The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service will offer a forestry webinar series on select evenings from Oct. 26 through Dec. 7. The web-based series will provide a convenient way to acquire useful information, not only for woodland owners but also for those who have an interest in trees and wildlife.

UK forestry extension will broadcast the five-part series to participating county extension offices, with each session beginning at 7 p.m. ET and lasting approximately one hour. Local agents will host the gatherings. The technology allows participants at each site to ask questions of the experts. Individuals with high-speed internet service can also participate from their homes or offices, although the organizers encourage participants to attend a group presentation if their county extension office hosts one.

“The Forestry and Wildlife Webinar series is an excellent opportunity for people to receive a significant amount of information in a relatively short time, without having to drive great distances to attend,” said Billy Thomas, UK extension forester and one of the coordinators of the series.

Kentucky Master Loggers can also receive one continuing education credit for each of the webinars they attend at a hosting county extension office.

Series topics include:

·       Oct. 26—Identifying Kentucky’s Trees. Kentucky has approximately 120 different native tree species and being able to tell one from another can be challenging. This hands-on webinar will teach participants how to use a handy dichotomous leaf key to help them identify their trees. Host extension offices include Bracken, Carroll, Crittenden, Estill, Franklin, Grant, Harlan, Jessamine, Lee, Marion, Monroe, Scott and Taylor counties.

·       Nov. 2—Mushrooms and More from Your Woodlands. Nontimber forest products can add enjoyment and value to personal woodlands. This webinar will provide an introduction to wild and cultivated mushrooms and connect participants with important resources. Host extension offices include Bracken, Breathitt, Crittenden, Estill, Floyd, Franklin, Grant, Harlan, Jessamine, Lawrence, Lee, Marion, Mercer, Ohio and Taylor counties.

·       Nov. 21—Deer Management 101. This webinar will cover assessing the health of a deer herd, how to monitor its population and health status, and various strategies to meet deer management goals. Effectively using trail cameras, habitat improvement ideas and forest management strategies will be covered. Host extension offices include Bracken, Breathitt, Campbell, Carroll, Estill, Floyd, Franklin, Grant, Jessamine, Lawrence, Lee, Madison, Marion, Mercer, Monroe, Ohio, Rowan, Taylor and Whitley counties.

·       Nov. 28—There’s an App for That: Forest Engagement through Citizen Science. Citizen science apps ad websites exist to do everything from identify insects to assess the benefits of trees. This webinar will walk participants through usage and practical applications, leaving them with ideas on how to use these programs in their communities and woodlands. Participating extension offices include Estill, Floyd, Grant, Jessamine, Lee, Marion, Rowan and Taylor counties.

·       Dec. 7—Tree and Log Grading Introduction. Understanding tree and log grade, which translates into financial value, is important for those who are interested in economic gains from their woodlands. Woodland owners and loggers can benefit from attending this webinar. Host extension offices include Bracken, Breathitt, Carroll, Estill, Floyd, Grant, Harlan, Jessamine, Lawrence, Lee, Marion, Monroe, Ohio, Rowan and Taylor counties.

Those who have previously attended the Kentucky Woodland Owners Short Courses or other UK forestry educational programs will find new and valuable information in this year’s webinar series.

Interested participants may register for webinars through participating county extension offices. More information is available online at https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/webinars_upcomingor by contacting Billy Thomas at 859-257-9153 or billy.thomas@uky.eduor the local county extension office.

UK forestry extension is part of the UK Department of Forestry and Natural Resources in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Jointly with its land-grant partner, Kentucky State University, UK Cooperative Extension brings the university to the people in their local communities, addressing issues of importance to all Kentuckians.