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 of Forestry as well as consulting foresters, field a range of questions from the public and try to best equip landowners to successfully manage their woods.  

Traditionally this has happened largely through in-person Extension programming and connections.   However, in light of changing landowner demographics, increased social media use, and the increased need for delivering information remotely, we created a new KY Forest Health Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/KYForestHealth) to fill this gap and provide key information related to forestry and natural resources.  The page has attracted over 622 page likes in the past year, including a range of county agents, woodland owners, and natural resource professionals across the state and beyond. Approximate weekly engagement (reactions, comments, and shares) is 661 people and weekly reach is over 6,000 people. We post approximately twice daily about topics ranging from invasive species to tree health to sustainable management. 

This Facebook page has increased public awareness of key forest health threats and resources to learn more. In addition, it has drawn in new people for other programing including direct messages about issues as they arise and attendance at webinars.