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 - The Dance of the Dragonfly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:01
In this episode, Dr. Jonathan Larson, University of Kentucky Department of Entomology, dives into the "dance" of the dragonfly—its remarkable flight patterns, lifecycle, and the critical role it plays in controlling inse…
From the Woods Today - Prehistoric and Extinct Wildlife in Kentucky [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:43
Do you ever wonder what animals roamed the forests in Kentucky 200 years ago? What about 20,000 years ago? Wildlife of Kentucky's past played a huge role in shaping our forests. Join Frannie Preston, with the University…
From the Woods Today - Frog Calls [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:43
Spring and summer evenings in Kentucky come alive with the sounds of frogs calling from wetlands, ponds, and forest edges. These vocalizations aren't just background noise—they're an important way to identify species. Le…
From the Woods Today - Spotted Lanternfly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:53
What's got spots all over and totally sucks (tree sap)? It's the spotted lanternfly, one of Kentucky's newest invasive pests. Join us as Dr. Jonathan Larson, UK Entomology, teaches about the spotted lanternfly and what i…
From the Woods Today - Wings of Kentucky [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:13
Many warbler songs are easier to remember when tied to phrases. Dr. D.J. McNeil, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, will show us how these little memory tricks can help you pick out warb…
From the Woods Today - What's Invading Your Woods? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:04
Invasive species come in all forms and fashions here in the Commonwealth and we will touch on an invasive plant, an invasive insect, and an invasive pathogen currently impacting our state. Join Alexandra Blevins, Kentuck…
From the Woods Today - Amphibians and WaterwaysLex [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:13
Amphibians play a vital role in Kentucky's forests and waterways. Join Dr. Steve Price, UK Forestry and Natural Resources Department Chair and Professor of Stream and Riparian Ecology, as he breaks down why these frogs,…
From the Woods Today - What's all the Buzz About? Insect Songs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:08
Ever wondered who's really behind those nighttime chirps and buzzes? In this From the Woods Today segment, Jonathan Larson, UK Entomology dives into the fascinating world of insect songs—why insects make them, how to tel…
From the Woods Today - Earth Day [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:46
Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, is a reminder of the importance of caring for Kentucky's forests and the benefits they provide. It's also a good time to revisit forest health challenges, including the impact of the em…