A DAY in the WOODS began with a kickoff event on April 14, 2012, at the Vinton Furnace State Forest near McArthur.  June 9, 2023 will mark the 100^th A DAY in the WOODS educational program for woodland owners and enthusiasts in Appalachia Ohio.  This event will begin at 11:30 AM with a brief ceremony hosted by Dan Balser, Chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources-Division of Forestry, and Dave Apsley, Natural Resources Specialist with Ohio State University Extension to celebrate the occasion and to recognize all of the partners support the effort.

The ceremony will be followed by lunch and an afternoon filled displays, demonstrations and activities for woodland owners and enthusiasts organized and conducted by A DAY in the WOODS partnering organizations. Some of the activities planned include:

• Tree identification walk
• Chainsaw safety demonstration
• Birding activities
• Tours of  demonstration sites
• Tour of the new Ohio Hills -Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change Research site.
• Conversations with representatives from many of our partners
• Tree measuring excercise

The 100^th A DAY in the WOODS event celebration be held at the Vinton Furnace State Forest near McArthur on May June 9, 2023, from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM.  Many of the afternoon educational programs will take place in the woods so be sure to bring your hiking boots and dress accordingly.

There is no charge to attend this event, but you must register by May 31 to receive lunch.

To register visit

go.osu.edu/celebrate100

or

call the Vinton Soil and Water Conservation District

  740-596-5676

by no later than May 31

Directions – Experimental Forest

For more information contact Dave Apsley by email at apsley.1@osu.edu  and keep an eye on http://u.osu.edu/seohiowoods http://u.osu.edu/seohiowoods for updates.

From its beginning in 2012, A DAY in the WOODS has been a collaborative effort with the goal of providing quality educational programs for woodland owners and enthusiasts in Appalachian Ohio.  It is the flagship outreach program for the Ohio Interagency Forestry Team.  To date A DAY in the WOODS has offered 99 programs reaching more than 5,300 woodland owners and enthusiasts who manage nearly 150,000 acres of woodlands.

Thanks to our lunch Sponsors:

A DAY in the WOODS is coordinated by Ohio State University Extension in partnership with Ohio Department of Natural Resources-Divisions of Forestry and Wildlife, USDA 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.  Lunches are provided courtesy of the Ohio Forestry Association Foundation,  Speyside Bourbon Cooperage and Stave Mill, and the Ohio Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

We are pleased to announce our program schedule for A DAY in the WOODS for 2023.

We are especially excited about our June 9th celebratiion of our “100th A DAY in the WOODS” program since 2012. We are currently working on a brochure and will post it under 2023 Brochure above as soon as it is available.

May 12 – Reading your woodlot!  What does it say about your woodland management goals?

• Understand how past land use, soil and site conditions and other factors affect your woodland
• Learn to look for evidence of past-land use, natural disturbance and site capability
• Learn to develop reasonable goals for your woods based on the information that you gather
• Location: Vinton Furnace State Forest

June 9 – 100^th  A DAY in the WOODS  celebration 

• Celebrate this milestone with our partners and supporters
• Participate in a wide variety of tours and educational opportunities throughout the day
• Stay Tuned for more details in the coming weeks
• Location: Vinton Furnace State Forest

July 14 – Tree Identification  

• Learn to use leaf characteristics to identify trees
• Learn to key using samples in the classroom
• Explore a variety of woodland habitats and practice what you’ve learned
• Location: Hocking College or Zaleski ODNR Complex

Aug 11– Shrubs n’ Bugs

• Understand the relationships between our native pollinators and shrubs
• Learn about non-native invasive species and their impacts on the ecosystem
• Location: Vinton Furnace State Forest

Sept 8– Improving Your Woodlot

• Learn about a variety of woodland management techniques that you can use to improve your woodland including Crop Tree Management, Timber Stand Improvement, invasive species management, and mid/understory management
• Practice selecting crop trees to meet your goals and determining which trees are competing with them
• Location:  Vinton Furnace State Forest

Oct 13– Forest Wildlife Habitat Relationships

• Understand the elements of wildlife habitat found in our woodlands and natural areas in SE Ohio
• Learn about many of the wildlife species (game and non-game) that inhabit southeast Ohio and understand what you can to enhance their habitat in your woods
• Location:  Vinton Furnace State Forest

Our final A DAY in the WOODS program for 2022 focused on Family Forests and Carbon.

Featured presentations included:

“Carbon 101”, Charles Levesque – President, Innovative Natural Resource Solutions, LLC and Coordinator, Securing Northeast Forest Carbon Program

• Video Part 1 – Charles Levesque

• Charles Levesque ppt slides
• https://www.northeastforestcarbon.org/

“Ohio’s Family Forest Carbon Program (AFF/TNC)”, Tristan Kinnison – American Forest Foundation

• Video Part 2 – Tristan Kinnison

• Tristan Kinnison PowerPoint Slides
• http://familyforestcarbon.org

“Examples of current Forest Carbon projects in Ohio”, Anthony Pappas – Heritage Habitat & Forestry, LLC

• Video Part 3 – Anthony Pappas

• Anthony Pappas PowerPoint Slides
• https://www.heritagehabitatco.com/
• Other resources:
  • Natural Capital Exchange
  • Forest Carbon Works
  • Family Forest Carbon Program
  • Forest Management Guide by Heritage Habitat & Forestry
  • Heritage Habitat Services Packet
  • Info Request Landowner Carbon Programs
  • Landowner Flow Chart

“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, Pheasants and Quail Forever, and Ohio’s SFI Implementation Committee.

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 14^th 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.

Photo courtesy of the ODNR Division of Wildlife

The forest is a wonderful and mysterious place especially at night.  Join us on September 9^th for “A Night in the Forest: Nocturnal wildlife and night skies”.  This special evening program by A DAY in the WOODS will take place at the Vinton Furnace State Forest.  Program attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Experience the forest at night

• Discover some common and not so common night sounds in the forest

• Learn about chimney swifts, nightjars and eastern whip-poor-wills

• Search for moths and caterpillars and other nocturnal insects

• “Listen” to bats and learn about echolocation

• And if the weather cooperates – view the magnificent night sky with minimal light pollution

Wildlife biologists and other natural resources personnel from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio State University, School of Environment and Natural Resources will be on hand to lead the wildlife portion of the program.   George Eberts and the Ohio University Astronomy Club will be on site with telescopes to interpret the night sky.

This program will take place on September 9^th at the Vinton Furnace State from 6:30 to 10 PM.   A registration fee of $12 will cover the cost of a light evening meal and program materials.

Please use one of the following methods to register by September 5^th: 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.

If you’ve got one handy, please bring a headlight or flashlight.

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.

One of the first steps to improving your woodland is to know the species of trees that grow there.  With dozens of tree species on the typical woodland property in Appalachian Ohio, this can be a formidable task.  “Identifying the Trees in Your Woods” will introduce you a simple leaf key to guide you through the process.  You will have the opportunity to use the key to identify a wide assortment of tree samples in the classroom, then explore the diverse woodlands at the Vinton Furnace State Forest  with experienced foresters.  This will help to reinforce your leaf identification skills and to help you to learn to use other characteristics, such as bark, twigs and buds, tree form and shape, and even site or location to help you identify trees.

This program will take place at the Vinton Furnace State Forest (Directions – Experimental Forest)

and runs from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.   A registration fee of $12 will cover the cost of lunch and your copy of Leaf Identification Key to Eighty-eight Ohio Trees. 

Please use one of the following methods to register by August 8:

•  Register and pay online at http://go.osu.edu/vintonswcd

•  Call  740-596-5676 Vinton SWCD

•  Email Dave Apsley at apsley.1@osu.edu

For  brochures and more information upcomming programs visit: ADIW BROCHURE

Don’t forget to check out our tree identification videos at: go.osu.edu/treeid

 “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,  Ruffed Grouse Society, Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative, Pheasants and Quail Forever, and Ohio’s SFI Implementation Committee.

Are you interested in supporting wildlife by creating native grassland and pollinator habitat on your land? Are there areas of your property that you want to keep open or are not well-suited to growing trees? Woodland openings, old pastures, lawn, and unused hay fields present opportunities to create native grassland and pollinator habitats. Managing these upland habitats along with healthy woodlands is the key to providing year-round food and cover for game birds, songbirds, deer, pollinating insects, and many other desirable wildlife species.

Join us on Friday, July 22 in Meigs County to:

• See a real-life example of pollinator habitat that was created and is actively managed by a private landowner with support from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP.)

• View a live demonstration of equipment commonly used to create and manage grassland and pollinator habitats.

• Learn how to identify areas of your property that are suitable for native grasslands and pollinator habitat.

• Discuss challenges and solutions for managing upland habitats once they are established.

• Become familiar with common native forbs and grasses that attract desirable wildlife.

• Participate in collecting and identifying insects that use pollinator habitat.

• Consider how multiple habitat types can be managed on your property and how they combine to support Ohio’s wildlife.

• Discover resources and assistance available to help you establish and improve wildlife habitat on your own property.

Resource professionals from Ohio State University Extension, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Pheasants and Quail Forever, the United States Forest Service, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will be present to share information and answer your questions.

The field day will take place on July 22^nd from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at:

Re-Gen Farm and Forest Products Inc.

40518 Township Hwy 247, Pomeroy, Ohio 45769

Here is a Google Maps link to the event location:

go.osu.edu/pollinator-location

Look for the yellow and green  A DAY in the WOODS signs leading to the parking area. A registration fee of $12 will cover the cost of lunch and program materials.

Please bring a water bottle. Water coolers will be available on site. Portable chairs, sunscreen, hats, and bug spray are also recommended, according to your needs. Wear comfortable, protective shoes that will support you when walking up and down hills at a comfortable pace on mown grass trails.

Please use one of the following methods to register by July 18:

• Register and pay online: http://go.osu.edu/vintonswcd Be sure to select July 22.

• Call: Vinton Soil and Water Conservation District  (740-596-5676)

• Email: Dave Apsley at apsley.1@osu.edu

“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.

Swedish brush axe

Caring for you woodlands can be overwhelming at times.  Fortunately, there is a wide array of tools and equipment that can help to make these tasks much more efficient and effective. These tools can be as simple as a hatchet or as sophisticated as an an off-road vehicle with a GPS guided sprayer.   Join us on Friday, July 15 at Hocking College to:

• Learn how to select, maintain, and safely use chainsaws
• Understand how to safely operate your small farm tractors and off-road vehicles
• Become familiar with a wide variety of power and manual tools you can use to improve your woodlands and wildlife habitat
• Learn how to operate hand-held and vehicle mounted spray equipment safely and effectively

Our featured presenter for this program is Dale Hatfield, Hocking College-Forest and Tree Care Manager, Building and Grounds.   Dale is also an instructor for the Ohio Forestry Association’s CSAW (Chainsaw Safety Awareness that Works) training program.  Dale’s crew and Natural Resources professionals from partnering agencies including Ohio State University Extension, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts will be on hand to demonstrate equipment and share pro tips.

This program will take place from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Hocking College –  Sylvania Educational Site,  17690 Sylvania Ave, Nelsonville Ohio 45764. A registration fee of $12 will cover the cost of lunch and program materials.

Please use one of the following methods to register by July 11th:

• Register and pay online:http://go.osu.edu/vintonswcd  Be sure to select July 15
• Call: Vinton Soil and Water Conservation District 740-596-5676
• Email: Dave Apsley at apsley.apsley.1@osu.edu

For a map and more details visit: http://u.osu.edu/seohiowoods

“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, Pheasants and Quail Forever, and Ohio’s SFI Implementation Committee.

Streamside forests and wooded watersheds play a key role in providing clean water and quality habitat for both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. Trees, especially those along stream sides, absorb nutrients and trap soil particles minimizing their impact on fish and the organisms that they feed on. Forested watersheds and wetlands can also help to reduce the severity of flooding and provide for a more consistent flow of clean water for human consumption.  Program attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Learn about watersheds and how humans can impact them
• Understand the role of streamside forests in keeping streams healthy and productive
• Watch an electrofishing demonstration and learn about other sampling techniques used to study streams
• Explore macroinvertebrates and other indicators of water quality
• Enjoy an optional guided float down Raccoon Creek (additional fee of $12)

You will have the opportunity to get in a creek and help with seining for aquatic insects. So, if you want to jump in, be sure to bring an old pair of tennis shoes or waders and an extra set of dry clothes.

Featured presenters include Carrie Brown, ANR Educator-OSU Extension Fairfield County; Amy Mackey,Raccoon Creek Watershed Coordinator-Ohio University’s Voinovich School; Levi Arnold, Region 7  Watershed Manager-ODA Division of Soil & Water Conservation; Bob Mulligan, Forest Hydrology Manager- Ohio Division of Forestry; Jenna Balazs,Watershed Education and Outreach Coordinator-Hocking Soil and Water Conservation District; Rebecca Miller, Education Specialist-Hocking Soil and Water Conservatoin District; Kelly Capuzzi, State Fisheries Biologist-Ohio EPA; and Kaylin Callander, Naturalist- Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Watercraft.

This program will take place from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Hope School House Interpretive Center in Zaleski State Forest located at approximately 28000 Wheelabout Road, McArthur.  A registration fee of $12 will cover the cost of lunch and program materials.  An optional float trip will take place from approximately 2:15 to 6:00 PM.  An additional fee of $12 Canoe or Kayak rental, and shuttle. Be sure to let us know if you’re planning to join us on the float trip.

Please use one of the following methods to register by June 8th:

• Register and pay online: http://go.osu.edu/vintonswcd  Select June 10 (be sure to also select June 10 float if you plan to kayak)
• Call:  Vinton Soil and Water Conservation District (740-596-5676)
• Email: Dave Apsley at apsley.1@osu.edu