Success StoryDevelopment of Virtual Forest Health Field Days



Development of Virtual Forest Health Field Days

Author: Ellen Crocker

Planning Unit: Forestry

Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Raising awareness of forest health issues is key for improving Kentucky’s privately owned woodlands.   We (Ellen Crocker and Megan Buland) had planned a series of forest health field days in 2020 to engage people about forest health threats and their management. However, Covid restrictions prevented us from moving forward with those plans in-person.  Instead, we developed a series of Virtual Forest Health Field Days using the ArcGIS StoryMaps platform, partnering with the Kentucky Division of Forestry and the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves: https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/extension/woodland-owners/woodland-health-threats/fh-field-days  

Over the past year we created 4 interactive virtual visits to different natural areas across the state including Tom Dorman, Raven Run, Cumberland Falls, and Big Bone Lick.  Each of these features a mix of maps, text, photos, and videos to better engage viewers.  We produced videos by visiting the sites, interviewing land managers, and discussing key forest health issues and management approaches.  We also provided more in-depth information on what woodland owners can do to deal with these issues on their own property, from the emerald ash borer to invasive plants like bush honeysuckle. We hope to use these videos going forward to educate people remotely about forest health and plan to add new virtual forest health field days each year.






Stories by Ellen Crocker


Development of New KY Forest Health YouTube Page

about 3 years ago by Ellen Crocker

Forests are central to Kentuckys economic and ecological wellbeing. The state is 47% forested with o... Read More


Development of Virtual Forest Health Field Days

about 3 years ago by Ellen Crocker

Raising awareness of forest health issues is key for improving Kentuckys privately owned woodlands. ... Read More


Stories by Forestry


From the Woods

From the Woods

about 3 years ago by William Thomas

The University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources launched the live From the W... Read More


Virtual Woodland Owners Short Course

Virtual Woodland Owners Short Course

about 3 years ago by William Thomas

Families own over 75% of the 12.3 million acres of woodlands in Kentucky. Unfortunately, these famil... Read More


Stories by Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization


From the Woods

From the Woods

about 3 years ago by William Thomas

The University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources launched the live From the W... Read More


Virtual Woodland Owners Short Course

Virtual Woodland Owners Short Course

about 3 years ago by William Thomas

Families own over 75% of the 12.3 million acres of woodlands in Kentucky. Unfortunately, these famil... Read More