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“Tending Your Woodland” offered by “A DAY in the WOODS” to woodland owners in SE Ohio at the Vinton Furnace State Forest on October 8th

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Like a garden, your woodland will likely provide more benefits if you give it some attention. “Tending Your Woodland”, an interactive outdoor learning opportunity for woodland owners in SE Ohio, will help you to understand the various practices that you can use to improve your woodlands.   This program is offered on October 8 at the Vinton Furnace State Experimental Forest near McArthur and will include the opportunity to tour numerous field sites demonstrating various practices that have been established since the early 1950’s.   Participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Explore crop tree management (CTM), a technique that can increase the growth rate of trees to produce more wildlife food, timber and other benefits
  • Learn about Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) and how it can help your woodland become more productive
  • Understand various techniques that can be utilized to enhance oak regeneration in your woodlands.
  • Become aware of the wide array of options available to woodland owners who are contemplating a timber harvest.
  • Know where to get the advice and resources that will help you tend your woodland

“Tending your Woodland” will take place at the Vinton Furnace State Forest near McArthur on October 8, 2021, from 9 AM to 3 PM.

A registration fee of $12 per person (payable on the day of the event by cash or check to Vinton SWCD) entitles participants to program materials and a box lunch.  Registration is required.  Please RSVP on or before October 4 by emailing Dave Apsley at apsley.1@osu.edu, or by calling Cheri Porter or Dave Runkle at the Vinton SWCD (740-596-5676).

We plan to hold most of this program outdoors in the woods.   We will follow the COVID-19 protocols that are in place at the time.   Please bring a face covering to use when:

  • you are indoors and not fully vaccinated
  • it makes you comfortable

The Vinton Furnace State Forest is in a very remote portion of Vinton County.  Signs will be posted on the morning of the event along the route from both entrances.

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, USDA-Forest Service (Northern Research Station, State and Private Forestry and the Wayne NF), USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ohio Department of Agriculture, Vinton-Hocking-Athens Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Central State University Extension, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Pixelle Specialty Solutions, Ohio Tree Farm Committee, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hocking College, the Ruffed Grouse Society, Ohio Forestry Association Foundation and Ohio’s SFI Implementation Committee. Since 2012, “A Day in the Woods” has offered nearly 80 programs with more than 100 presenters for nearly 4,000 woodland owners and enthusiasts just like you.

 

Tree Talk with Central State University Forest Outreach Coordinator

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Central State University Land-Grant video: http://go.osu.edu/CSULandGrant

Women Owning Woodlands website: http://www.womenowningwoodlands.net

Project Learning Tree website:  http://forestry.ohiodnr.gov/plt

Tools for Engaging Landowners Effectively:  https://www.engaginglandowners.org/

Jamie Dahl Contact information:   jdahl@centralstate.edu

740-279-0656

 

 

“Fall Treasures in your Woodland:  Fungi, Lichens and More” offered by A DAY in the WOODS – 2nd Friday Series partners at the Vinton Furnace State Forest on October 12

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Chicken of the Woods-Todd Hutchinson-USFS-NRS

October is a great time to be in the woods.  Fall foliage is often at its peak, and there is much more to see.  On the forest floor, mushrooms are often abundant and wildflowers including asters, goldenrods, and legumes are often still putting on a show.  Numerous lichens, which are a symbiotic association between fungi and algae, are visible on tree trunks, branches, and rock outcroppings.   Even dead and decaying logs can support many varieties of fungi, which play an important role in soil formation and nutrient cycling.  Fall Treasures in your Woodland:  Fungi, Lichens and More will help woodland owners and enthusiasts learn to identify and understand the contributions of these underappreciated organisms to the biodiversity of our forested ecosystems.

  • Explore the forest in search of fungi, lichens, and other organisms that are present in the fall, such as late-blooming woodland wildflowers.
  • Learn lichen identification and ecology from Ray Showman, author of The Macrolichens of Ohio.
  • Join Homer Elliott, Hocking College, on a foray to see and identify fungi that inhabit the forest floor environment.
  • Enjoy the fall woods, including the fall foliage and fall wildflowers.

The program starts at 9:00 AM and ends at 3:30 PM.   A registration fee of $12 will cover the cost of lunch and program materials.  Please RSVP by calling OSU Extension Vinton County at 740-596-5212, or email Dave Apsley at apsley.1@osu.edu by October 8.

“A DAY in the WOOD” and the “2nd Friday Series” are sponsored by the Education and Demonstration Subcommittee of the Vinton Furnace State Forest.  The principal partners in this effort include Ohio State University Extension, ODNR-Divisions of Forestry and Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service, Vinton County Soil and Water Conservation District, National Wild Turkey Federation, Glatfelter, Ohio Tree Farm Committee, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hocking College, Central State University Extension, The Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative, the Ruffed Grouse Society, and Ohio’s SFI Implementation Committee.

Since 2012, “A DAY in the WOODS” has nearly 60 programs with approximately 2,250 participants attending. More than 100 natural resources professionals have presented these programs to woodland owners and enthusiast just like you.  Be sure to mark your calendar so you are sure not to miss any of these great opportunities to spend A DAY in the WOODS:

A DAY in THE WOODS 2018 Brochure – Low Res-wyeaef

Directions – Experimental Forest

Tree Talk focuses in on Tree Identification….

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I was fortunate enough to spend a considerable amount of my time week last week on my favorite subject … Tree identification (a.k.a. dendrology).  We recorded this Tree Talk segment on Thursday (7-12) , and the focus of our  “DAY in the WOODS” program at the Vinton Furnace State Forest on Friday (7-13) was tree identification.

Thanks to Duane Rigsby, Sarah Swanson and Pat Dengel for your patience and for improvising  with the camera.

To purchase Leaf Identification Key to Eighty-Eight Ohio Trees: https://extensionpubs.osu.edu/leaf-identification-key-to-eighty-eight-ohio-trees/

For a PDF version: https://woodlandstewards.osu.edu/sites/woodlands/files/d6/files/pubfiles/b899-leaf%20key.pdf

 

Sky Dance -American Woodcock Program Offered March 23rd

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Photo Credit: Ricky Layson, Ricky Layson Photography, Bugwood.org

Join us on March 23 near Coalton, OH (Jackson County) to experience the timberdoodle (a.k.a. American woodcock).  This odd and amazing bird appears each spring to perform it’s mating ritual the Sky Dance.   Aldo Leopold dubbed it the  Sky Dance in his Sand County Almanac essay.

Learn about the life-history of this amazing bird from wildlife biologists from the Ruffed Grouse Society, the National Wild Turkey Federation and the ODNR-Division of Wildlife.   Take a leisurely walk and visit the habitats that the timberdoodle frequents.    Enjoy and the Sky Dance as the sun sets and the timberdoodle takes the stage (assuming  the weather and the birds cooperate).

When:  March 23, 2017- 6:30 PM to approximately 9 PM

Where: 19704 State Route 93, Wellston, OH 45692

(approximately 1.25 north of the intersection of US 35 and SR 93)

Link to Location Map

Pre-registration* by email or phone is required by March 20.

To register: email apsley.1@osu.edu or call 740-596-5212 by March 19th.

*Due to parking limitations and to enhance the experience space is limited to the first 20 registrants.

 

Streams and Streamside Forests program offered to woodland owners and enthusiasts in SE Ohio at the Zaleski State Forest on Friday, August 26th

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IMG_2942 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 streamsides, 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 common macroinvertebrates and their use as indicators of water quality

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 Jerry Iles, OSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator from Fairfield County; Amy Mackey, Raccoon Creek Watershed Coordinator from Ohio University’s Voinovich School; and Sarah Landers, Raccoon Creek Water Quality Specialist from Ohio University’s Voinovich School.

“A Day in the Woods” and the “2nd Friday Series” programs run from May through November and 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 County Soil and Water Conservation District, National Wild Turkey Federation, Glatfelter, Ohio Tree Farm Committee, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hocking College, and Ohio’s SFI Implementation Committee.

This program will take place from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at the Hope School House Interpretive Center in Zaleski State Forest located at approximately 28000 Wheelabout Road, McArthur.  A registration fee of $10 will cover the cost of lunch and program materials. Please RSVP by calling OSU Extension Vinton County at 740-596-5212, or email Dave Apsley at apsley.1@osu.edu by August 22.

2016 DAY in the WOODS Brochure-Final

Map of Hope School Interpretive Center

From State Route 278 (Across from the Lake Hope Dam) turn east on Wheelabout Road. After 0.2 miles turn right to stay on Wheelabout Road. After crossing the bridge over Raccoon Creek the location will be on your left.

Day in The Woods Partners

Preparing Your Woods for an Uncertain Future program offered to woodland owners and enthusiasts in SE Ohio at the Vinton Furnace State Forest on Friday, August 12th

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 No one can predict the future with absolute certainty, but there are several trends that are difficult to deny. Extreme weather events are more common, temperatures appear to be warming, precipitation is becoming more variable, and populations of invasive species like emerald ash borer and tree-of-heaven continue to rise. All of these factors can impact your woods. National and global timber markets are also influencing the value of your timber resources.

Preparing Your Woods for an Uncertain Future is designed to help landowners better understand the potential impacts that these trends may have on their woodlands.  Most importantly, the program will introduce you to some proactive strategies to minimize these risks, and improve the health and resiliency of your woodland for future generations.

Featured presenters include Patricia Butler, Climate Change Outreach Specialist, Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science; Tom Macy, Forest Health Administrator, ODNR-Division of Forestry; Matt Bumgardner, Forest Products Technologist, USFS Northern Research Station; Louis Iverson, Research Landscape Ecologist, USFS Northern Research Station; and Dave Apsley, Natural Resources Specialist, OSU Extension. Speakers will address the following topics:

  • Past trends and predicted changes in climate and extreme weather events
  • Understanding the adaptability and vulnerability of our oak dominated woodlands to these trends
  • Invasive plants, insects and diseases that pose current and future threats to our woodlands
  • Global timber markets and how they may impact the value of your trees
  • Learn how to minimize risks to your woods by increasing the diversity of native species, enhancing individual tree health and minimizing the pressures of invasive species.

“A Day in the Woods” and the “2nd Friday Series” programs run from May through November and 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 County Soil and Water Conservation District, National Wild Turkey Federation, Glatfelter, Ohio Tree Farm Committee, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hocking College, and Ohio’s SFI Implementation Committee.

This program will take place from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at the Vinton Furnace State Forest near McArthur.  A registration fee of $10 will cover the cost of lunch and program materials.  Please RSVP by calling OSU Extension Vinton County at 740-596-5212, or email Dave Apsley at apsley.1@osu.edu by August 8.

 

For a brochure with more information about this and upcoming programs click here: 2016 DAY in the WOODS Brochure-Final

For a map and directions to the Vinton Furnace State Forest:   Directions – Experimental Forest

Day in The Woods Partners

 

“A DAY in the WOODS – 2nd Friday Series” brochure now available

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Our brochure for the 2016 A DAY in the WOODS- 2nd Friday Series brochure is now available electronically.  Thanks to all of you who helped to pull this program together for 2016.

Link to PDF version of the brochure: 2016 DAY in the WOODS Brochure-Final

Our friends at Glatfelter have once again offered to print this brochure for distribution.  Printed copies will soon be available at a location near you. We are looking forward to seeing you in 2016.

Brochure Cover 2016

Day in The Woods Partners

 

Feral Swine Program on March 10th in Oak Hill

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How many invasive species can you identify in this photo?

MOULTRIE DIGITAL GAME CAMERA

YOU DON’T WANT THIS IN YOUR WOODS!!! Photo courtesy of Craig Hicks, USDA APHIS

From the Wayne National Forest Facebook Page:

The Oak Hill Public Library will sponsor a Feral Swine (WILD BOAR) Program on Thursday, March 10th at 6:00 p.m. in the Jenkins room at the library.

Feral Swine …are quickly becoming an issue in the state of Ohio.
Craig Hicks, Wildlife Disease Biologist /Ohio Feral Swine Coordinator, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services will discuss the growing concerns of the feral swine in Ohio.Two new techs to our area, Cmaeron Gray and Cory Clark along with Ted Witham, Jackson County Wildlife Officer/Ohio Division of Wildlife will also be on hand to help answer questions for the evening.

They’ll be able to show you how the USDA deals with hogs and why it’s important to take these proper steps when dealing with feral swine.
Information covered during the program will include identifying hog sign, what to do, who to contact, potential damage, how to help and Ohio hog status.
If you are interested in attending this free informational program call the library at 740-682-6457 to register