The University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources launched the live From the Woods Kentucky (http://www.FromtheWoodsKy.org) radio program in 2018 on the university’s radio station (WRFL 88.1 FM). The COVID-19 pandemic forced the radio station to suspend operations in 2020 but the weekly From the Woods Kentucky show continued as a series of podcasts that are supplemented with audio from a new Forestry Extension program called From the Woods Today (https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today). From the Woods Kentucky is a live weekly show that offers current information about woodlands and wildlife covering a wide variety of forestry-related topics that listeners and viewers find both useful and enjoyable, including information on invasive species, forest health, wildlife, and all forestry-related topics in-between. The podcasts are available through iTunes, Libsyn or online at http://www.FromtheWoodsKy.org and video recordings of the show are found at https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today

While the content of the From the Woods Kentucky/Today show may be of interest to the general public the target audience includes: woodland owners, county Extension agents/staff, and those with interest in forestry, wildlife, and natural resources. University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources staff members serve as hosts as they welcome and interview numerous individuals such as University of Kentucky Extension Specialists and faculty with expertise in forestry, watersheds, wildlife, tree improvement, and much more. The show serves as an excellent opportunity to engage with forestry and natural resources partners such as the Kentucky Division of Forestry, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Natural Resources Conservation Service, State Nature Preserves, Kentucky Forest Industries Association, American Chestnut Foundation, Kentucky Woodland Owners Association, Kentucky Tree Farm Committee, and many more. The weekly show also serves as a platform to announce and promote forestry related events, webinars, short courses, etc.

In addition to those who listened live to the shows, there have been more than 24,700 podcasts downloaded with more than 13,960 in 2020. While most of downloads occur in the United States, 25 additional countries such as China, Spain, Australia, and the United Kingdom have downloaded the podcasts. From July 2020 through June 2021 more than 18,590 people have watched the From the Woods Today live show or viewed the recordings. Both shows have allowed the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Extension team to stay connected with our audiences wherever they may be.