From the Woods Today - Solar Kiln

From the Woods Today - Solar Kiln

Author: Renee Williams, UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension August 21, 2026 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 Resources Extension. Join us as Chad Niman, Forest Products Specialist, covers recent support on a custom solar wood drying kiln project with a Kentucky landowner and also shares available resources for kiln drying support.

Also on tap: Laurie Thomas, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, returns with another Tree of the Week segment featuring winged elm. Found throughout much of Kentucky, winged elm is a medium-sized native hardwood known for the distinctive corky "wings" that develop along its twigs. Laurie will explore the tree's unique characteristics, ecological importance, wildlife value, and how to identify this species in Kentucky's forests.


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 - 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…
From the Woods Today - Key Issues for Woodland Owners [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:03
Owning woodland comes with both opportunities and challenges. In this episode, Dr. Ellen Crocker and Billy Thomas with the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension discuss the key i…