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.

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 a variety of reasons including topography, soils and geology, land-use and management history and types of vegetation present. 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 owner 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 evaluating your woodlands, please join us on May 10 for our first “A DAY in the WOODS” program of 2024 to: 

• Understand the importance of inventorying and monitoring your woods
• Learn basic inventory techniques that provide a benchmark for setting goals and monitoring progress in your woods
• Receive a tree measuring stick and learn to use it to measure heights and diameters of your trees
• Learn to assess the health and condition of your woods

This program will take place at the 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 May 3th: 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.

We are pleased to announce the 2024 agenda for the A DAY in the WOODS.  Online registration is now available at: REGISTER HERE. For a brochure with more details click here: 2024 ADIW Brochure

Evaluating your Woods
May 10 (9 am) – Vinton Furnace State Forest
• Understand the importance of inventorying and monitoring your woods
• Learn basic inventory techniques that provide a benchmark for setting goals and monitoring progress in your woods
• Receive a tree measuring stick and learn to use it to measure heights and diameters of your trees
• Learn to assess the health and condition of your woods

Getting a Handle on Invasive Species
June 14 (9 am) – Lake Snowden, 5900 US Highway 50 Albany, OH 45710
• 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

Native Grasslands and Pollinator Habitat
July 12 (9 am) – Meigs Conservation Area, 35010 New Lima Rd. Pomeroy, OH 45769
• 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

Prescribed Fire: Ecology &  Implementation
August 9 (9 am) – Vinton Furnace State Forest
• Learn the ecology of fire in relation to SE Ohio forest ecosystems
• Explore prescribed fire treated stands and compare to untreated stands
• Learn about prescribed fire resources available to private landowners

Night Flyers
Sept 13 (5 pm) – Vinton Furnace State Forest
• Explore the unique ecology of Ohio’s night flyers—birds, bats, moths, and more
• Understand habitat needs and strategies to promote nocturnal wildlife on your property
• Enjoy a night hike to look and listen for nocturnal wildlife

Critter Homes: Wildlife Habitat Improvements
Oct 11 (9 am) – Vinton Furnace State Forest
• Learn more about how timber stand improvements can create habitat for Ohio’s wildlife
• Gain a better knowledge of which practices correlate to certain wildlife species
• Get more information regarding wildlife EQIP practices

Forest Stand Improvemen
Nov 8 (9 am) – Vinton Furnace State Forest
• Learn and understand the basics of chainsaw safety, including PPE
• Observe proper strategy and technique for tree felling
• Appreciate the effects of midstory control towards meeting a range of forest objectives
• Determine why cull tree removal is an important component in creating and maintaining thriving forests

Photo via Adobe Stock – Imagesbyelaine / Wirestock Creators

Many times, landowners think of managing their properties for either forest-specific or wildlife-specific reasons. In reality, managing for one of those reasons will manage both. ‘Forest Wildlife Habitat Relationships’ will help you understand how managing for the forest can benefit the wildlife or vice versa. This program will be offered Friday, October 13, 2023 at Vinton Furnace State Forest. It will give you the opportunity to:

• 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
• Understand what you can do to enhance wildlife habitat on your property

This program will take place at the Vinton Furnace State Forest near McArthur on Friday October 13^th from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. A registration fee of $15 will cover the cost of lunch and program materials.

Please use one of the following methods to register by October 9^th:

• Register and pay online at http://go.osu.edu/vintonswcd
• Call Vinton SWCD 740-596-5676
• Email Jessica Burns at burns.1097@osu.edu

For brochures and more information about this and upcoming programs 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,  Ruffed Grouse Society, Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative, Pheasants and Quail Forever, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Ohio’s SFI Implementation Committee.

Like a garden, your woodland will provide more benefits if you invest some of your time and energy. “Improving Your Woods”, 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 September 8^th at the Vinton Furnace State Experimental Forest near McArthur and will include the opportunity to tour numerous field sites demonstrating various woodland improvement practices.

• Learn a variety of woodland management techniques that you can use to improve your woodland
• Understand the alphabet soup of practices available to you including crop tree management (CTM), timber stand improvement (TSI), invasive species management, and understory removal
• Practice selecting crop trees to meet your goals and determine which trees to remove to enhance their growth

This program will take place at the Vinton Furnace State Forest near McArthur on Friday September 8^th from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.   A registration fee of $15 will cover the cost of lunch and program materials.

Please use one of the following methods to register by September 4^th:

• Register and pay online at http://go.osu.edu/vintonswcd
• Call Vinton SWCD 740-596-5676
• Email Jessica Burns at burns.1097@osu.edu

Directions – Experimental Forest

American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) a native shrub that thrives in moist soils.

In addition to an amazing diverse overstory of hardwood trees, our woodlands in Appalachia Ohio are home to a wide variety of native shrubs which are critical components of our woodland ecosystems.  These shrubs are important hosts for many native species of insects, provide food and cover for many species of wildlife, and offer many other benefits.

• Understand the relationships between our native pollinators and shrubs
• Learn to identify common native and non-native shrubs
• Understand the impacts of non-native invasive species on our ecosystems

This program will take place at the Vinton Furnace State Forest near McArthur on Friday August 11^th from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.   A registration fee of $15 will cover the cost of lunch and program materials.

Please use one of the following methods to register by August 7th:

• Register and pay online at http://go.osu.edu/vintonswcd
• Call Vinton SWCD 740-596-5676
• Email Jessica Burns at burns.1097@osu.edu

For brochures and more information about this and upcoming programs visit: http://u.osu.edu/seohiowoods

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

For directions to the program location visit: GPS Coordinates  or Map to the Vinton Furnace

“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, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, 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 near McArthur on Friday July 14^th from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.   A registration fee of $15 will cover the cost of lunch and a copy of Leaf Identification Key to Eighty-eight Ohio Trees.

Please use one of the following methods to register by July 10:

• Register and pay online at http://go.osu.edu/vintonswcd
• Call Vinton SWCD 740-596-5676
• Email Jessica Burns at burns.1097@osu.edu

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

For directions to the program location visit: GPS Coordinates  or Map to the Vinton Furnace