Letcher and Harlan Counties have partnered with specialists from the University of Kentucky Forestry Department to deliver research-based information to producers through online and in-person programs as part of a $200,000 USDA ACER grant. The two-part program covers the basics of maple syrup production and a more advanced look at options available to boost production and profitability in the state. The in-person segments include tours to an established maple producer utilizing advance
Author: Willie Bowling
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Kentucky has many natural resources, but our forests present one of our greatest opportunities. For instance, our forests provide both economic opportunity (both timber and non-timber forest products) as well as ecosystem services (wildlife habitat, clean water, carbon sequestration, etc.). The forest resource is particularly important to Clay County citizens, because approximately 85% of the county land base is covered by forest. Despite this opportunity, many Kentucky landowners – Clay C
Author: Tracie Goodman
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
In early 2021, a client reached out to me regarding an issue with his 80 year old hemlock trees that were rapidly losing foliage. I conducted a home visit to determine the issue, and upon investigation discovered that it was due to a hemlock woolly adelgid infestation. I contacted Alexandra Blevins, Forest Health Specialist with Ky Division of Forestry, to come out and inspect these trees to determine if they could be saved. During that visit she recommended a treatment option that would work to
Author: Jeremy Williams
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents in Harlan and Letcher Counties, have worked with specialists with the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources and the Kentucky Maple Syrup Association to provide research based information to producers across the Commonwealth. In 2021, the group provided both virtual and in-person programs. The two-part virtual program centered on basics of maple syrup production and an advanced option to boost production. An
Author: DJ Scully
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
People are increasingly curious about gourmet mushrooms like shiitakes that have been grown and eaten in Japan and other Asian countries for centuries. Shiitakes have developed a steadily growing market in the United States. Today, it is the second most grown mushroom in the world, next to the common button mushroom. They have meaty flesh and a distinctive, nutty, or garlicky flavor, and they are low in calories but high in amino acids, B vitamins, vitamin D, minerals, and dietary fibe
Author: Willie Bowling
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
There’s a lot to be said for converting low-value materials into high-value products. This is commonly known as “upcycling.” In spring 2022 a group of Clay County producers met with University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension to learn how to transform cull trees into gourmet-quality food. Of course, the trees themselves are not a human food resource, but by inoculating the trees with edible mushroom spawn growers can reliably harvest high-quality mushrooms from small dia
Author: Thomas Mann
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Since 55% of the land cover in Carroll County is forested, there is tremendous potential for landowners in the county to engage with their forests and woodlands in productive ways. One such way is through the production of maple syrup. While maple syrup is most often associated with Canada or northeastern states like Vermont, Kentucky’s climate does create the conditions necessary for producing maple syrup. Many small-scale producers across the state have already begun t
Author: Lacey Kessell
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Maple syrup production has existed in Kentucky for hundreds of years. However, over generations the production of maple syrup on farms and homesteads seems to have been lost throughout the Kentucky, as very few woodland owners in Boone County still practice it today. Although only 36% of Boone County is wooded, maple trees are a fairly common street tree and are regularly used in suburban landscapes across the county, giving maple tapping opportunities for homeowners on even small ac
Author: Charles May
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The Perry County Extension Service teamed up with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the Perry County Conservation District to offer a series of extensive workshops on Wildlife Habitat Improvement and Forest Management to improve wildlife populations on private land. This series was the first of its’ kind in Perry County. More than 60 people attended the workshops. Attendees gained knowledge on habitat improvement for various w
Author: Linda Hieneman
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
More than half the state of Kentucky is forested and of that land 78 percent is owned by private land owners. According to Billy Thomas UK Forester, Kentucky Woodlands are some of the most productive woodlands in the world if managed properly. Most landowners are unaware of all the programs that are available. These services can help develop management plans to ensure proper care and management to carry our woodlands to the next generations. In Greenup County both the Cooperati
Author: David Appelman
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Following the devastating loss of our Ash trees from the Emerald Ash Borer, woodland owners are now interested in learning more about potential invasive insects. The Bracken County Extension Service hosted 2 informational meetings on the Spongy Moth and the Spotted Lantern Fly. The spongy moth (formerly the Gypsy Moth) can pose a serious threat to our woodlands and especially the valuable white oak trees. By stepping up our monitoring efforts, we can keep a close surveillance o
Author: Willie Bowling
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
In summer 2021, a Clay County producer approached Clay County Cooperative Extension Service (Clay CES) to seek assistance in opening a hulling station for Hammons Black Walnuts. Hammons Black Walnuts is the world’s largest purchaser of black walnuts; they secure most of their annual crop by purchasing wild-harvested black walnuts from across the eastern United States. Under this model, Hammons partners with independent contractors who aggregate the nuts from local harvesters.Clay CES staff
Author: Matthew Futrell
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Though post pandemic inflation has exceeded a 40 year high, we have continued to see a boom in the lumber industry. While inflation has hit many industries hard, we have continued to see a rising demand for timber products. April 13-15, 2022 the Christian County Cooperative Extension service hosted a Kentucky Master Logger training and certification. 22 Participants from the forest industry, including the Division of Forestry and private sector, attended a training to become a
Author: Darren Morris
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The White Oak Initiative continues to expand and grow, reaching across 22 states within the range of white oak. Industries, universities, state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, private landowners and many others have rallied around the White Oak Initiative to help ensure healthy upland oak forests for generations to come. Perhaps the most important are family-owned forest landowners. For this reason, a series of publications has been created to inform landowners, and others
Author: Bobby Ammerman
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The Center for Forest and Wood Certification builds regional forest and wood certification capacity through the delivery of unbiased information; technical assistance; and the development of programs for landowners, loggers, and forest products industries to participate in certification in a sustainable and affordable manner. The Center focuses on providing solutions to certification bottlenecks, enabling the private sector to effectively participate and benefit from certification. The
Author: Bobby Ammerman
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
I conducted 5 of these workshops on 9/17/2021, 9/18/2021, 12/17/2021, 3/15/2022, 3/29/2022, and 4/2022 During the workshops we explained why these species of woods were chosen to produce these products. We also discussed/provided general information pertaining to forestry practices in Kentucky including the Kentucky Forest Conservation Act, food from the forest, and its impact on our forest and the economic impact the Forest Products Industry has on Kentucky’s economy. I also
Author: Bobby Ammerman
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Kentucky’s forests cover nearly half the Commonwealth but only scattered information had existed on the overall economic impact of Kentucky’s forest and wood industry. To address this shortfall, a team of faculty and staff from the University of Kentucky Departments of Forestry and Agricultural Economics (Drs. Jeff Stringer, Alison Davis, and Terrell Baker along with staff members Bobby Ammerman and Billy Thomas) worked closely to compile data from a wide variety of sources for the K
Author: Bobby Ammerman
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
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Author: Bobby Ammerman
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
One meeting was conducted in 2021. This meeting was a two day meeting. Held in Lexington, KY at the Embassy Suites. The meeting included tours of the Freeman Corporation in Wichester, KY and Powell Valley Millwork in Clay City, KY. The technical presentations included; Dr. Matt Bumgardener - “Current Status and Market Directions for the Hardwood Industry”, Mr. Bob Bauer – “KFIA Young Leaders Program and Real American Hardwood Promotion”, Dr.
Author: William Thomas
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Extension team launched the weekly online program From the Woods Today in response to the COVID pandemic and the program remains an important component of our forestry and natural resources Extension programming efforts (https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today). The From the Woods Today program features current information on woodlands and wildlife in Kentucky including information on woodland management, tree identification
Author: Laurie Thomas
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
From the Woods Today – Tree of the WeekLaurie Thomas, Extension Forester, Sr.The University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Extension team launched the weekly online program From the Woods Today in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the program remains an important component of our forestry and natural resources Extension programming efforts (https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today). The From the Woods Today program features current information on woodlands and
Author: Laurie Thomas
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
White Oak Initiative’s - Landowners for Oaks SeriesLaurie Thomas and Darren MorrisThe White Oak Initiative continues to expand and grow, reaching across 22 states within the native range of white oak. Industries, universities, state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, private landowners and many others have rallied around the White Oak Initiative to help ensure healthy upland oak forests for generations to come. Since most of the forests within the white oak’s rang
Author: Jacob Muller
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
UK Forestry Extension hosted a forestry field day and walk at the Berea College Forest on June 2nd, 2022 for County Agents and Staff. Our entire Forestry Extension team was on-hand to provide information on woodlands and forestry, why it's important, and ways that Extension can help landowners begin managing their woodlands and forestlands. We introduced forest health, wildlife management, forest management planning, timber markets, and tree ID! This 4-hour event kicked off with an intr
Author: Jacob Muller
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Extension team launched the weekly online program From the Woods Today in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the program remains an important component of our forestry and natural resources Extension programming efforts (https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today). The From the Woods Today program features current information on woodlands and wildlife in Kentucky including information on woodland management, tree identificat
Author: William Thomas
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Demand for maple syrup is high and growing. This interest and demand led to the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Extension team receiving an increasing number of requests for maple syrup information and support from county extension agents, the Kentucky Natural Resources Conservation Service, maple syrup producers, and the Kentucky Maple Syrup Associa­tion. This growing interest, increase in educational requests, and abundant maple resources in Kentucky pro
Author: Ellen Crocker
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Forests are central to Kentucky’s economic and ecological wellbeing. The state is 47% forested with over 12 million acres of woodlands and, collectively, the forest sector contributes over $13.5 billion annually to the state’s economy including over 60,398 jobs. The vast majority of woodlands in the state are family owned. Supporting these woodland owners is key and Extension specialists and county agents across the state, partnering with agencies like Kentucky Division o
Author: Ellen Crocker
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Invasive plants are a major issue in Kentucky and beyond, impacting a wide range of habitats from forests to grasslands. Already there are many different invasive trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, and herbaceous plants that cause problems in the state. In addition, new plants arrive each year. From recognizing new invasives to best practices in managing current problems, landowners and professionals need more information about invasive plants.To increase understanding of these is
Author: Ellen Crocker
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Forests are key to Kentucky’s economic and environmental wellbeing. The state is 47% forested with over 12 million acres of woodlands and, collectively, the forest sector contributes over $13.5 billion annually to the state’s economy and impacts over 60,398 jobs. However, a range of insects, diseases, invasive plants, and other issues threaten the sustainability of our forests, woodlands, and urban trees. For example, the invasive emerald ash borer alone is estimated to c
Author: Ellen Crocker
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Extension team launched the weekly online program From the Woods Today in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the program remains an important component of our forestry and natural resources Extension programming efforts (https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today). The From the Woods Today program features current information on woodlands and wildlife in Kentucky including information on woodland management, tree identificat
Author: Ellen Crocker
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The Kentucky Master Naturalist (KYMN) program was developed by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension with valuable input from stakeholders at public and private organizations whose interests align with the mission of the KYMN program. The mission of the KYMN program is to develop a cohort of well-informed volunteers to advance education, research, and outreach efforts dedicated to the conservation and management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the C
Author: Ellen Crocker
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Laurel wilt is a new invasive tree disease in Kentucky lethal to sassafras and spicebush. This disease is caused by a fungus, Raffaelea lauricola, and spread by the redbay ambrosia beetle, both of which are native to Asia. Infection by the fungus compromises the vascular system of the tree and can rapidly kill sassafras. While it has been present in coastal areas of the southeast for several years, killing redbay laurel, avocado, and other species, it was first detected in Kentucky i
Author: Ellen Crocker
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Forests are central to Kentucky’s economic and ecological wellbeing. The state is 47% forested with over 12 million acres of woodlands and the forest sector contributes over $13.5 billion annually to the state’s economy including over 60,398 jobs. The vast majority of woodlands in the state are family owned. Supporting these woodland owners is key and Extension specialists and county agents across the state, partnering with agencies like Kentucky Division of Forestry as
Author: Jacob Muller
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Demand for maple syrup is high and growing. This interest and demand led to the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Extension team receiving an increasing number of requests for maple syrup information and support from county extension agents, the Kentucky Natural Resources Conservation Service, maple syrup producers, and the Kentucky Maple Syrup Associa­tion. This growing interest, increase in educational requests, and abundant maple resources in Kentucky pro
Author: Chad Niman
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
2021 marked 5 years of UK Forestry and Natural Resources Extension celebrating the importance of forest products and the forests that provide them. Forest Products are incredibly important to Kentucky, as nearly half of Kentucky is in forest and the circular economy in Kentucky renew-ably contributes nearly $14 billion annually. Reading of the Governors proclamation for forest products week, free food and drinks and individual remote wood products programs were held highlighting and celebr
Author: Chad Niman
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
UK Forestry and Natural Resources extension through our wood products team have been engaged in work with several large stave and cooperage facilities in Kentucky that were having significant moisture variation and breakage of barrel staves in their manufacturing process. Chad Niman working directly with the wood industry with drying and quality aspects of wood products manufacturing received multiple requests drying issues that were rising in stave and cooperage facilities in response to increa
Author: Chad Niman
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
In 2021, 5 programs were delivered covering hardwood grading systems, hardwood lumber inspection, cant product specs, material handling, defects and characteristics, wood drying, and hardwood markets. This is a very focused and highly skilled forest and wood industry training for sawmill and wood industry employees. The trainings allowed 1 business to get up and going, and 6 others to expand their operation. Feedback from employers identify 21 renewable wood industry jobs created as a result of
Author: Chad Niman
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Despite the ecological and economic advantages of using cross laminated timber (CLT) products, the North American building industry has been slow to adopt this emerging architectural component. The technology has been used in Europe and British Columbia for over 20 years. Many parts of the world have embraced laminated timber (CLT) and mass timber as components in large scale architectural projects. As cross-laminated timber is emerging across portions of the US, this region is far behind despit
Author: Chad Niman
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Extension team launched the weekly online program From the Woods Today in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the program remains an important component of our forestry and natural resources Extension programming efforts (https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today). The From the Woods Today program features current information on woodlands and wildlife in Kentucky including information on woodland management, tree identi
Author: Chad Niman
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
One meeting was conducted in the fall of 2021. This meeting was a two-day meeting. Held in Lexington, KY at the Embassy Suites. The meeting included tours of the Freeman Corporation in Winchester, KY and Powell Valley Millwork in Clay City, KY. The technical presentations included; Dr. Matt Bumgardener - “Current Status and Market Directions for the Hardwood Industry”, Mr. Bob Bauer – “KFIA Young Leaders Program and Real American Hardwood Promotion
