Forests are tremendously important to the economic and ecological well-being of Kentucky. The state is 47% forested with over 12 million acres of woodlands and, collectively, the forest sector contributes over $13 billion annually to the state’s economy and over 53,000 jobs. The vast majority of woodlands in the state are family owned. Supporting these woodland owners and their families is key and Extension specialists and county agents across the state, partnering with agencies like the Kentucky Division of Forestry, field a range of questions from the public and equip landowners and their families to understand the importance of our forests and wildlife and to successfully manage their woods.

Traditionally this facilitation of information and educational programming has happened largely through in-person Extension programming. However, due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, we (the Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Team) developed a new weekly webcast program, From the Woods Today Live, to fill this gap and provide key information related to forestry and natural resources. From the Woods Today is presented live via Zoom and Facebook, and available for post-show viewing through a new website (http://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today). The show has attracted over 6,200 viewers since beginning in April 2020. The audience is comprised of county agents, woodland owners, natural resource professionals, and youth from across the state and beyond. The weekly program has two components, the publicly accessible show component, and the after-program component designed specifically for county agents (who can receive professional development credit for joining) to address any additional concerns and discuss emerging issues.

Each week the From the Woods Today program features a range of presentations, with topics developed by consulting with county agents to address the greatest needs for landowners and youth in their area. Representing my focus areas of youth forestry and natural resource education and woodland owner education I have created a weekly segment “The Tree of Week” which highlights a different Kentucky native tree each week. From April to the end of June, 13 segments have been presented. These segments have also been incorporated in the Kentucky 4-H Virtual Experience. In addition, I have highlighted several 4-H programs including Adopt-a-Tree, 4-H Tree Challenge, and 4-H Kentucky Nature Notes.  

In just a short time, From the Woods Today has garnered praise for its high-quality programming, building an online community of fact-based information for agents, woodland owners, professionals and youth from across the state and attracting a wide range of viewers and enhancing public’s understanding of forestry and natural resources.