Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Jeremy Williams
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The Spongy Moth is a destructive insect that prefers to feed on of oak trees but will also feed on other tree species such as poplar, maple, basswood, and apple, to name a few. While it is not currently established in Kentucky, vigilance is needed. The Spongy Moth is able to move long distances via fire wood, vehicles, and household goods, allowing it to make establishment in an area. With the help of the University of Kentucky Department of Entomology, the Harlan County Extens
Author: Susan Fox
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Western Kentucky Master Naturalist ClassOur natural habitat is increasingly facing pressure from human expansion and growth, invasive species and climate change. People need to understand the changes that are occurring including significant declines in many bird species, insect species including honey and native bees, losses in the habitats and ecosystems needed to sustain wildlife and genetic diversity, along with the pressures of climate change. Twenty-eight people from across Kentucky co
Author: Lacey Kessell
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The problemIt is estimated that Kentucky loses at least 130 acres of habitat to development every day. More that 99% grasslands, 80% of wetlands, more than 50% of forests have all been lost since Kentucky was originally settled. These statistics don't even include the aquatic habitat that has been forever destroyed by pollution, erosion and other environmental issues.Development and habitat loss has caught the attention of many community members and raised concerns across the county. &
Author: Kelsey Marcum
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The problemThe educational program responseThe participants/target audienceOther partners (if applicable)Program impact or participant response.
Author: Chelsey Anderson
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
In 2019, a local producer signed up to be part of a white oak initiative through the University of Kentucky. Acorns were collected from the producers’ land in Cumberland County as the first step. Those acorns were then propagated, and seedlings formed. From those, they have established 20 progeny tests which was phase two, scattered throughout the eastern United States. Now, in phase three, the project is establishing seedling and grafted seed orchards. One of the grafts from a twig from t
Author: DJ Scully
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
ReNewport Executive Director, Josh Tuning, said “I wanted to share some good news we got at the end of last week as the press release for it should be going out later today. Earlier in the year, ReNewport, City of Newport, Urban Canopy Works and the Westside Citizens Coalition/Buena Vista Historic Foundation teamed up to apply for funding through the Inflation Reduction Act Urban Forestry Program with ReNewport being the grantee. We applied for $1,000,000 in funding, knowing it would be a
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
15 loggers met their requirement of 6 hours of continuing education every 3 years to renew their Master Logger Certification by attending a webinar at the Knox County Extension Office. The Webinars were 2 nights 6:00 - 9:00P.M. for 3 hours each which allowed the loggers to attend and meet their requirements and not miss days of work.
Author: Jacob Ison
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The Kentucky Master Logger program is a comprehensive state-wide education and training program for timber harvesting professionals. Kentucky Master Loggers feed the 13.87 billion dollar forest industry in Kentucky. The Kentucky Master Logger Program is headquartered in the Cooperative Extension Service, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Program. Since its inception in
Author: Lacey Kessell
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Decorating with Greens was created to show the community you could create beautiful wreaths, swags, and centerpieces using evergreen plants from the landscape. The community learns the types of evergreens that you can grow in our local landscape and gains the skills to create an arrangement. Participants for the program ranged between the ages of 2-70.A total of 262 individuals were reached during these programs (156 youth & 106 adults). Programs ranged from community-wide
Author: Jeremy Williams
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Harlan County is comprised of 259,784 acres of forest land in which 93% is privately owned. Kentucky’s timber industry depends on Certified Master Loggers to keep the timber economy strong. Kentucky Master Logger certification allows the loggers to work with landowners and saw mills to get the product to market. Without the certification, those loggers can’t perform their jobs and meet the objectives of the industry. The Master Logger must receive six hours o
Author: Jody Thompson
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The Kentucky State University Forestry and Natural Resources program designed and implemented a invasive plant management demonstration project at Capital View Park, Frankfort, KY. This project was designed to aid a local partner, the Frankfort/Franklin County Joint Task Force on Invasives, by providing a reference management site to inform local, collaborative efforts.Approximately 4-acres of severely impacted, publicly-accessible forest were delineated due to:Designation as a Priority 1 site a
Author: Nicole Rhein
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Each year, wild mushroom consumption leads to illness and in some cases, even death. According to the most recently published National Poison Control Annual Report, Mushrooms ranked 19th on their top 25 substance categories with the greatest risk of exposure increase. 1,119 serious exposures from mushrooms were reported by national poison control in 2022 alone. Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents in the Purchase Region also noticed a substantial increase in mushroom identification
Author: Miranda Rudolph
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Each year, wild mushroom consumption leads to illness and in some cases, even death. According to the most recently published National Poison Control Annual Report, Mushrooms ranked 19th on their top 25 substance categories with the greatest risk of exposure increase. 1,119 serious exposures from mushrooms were reported by national poison control in 2022 alone. Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents in the Purchase Region also noticed a substantial increase in mushroom identification
Author: William Adkins
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Natural resources play a vital role in everyday life and meeting people’s needs. Clay County has over 300,000 acres of land with approximately 256,000 acres of forest land. Many youth across the county lack knowledge and appreciation of the surrounding environment. In order to increase awareness, the 4-H Youth Development Agent and ANR Agent collaborated and hosted Environmental Field Day at Big Double Creek Park in Redbird.UK Cooperative Extension partnered with Red Bird Ranger
Author: Rebecca Konopka
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The problem – According to the Kentucky Forest Sector Economic Contribution Report the total Kentucky forest sector contribution was $18.6 billion in 2022 with an estimated $12.6 billion in direct contributions. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, Carter County has 33,127 acres of woodlands, which is more acres than Carter County has devoted to cropland or pastureland. The educational program response – Annually, a Tree Farmer of the Year F
Author: Shad Baker
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Kentucky has a large and increasing number of maple trees in our woodlands. These trees have been viewed by the industry as "less than" because their timber value is lower than that of hardwood oaks. But is timber the whole story? Most economic experts will tell you that communities and landowners should work with what they have rather than attempting to obtain what they do not have. Non-timber forest products should not be ignored.In order to promote awareness of the potential value o
Author: Lacey Kessell
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The problemKentucky maple syrup embodies the essence of local craftsmanship and natural abundance, offering a delightful taste of the Bluegrass State's culinary heritage. From its production process to its diverse culinary applications, Kentucky maple syrup continues to be cherished for its flavor, cultural significance, and economic impact within the region.In the 20th century, as industrialization and changing agricultural practices took hold, maple syrup production declined in Kentucky as
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. The Extension Agent for Natural Resources and Environmental Management provided frequent meetings with the council, cities, and planning and development services to design and promote th
Author: Shane Bogle
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Forest Management is an important topic for Caldwell County landowners. Woodlands are used for timber, wildlife and recreation county wide. 21% of Caldwell County is made up of woodlands. Extension in Caldwell County has offered many forestry programs over the years. From ice storm recovery to woodland owner’s short course, forestry related programing makes up almost 20% of service-related calls in Caldwell County. In years that formal forestry related educational m
Author: Laurie Thomas
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Tree Week is a week celebrating all things tree-related that happens each October in communities across Kentucky. Extension agents and specialists contribute to Tree Week in many different ways, from organizing events in their communities to delivering programs to serving on the Tree Week Planning Committee. Several of these include: Tree Week Webinar Series:This year, as in past years, the Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Team organized a webinar series to engage people
Author: Laurie Thomas
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. 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 Commonwealth of Kentucky. Becoming a KY Master Naturali
Author: Laurie Thomas
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. 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 Commonwealth of Kentucky. Becoming a KY Master Naturali
Author: Laurie 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-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 presentations on woodland management, tree identific
Author: William Thomas
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Kentucky has an estimated 280,000 family woodland owners who own 10 or more acres. These mostly family owners own over 75% of the 12.3 million acres of woodlands in Kentucky. Unfortunately, these family woodlands are facing unprecedented threats from invasive insects, invasive plants, climate change, poor timber harvesting practices, woodland fires, and timber theft/trespass. These owners are mostly individuals, joint owners, or family partnerships (family forest owners) and they control more th
Author: William Thomas
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resource Extension annually documents and reports on the economic contribution of Kentucky’s forests and forest industry. With half of Kentucky covered in forests (or woodlands). These woodlands provide many environmental benefits and support a diverse forest industry that is a key part of Kentucky’s economy. Because of the diffuse nature of the forest industry in Kentucky relatively few people realize how significant it i
Author: William Thomas
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Extension (UK FNRE) team along with key partners such as the Kentucky Maple Syrup Association, and the Kentucky Center for Agricultural Development, and the Kentucky Natural Resources Conservation Service have worked to support maple syrup producers in Kentucky. These efforts helped form the Kentucky Maple Syrup Project (https://ky-maplesyrup.ca.uky.edu) which contains a growing library of maple syrup-related information, in
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 2020 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 presentations on woodland management, tree identification, invasive species, fore
Author: Ellen Crocker
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Tree Week is a week celebrating all things tree-related that happens each October in communities across Kentucky. Extension agents and specialists contribute to Tree Week in many different ways, from organizing events in their communities to delivering programs to serving on the Tree Week Planning Committee. Several of these include: Tree Week Webinar Series:This year, as in past years, the Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Team organized a webinar series (led by Ellen Cr
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 issues an
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 presentations on woodland management, tree identific
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 and managing common species to selecting non-invasive plants for landscaping, the public needs more information about invasive plants.To meet this need, we (Frannie Preston
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 cost K
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. 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 Commonwealth of Kentucky. Becoming a KY Master Naturali
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. 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 Commonwealth of Kentucky. Becoming a KY Master Naturali
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, Harringtonia 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 Kentuck
Author: Michael Ammerman
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Once a year, the Small Scale Logging Program showcases several pieces of small equipment available on the market that can be safely attached to a side-by-side ATV, farm tractor, or truck. These attachments lift the front of the log up off the ground reducing skidding impact to the ground and making skidding much safer and easier. The need for this program comes from small acreage properties, which are only sometimes economical for commercial loggers to harvest, requiring woodland owners and farm
Author: Chad Niman
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Forests cover nearly half the surface of Kentucky and forest products provide the largest agricultural economic contribution of any sector with $18.6 Billion and provide the most ingredient (White oak) for the $9 Billion Bourbon industry. Despite this few people understand the importance of managing their forests and forest health to maintain ecological and economic productivity. The benefits of using renewable and sustainably grown wood from local woodland owners and farmers are often not clear
Author: Chad Niman
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
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
Plastic pollution, heavy metal pollution, so many types of pollution. The benefits of renewable forest products are often not clearly understood by consumers. 2023 marked 7 years of UK Forestry and Natural Resources Extension celebrating the importance of forest products and the forests and people that provide them with the UK campus community. Forest Products are incredibly important to Kentucky, as nearly half of Kentucky is in forest and the circular economy in Kentucky renew-ably contri
Author: Chad Niman
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
There is a shortage of forestry training programs available at the K-12 and community/technical college level in Kentucky. Our educational team created a Kentucky ForstryWorks high school curriculum to provide a resource for Kentucky teachers. Kentucky ForestryWorks is an educational training and certificate program focused on forestry, wood industry and logging career opportunities and skillsets. The educational committee is working on upcoming educational opportunities and resources available
