Oak-dominated woodlands provide many important habitat elements for a wide variety of woodland animals from salamanders and song-birds to wild turkey and white-tailed deer. Many of these animals depend on acorns to get them through Ohio’s winters, but oaks provide many other advantages for wildlife. Oaks also benefit from many of these relationships and depend on wildlife like blue jays and squirrels to disperse and plant their acorns in suitable locations. Even though oak-dominated forests are still common in southeastern Ohio, we are seeing trends that are concerning.
Join us on October 14 at the Vinton Furnace State (Experimental) forest to:
- Learn about the fascinating relationships between oaks and a wide array of wildlife species.
- Increase your knowledge of the ecological and economic benefits of oak-dominated forests.
- Understand the increasing concerns that we have for the future of oak-dominated forests in southeastern Ohio and the efforts of Ohio’s Interagency Forestry Team to address them.
- Learn about oak regeneration and the role of fire and other disturbances in the process.
- Become aware of the resources and opportunities available to you as a woodland owner to enhance oaks on you property.
Featured presenters include Stephen Mathews (Ohio State University School of Environment and Natural Resources); Rebecca Snell (Ohio University); Mark Wiley (ODNR Division of Wildlife); Stephanie Downs (ODNR Division of Forestry), and Dave Apsley (Ohio State University Extension).
This program will take place on October 14th at the Vinton Furnace State from 9 AM to 3 PM. A registration fee of $12 will cover the cost of lunch and program materials. Please use one of the following methods to register by October 10th: register and pay online at http://go.osu.edu/vintonswcd; call the Vinton Soil and Water Conservation District 740-596-5676; or email Dave Apsley at apsley.1@osu.edu.
Directions – Experimental Forest
“A Day in the Woods” and the “2nd Friday Series” are sponsored by the Education and Demonstration Subcommittee of the Vinton Furnace State Forest with support from Ohio State University Extension, ODNR-Divisions of Forestry and Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service, Vinton Soil and Water Conservation District, Central State University Extension, National Wild Turkey Federation, Pixelle Specialty Solutions, Ohio Tree Farm Committee, Ohio Forestry Association, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hocking College, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ruffed Grouse Society, Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative, and Pheasants and Quail Forever, and Ohio’s SFI Implementation Committee.
