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: 100

From the Woods Today
Podcast Episodes
From the Woods Today - Invasive Species Special [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:05
This week on From the Woods Today it's all about invasives of every kind! Frannie Preston drops in to give us an overview of what exactly an invasive is and Dr. Ellen Crocker, Forest Health Specialist joins us for a segm…
From the Woods Today - Water 101 and Timber Trespass [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:06
From the Woods Today celebrates Water Week! During Water Week, March 22-30, we shed some light on the importance of water around the state and in our daily lives. Join us as Lee Moser, Extension Associate Senior, gives u…
From the Woods Today - How Weather Affects Wildlife [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:20
In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. D.J. McNeil and Dr. John Cox visit the show to discuss how extreme weather fluctuations can affect our wildlife. Chad Niman also speaks about mass timber products. These are c…
From the Woods Today - Wildlife Special [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:21
In this episode of From the Woods Today, we learn that many of Kentucky's most charismatic birds are species that perch on branches, the ground, or the water, our tree-clinging birds, like woodpeckers and nuthatches, are…
From the Woods Today - Kentucky's Mixedwood Forests [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:53
In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Lance Vickers explains how our mixedwood forests are often overlooked and an important part of Kentucky's landscape—blending hardwoods and conifers to support wildlife, timber…
From the Woods Today - Owling ID & Tips for Knowing your Local Owls [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:53
In this episode of From the Woods Today, we learn that winter is one of the best times of year to get familiar with your local owls! Learn owling tips and tricks, including common species identification, learning what to…
From the Woods Today - Being Firewise Around Your Home [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:41
In this episode of From the Woods Today, we explore how wildfires in Eastern KY can threaten homes and why being Firewise is crucial for protecting properties and conserving firefighting resources. Plus, we celebrate Wor…
From the Woods Today - Kentucky's Maple Syrup Tradition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:08
In this episode of From the Woods Today, we dive into the rich history of maple syrup production in Kentucky. We explore how the first Kentucky Maple Day in 2020 helped introduce locals to the state's growing maple syrup…
From the Woods Today - Protecting Forested Watersheds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:18
In this episode of From the Woods Today, we explore national and regional efforts aimed at protecting forests and source water. We review key resources that help partners implement initiatives focused on ensuring clean,…
From the Woods Today - Technology in Forestry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:47
In this episode of From the Woods Today, we kick off the new year by exploring the latest technological innovations in forestry. Topics include advanced logging equipment, drones, renewable wood products, and cutting-edg…