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 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 YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiItqhhx_XZC-0vMgCRW9YQ ) to fill this gap and provide key information related to forestry and natural resources.  The page has attracted over 2,053 views, 108 videos, and 23 subscribers in the past year, including a range of county agents, woodland owners, and natural resource professionals across the state and beyond.  Popular playlists and topics of video series include “What’s Bugging My Tree?” “Pesky Plants,” and “All About Mushrooms.”  This YouTube page has also provided a convenient way to make past Zoom webinars available, such as the 2021 KY Forest Health Conference.

This YouTube page has provided a convenient way to engage the public about forest health, particularly in light of the need for video-based programing given COVID-related restrictions.