From the Woods Today - Biochar

From the Woods Today - Biochar

Author: Renee Williams, UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension August 21, 2026 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 Agriculture & Natural Resources as she explains what biochar is, its many applications, the feedstocks used to produce it, and common production methods.
Kentucky has an abundant supply of materials that can be converted into biochar, including invasive species such as Callery pear. Lori Bell, owner of Blue Turtle Permaculture, LLC and a 2025 graduate of the Kentucky Master Naturalist Program, shares her experience and provides a step-by-step look at creating biochar using a custom-built Kon-Tiki style kiln.
 
Also on tap: Dr. Ellen Crocker with the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, discusses laurel wilt, a destructive tree disease spread by the redbay ambrosia beetle that threatens members of the laurel family. Learn how the disease spreads, the symptoms to watch for, and what this emerging threat could mean for Kentucky's forests and landscapes.

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 - All About Maple Syrup [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:54
Maple syrup has a rich history in Kentucky. Many people associate this sweet treat with New England. However, Kentucky has its own unique relationship with maple syrup. John Duvall, KY Maple Syrup Association, talks abou…
From the Woods Today - Pruning Trees [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:59
Did you know late winter is one of the best times to prune your trees? With leaves gone, it's easier to see the tree's structure and make clean cuts that can promote healthy growth in spring. Proper maintenance means str…
From the Woods Today - How Forestry Practices Impacts Wildlife [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:19
Forests are home to countless species, and the way we manage them matters. Proper forestry practices can help ensure wildlife thrives. Join Dr. Matt Springer from UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension as he share…
From the Woods Today - Conifer ID [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:54
Kentucky is home to numerous native conifers. Join us to learn about these native cone-bearing trees as Laurie Thomas, UK Forestry and Natural Resources-Extension, discusses conifer identification. Also on tap...It's not…
From the Woods Today - Christmas Hitchhikers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:01
In this episode of From the Woods Today, we're joined by Dr. Jonathan Larson from UK Entomology to explore the bugs that often hitch a ride into your home during the holiday season. Also on tap...Dr. Ellen Crocker, UK Fo…
From the Woods Today - Wings of Kentucky -Christmas Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:15
This week on From The Woods Today, we are joined by Dr. DJ McNeil, UK Forestry and Natural Resources, as he gives us another edition of Wings of Kentucky, but this time with a Christmas theme! Also on tap...Dr. Amanda Gu…
From the Woods Today - Wings of Kentucky [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:35
This week on From The Woods Today, we are joined by Dr. DJ McNeil, UK Forestry and Natural Resources, as he gives us another edition of Wings of Kentucky, but this time with a Thanksgiving flair! Also on tap...we learn h…
From the Woods Today - Cumberland River Compact [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:30
On Wednesday's From The Woods Today, we are joined by Kaela Walton-Sather who is the Working Lands Division Manager at the Cumberland River Compact. In her role, she oversees the mine land reforestation program, the Rive…
From the Woods Today - Wings of Kentucky [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:29
Join us as Dr. D.J. McNeil, UK Forestry and Natural Resources, talks about our feathered friends in another edition of Wings of Kentucky. Also on tap...Dr. Amanda Gumbert, UK Forestry and Natural Resources-Extension, and…
From the Woods Today - Creepy Things From Our Forests! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:55
Join us for a creepy journey into the forest! Dr. Jonathan Larson from UK Entomology will uncover the creepy critters lurking in and around our woodlands. Also on tap...Laurie Thomas, UK Forestry and Natural Resources -E…