Fire has been an important natural disturbance within Ohio’s forests for thousands of years. As such, some of the trees and plants have developed adaptations that allow them to not only survive fire but are encouraged to establish and grow following fire. Oak-Hickory forests are one such forest that can benefit from the usage of prescribed fire. Returning fire to a landscape that has largely been without fire for the last century may be one of the key components to help sustain the dominance of oak across the unglaciated forest areas of Ohio. Prescribed fire is not without complications as 76% of Ohio’s forests are owned by private owners and its misuse could cause serious issues. Each of Ohio’s woodlands is unique due to variance including topography, soils, land-use management history, and the types of vegetation present. Woodland landowners have a variety of reasons for ownership including wildlife, timber, aesthetics, legacy, or just a place or call home. However, one thing that many family forest owners have in common is their desire to improve the health and condition of their woodlands. Come and see if prescribed fire could provide you with the opportunity to create a thriving woodland on your property!

If you would like to learn more about Prescribed Fire, please join us on August 9th for our “A DAY in the WOODS” program at Vinton Furnace State Forest to: 

• Learn the ecology of fire in relation to southeastern Ohio forest ecosystems.
• Explore prescribed fire treated stands and compare to untreated stands.
• Learn about prescribed fire resources available to private landowners.

This program will take place at Vinton Furnace State Forest near McArthur and runs from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. A registration fee of $15 will cover the cost of lunch and program materials. To download a brochure with more details about this program and future programs visit: https://u.osu.edu/seohiowoods .

Please use one of the following methods to register by August 2nd: Register and pay online at http://go.osu.edu/aditw; call OSU Extension Jackson County 740-286-5044 or email Annie Miller at miller.11368@osu.edu

How to find Vinton Furnace State Forest:

From the North (Dundas): From the intersection of State Route 93 and State Route 324, drive south on State Route 324 for approximately 0.3 miles and turn left onto Sam Russell Road. Follow Sam Russell Road about 2.5 miles to the forest entrance.

From the South (Radcliff): From the intersection of State Route 32 and State Route 160, drive about 2.1 miles north on State Route 160 and turn right onto the experimental Road.

Once you enter Vinton Furnace State Forest follow the yellow “A DAY in the WOODS” signs to the event location. 

“A Day in the Woods” and is 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 Foundation, 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.

Southeastern Ohio is blessed with an abundance of woodlands most of which (76%) is owned by family forest owners like you. Every property is unique for various reasons including topography, soils and geology, land-use and management history and types of vegetation present. Many of these properties contain areas suitable for native grasslands and pollinator habitat. Family forest owners are also unique and have a wide variety of reasons for owning their woodlands from enjoying nature and wildlife to supplementing income from timber and non-timber forest products. However, one thing that many family forest owners have in common is their desire to improve the health and condition of their woodlands. For you to set realistic goals for your woodland and to make progress toward these goals it is important to understand its current condition which can determine its future potential.

If you would like to learn more about native grasslands and pollinator habitat, please join us on July 12 for our “A DAY in the WOODS” program at Meigs Conservation Area, 35010 New Lima Road, Pomeroy, OH 45769 to: 

• Learn about establishing and managing pollinator habitat
• Understand habitat needs and host plants for various pollinator species
• Understand how pollinator management can benefit other wildlife species

This program will take place at Meigs Conservation Area located at 35010 New Lima Road. Pomeroy, Ohio 45769 and runs from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Once near the site, please follow the yellow A Day in the Woods signs our exact meeting location. (directions to Meigs SWCD Conservation Area)   A registration fee of $15 will cover the cost of lunch and program materials. To download a brochure with more details about this program and future programs visit: https://u.osu.edu/seohiowoods .

Please use one of the following methods to register by July 5th: Register and pay online at http://go.osu.edu/aditw; call OSU Extension Jackson County 740-286-5044  or email Annie Miller at miller11368@osu.edu .

“A Day in the Woods” and is 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 Foundation, 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.

Southeastern Ohio is blessed with an abundance of woodlands most of which (76%) is owned by family forest owners like you. Each woodland is unique for various reasons including topography, soils and geology, land-use and management history and types of vegetation present. Many of these woodlands contain non-native invasive species that pose significant threats to the overall forest health. Family forest owners are also unique and have a wide variety of reasons for owning their woodlands from enjoying nature and wildlife to supplementing income from timber and non-timber forest products. However, one thing that many family forest owners have in common is their desire to improve the health and condition of their woodlands. For you to set realistic goals for your woodland and to make progress toward these goals it is important to understand its current condition which can determine its future potential.   

If you would like to learn more about invasive species, please join us on June 14 for our “A DAY in the WOODS” program at Hocking College’s Lake Snowden to:  

• Learn how to identify non-native invasive species
• Get to know how invasive plants affect woodland health and what can be done to control them
• Get tips for when and how to control invasives and what to do after treatment

This program will take place at Hocking College Lake Snowden Campus located at 5900 US Highway 50, Albany, Ohio 45710 and runs from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Once at Lake Snowden, follow the yellow A Day in the Woods signs to the Sauber Center building.  A registration fee of $15 will cover the cost of lunch and program materials. To download a brochure with more details about this program and future programs visit: A Day in the Woods Brochure

Please use one of the following methods to register by June 7th: Register and pay online at http://go.osu.edu/aditw; call OSU Extension Jackson County 740-286-5044  or email Annie Miller at miller11368@osu.edu . 

 “A Day in the Woods” and is 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 Foundation, 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.