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 clearly communicated.

Robinson Wood Center programs welcome in guests from around the region and beyond to share a story of the long history of research, extension and teaching that has occurred through the Robinson Center (Forest, Farm and Wood Center) and where we are now. The benefits of using more renewable wood, carbon storage in forests and long lived-wood products and the benefits that forests products provide to all of us are central themes of all programs, along with Kentucky Forest Sector Economic Contribution information. We give guests a look into wood products research and industry training programs that are conducted through the Wood Center, interwoven with Extension videos and content provided from UK Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Specialists and Associates. We all benefit from production and use of renewable forest products to reduce our environmental impact. We hosted 13 Wood Center programs this year. One program was a Bat House workshop with Breathitt County Extension and Public Library, where attendees watched a video put together by Francis on "Gardening for Bats", followed by an assembly workshop where each participant built their own. Attendees were given instructions for how to place the bat house. "Foods from the Woods" is a popular program developed by Martha Yount and Bobby Ammerman, which we continue to deliver along with one of our workshops.

These programs are for a general audience, although we do get many leadership and community groups that attend. This is the first forestry program for many participants.

We often partner in these programs with others on the Robinson Center, Kentucky Division of Forestry, and Cooperative Extension Offices.

Participants reported large gains in understanding of the many benefits of wood products and forests. Many participants leave with a better understanding of forest products in their daily life and the importance of forests.