Woodlands are extremely important to the economic and ecological wellbeing of Kentuckians. 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.  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, field a range of questions from the public and equip landowners to successfully manage their woods.  

Traditionally this has happened largely through in-person Extension programming and connections.  However, in light of COVID-19, we (the Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Team) developed a new weekly webcast program, From the Woods Today, 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 after through a new website (http://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today). The show has attracted over 27,151 views since beginning in April 2020, with a regular live weekly audience of county agents, woodland owners, professionals, and youth across the state and beyond. After the publicly accessible show component, there is after-program specifically for county agents (who can receive KERS credit for joining) to address any additional concerns and discuss emerging issues. The show is also available on Facebook live, over YouTube, and as a podcast.

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 in their area.  Representing my focus area of forest health, I have delivered 30 presentations through this series in the past year including shows on invasive plants, woodland health, fungi, and tree threats. These presentations have increased the ability of viewers to recognize key tree health issues, identify common invasive plants and fungi, enact land management practices to promote woodland health, and engage appropriate forestry professionals about issues as they arise in the future.  From the Woods Today has garnered praise for its high-quality programming, building on online community of fact-based information for agents, woodland owners and professionals across the state and enhancing public understanding of forestry and natural resources.