From the Woods Today - April Fools Day Myths or Reality?

From the Woods Today - April Fools Day Myths or Reality?

Author: Renee Williams, UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension April 3, 2026 Duration: 1:06:15
Ever heard that cutting only the largest trees is good for a forest? Billy Thomas, UK Forestry & Natural Resources - Extension, calls that bluff on this April Fools Edition of From the Woods Today. Billy will break down one of forestry's most common and costly myths.
 
Also on tap…Dr. Steve Price, UK Forestry & Natural Resources Department Chair, takes on common misperceptions about Kentucky's amphibians and reptiles — including frogs, salamanders, turtles, snakes, and lizards.
 
We'll also hear from Dr. Matt Springer, UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, as he dives into the clever survival strategies animals use to avoid predators, such as faking injuries with "broken wings," playing dead, mimicking venomous species, and even using themselves as bait.
 
This April Fool's edition mixes myth‑busting with a closer look at how forests and nature really work. 4.1.26
 
For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today. Each episode has the video of the segment on the website. 

Every Wednesday, the digital airwaves fill with the sounds of rustling leaves, insightful conversation, and practical knowledge straight from the heart of Kentucky's landscapes. From the Woods Today is your weekly companion for exploring the intricate, often overlooked world of forests and natural resources. Co-hosted by Renee Williams and Billy Thomas with the UK Forestry and Natural Resources Extension, this live podcast serves as a direct line to experts, bringing the latest science, management tips, and ecological stories right to your ears. The discussions are grounded and accessible, moving beyond theory to focus on the tangible aspects of woodland stewardship, wildlife habitats, and the quiet wonders found just off the trail. You'll hear interviews with researchers, deep dives into seasonal changes affecting your local environment, and straightforward answers to the complex questions that landowners and nature enthusiasts face. Tuning in feels less like a lecture and more like a thoughtful conversation with a knowledgeable neighbor who has spent a lifetime observing the rhythms of the natural world. This is a podcast for anyone curious about the life cycle of a tree, the management of a healthy watershed, or simply the latest news from the field of environmental science. It’s where professional insight meets personal passion, all dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the resources that sustain us. Join the live broadcast to be part of the conversation, or catch the episode on-demand to connect with the woods on your own time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

From the Woods Today
Podcast Episodes
From the Woods Today - Kentucky Outdoors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:58
Looking for your next outdoor adventure? Check out Kentucky Outdoors, a new partnership between the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry & Natural Resources and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resou…
From the Woods Today - Best Management Practices for Landowners [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:43
This week on From the Woods Today, we're joined by Beth Williams, Kentucky Master Logger Coordinator, to discuss the importance of Best Management Practices (BMPs) in forestry and logging operations. BMPs help protect wa…
From the Woods Today - Landowner Landscapes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:44
This week on From the Woods Today, learn why some areas are full of wildlife while others seem quiet. The answer often come down to how our landscapes are owned and managed. Join Jacob Stewart, Kentucky Department of Fis…
From the Woods Today - Solar Kiln [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:59
This week on From the Woods Today, learn how Kentucky wood products producers and landowners can benefit from the latest training and technical assistance available through the University of Kentucky Forestry and Natural…
From the Woods Today - Biochar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:52
Discover the many benefits and uses of biochar, a stable, carbon-rich material produced by heating organic matter in a low-oxygen environment. Join Dr. Manisha Parajuli of Kentucky State University's School of Agricultur…
From the Woods Today - Ticks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:53
Join Dr. Jonathan Larson and Dr. Hannah Tiffin, UK Entomology, as they share expert advice on identifying, controlling, and managing ticks on people and in woodland environments. Discover effective strategies to keep the…
From the Woods Today - The Viceroy: Kentucky's State Butterfly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:48
Often mistaken for the Monarch, the Viceroy has its own fascinating story to tell. Join Jonathan Larson, UK Entomology, on this episode of From the Woods Today as he explores the biology, habitat, and unique adaptations…
From the Woods Today - Trees and Pollinators [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:58
When we think of pollinators, we often think about bees on garden flowers. But what about the trees that need pollinators, and the pollinators that need trees? Join Frannie Preston, University of Kentucky Department of F…
From the Woods Today - Heat Stress in Plants [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:47
As temperatures climb, plants can experience heat stress just like people. How do trees and plants respond when temperatures rise? Join Dr. Sybil Gotsch, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resource…
From The Woods Today - Native Plants in Your Woodlands [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:16
Native plants aren't just beautiful—they're essential to healthy forests and wildlife habitats. From supporting pollinators like bees and butterflies to improving soil and water quality, native plants play a critical rol…