(photo of American plum fruit a native woodland shrub)

Join us for the next A DAY in the WOODS workshop focused on Shrub Identification, where you’ll gain hands-on experience learning to recognize a wide variety of shrub species found in southeastern Ohio woodlands. This engaging session will help you distinguish between native shrubs, which support healthy ecosystems, and invasive species, which threaten biodiversity and forest health. Whether you’re a new woodland owner or a seasoned land steward, this workshop will deepen your understanding of your woods and empower you to make informed management decisions. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with experts, explore the Bishop Education Gardens, which is managed by the Hocking Soil & Water Conservation District, and enhance your stewardship skills! The focus of the October 10^th “A DAY in the WOODS” workshop will be focused on “Shrub Identification.” At the end of this workshop participants will:

• Learn how to successfully Identify woodland shrubs
• Understand the differences between native and invasive species

If you would like to learn more about “Shrub Identification”, please join us on October 10th for our “A DAY in the WOODS” program at the Bishop Educational Gardens: 

This program will take place at the Bishop Educational Gardens, 13200 Little Cola Road, Rockbridge, OH 43149 and runs from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Please use the address above to find our meeting location. Once near the meeting location, please follow the yellow “A DAY in the WOODS” signs to the exact meeting location. A registration fee of $20 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 October 3rd. 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 .

Friday, September 19th, 2025 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Join us for a workshop titled “The Future of Ohio’s Woodlands is in Our Hands!” This workshop will take place at Jim Savages Tree Farm, which is located along the border of Vinton and Ross Counties. The learning objectives of this workshop are to:

Learn about the on-going efforts to improve the woodland and habitats on the Jim Savage Tree Farm. A major focus is on managing the property for songbird diversity.

Learn about the on-going songbird diversity study Caroline Savage is conducting in partnership with Appalachian Mountain Joint Venture using autonomous recording units and learn how you can help participate in this study on your own woodland.

Observe the results of prescribed fire and shelterwood harvesting to regenerate oak.

Visit tree planting, pollinator and native grassland areas to learn about establishment and maintenance practices.

Discuss crop tree management and other improvements to woodland habitats including intensive efforts to manage non-native invasive species.

Understand the importance of locating and marking property boundaries and efforts to prevent timber trespass.

To attend this workshop, please use the link below to register by September 12th. As an alternative, you may call Angie Suem, OSU Extension Hocking County 740-385-3222 to register.

https://go.osu.edu/woodlandprogram2025

This workshop will take place at the following address:

1052 Dixon Mill Road, Chillicothe, OH 45601.

Upon approaching the address, follow the yellow “Forestry Event” signs to the property.

Lunch will be provided curtesy of Pike and Ross Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

This workshop is free to attend, but you still need to register so we know how many lunches to provide!

Ohio’s Tree Farm of the Year Tour

Moser Woods Tree Farm

September 6th, 2025 – 10am to 3pm

The Moser family will be welcoming visitors to their 12-acre Tree Farm for an enjoyable day in the woods. You can learn about managing a woods for a variety of uses including timber, recreation, water and wildlife. You can also learn about funding from the various governmental agencies. Learn about other organizations including OSU Extension and the Ohio Farm Bureau. Learn to develop a woodland management plan and how to deal with the future of your woods.

Come to: 12300 Bentley Road, Bluffton, OH 45817 for parking.
A van will take you a short distance to the woods.

Presentations/Displays:
~Conducting a timber harvest ~Pollinator plots
~Vernal Pools, etc. ~USDA cost share programs
~Tree/shrub identification ~Kids’ activities
~Value in Young Forest Habitat ~Management plan development
~What is Timber Stand Improvement ~What is the Ohio Farm Bureau
~What are the goals for your woods ~Oak regeneration
~ You want to be a Tree Farmer ~Maple syrup production

Food and Beverages Available on Site for Purchase.
Additional information: 419-721-1465

TFOTY2025-Flyer

Join us for an engaging woodland owner workshop that dives into the fascinating world of Ohio’s raptors. Discover the vital role these birds of prey play in forest ecosystems and learn about their habitat needs, hunting behaviors, and the intricate predator-prey relationships that shape our woodlands. Whether you’re a seasoned land steward or just beginning your journey, this workshop will deepen your understanding of how to support raptor populations and maintain ecological balance in your woodland. The focus of the September 12^th “A Day in the Woods” workshop will be focused on “Birds of Prey”. At the end of this workshop participants will:

• Learn about Ohio raptors and their habitat needs
• Understand the predator-prey relationship

If you would like to learn more about “Birds of Prey”, please join us on September 12th for our “A DAY in the WOODS” program at the Hocking College Lodge: 

This program will take place at the Lodge at Hocking College, 15770 State Route 691 Nelsonville, Ohio 45764 and runs from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Please use the address above to find our meeting location. Once near the meeting location, please follow the yellow “A DAY in the WOODS” signs to the exact meeting location. A registration fee of $20 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 September 5th: 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 .

“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, University of Rio Grande, Hocking College,  Ruffed Grouse Society, Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative, Pheasants and Quail Forever, and Ohio’s SFI Implementation Committee.

One of the first steps to maintaining a healthy 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.  “Tree Identification” will introduce you to 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 Zaleski State Forest with experienced foresters. Weather permitting, dry uplands woodlands along with wet bottomland areas will be explored. 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. The focus of the August 8^th “A Day in the Woods” workshop will be focused on Tree Identification. At the end of this workshop participants will:

• Understand how to identify leaves using a key.
• Gain experience identifying trees in the woods.

If you would like to learn more about “Tree Identification”, please join us on August 8th for our “A DAY in the WOODS” program at Vinton Furnace State Forest: 

This program will take place at Zaleski State Forest, 29371 Wheelabout Road, McArthur, Ohio 45651 and runs from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Please use the address above to find our meeting location. Once near the meeting location, please follow the yellow “A DAY in the WOODS” signs to the exact meeting location. A registration fee of $20 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 1st: 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 .

“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, University of Rio Grande, Hocking College,  Ruffed Grouse Society, Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative, Pheasants and Quail Forever, and Ohio’s SFI Implementation Committee.

Southeastern Ohio’s woodlands have been dominated by oak for thousands of years. However, these forests have underwent dramatic changes over the last century and now stand at a tipping point. If we manage our woodlands over the next 100 years the way we have over the past century, our woodlands will likely be vastly different. Why should we care and what can we do about this? Please join us to find out! The focus of the July 11^th “A Day in the Woods” workshop will be focused on oak ecology and management. Participants will have the opportunity to see oak friendly management techniques that may be used within their own woodlands. At the end of this workshop participants will:

• Understand the importance of oak-dominated forests
• Learn oak-friendly management techniques

If you would like to learn more about “Oak Ecology and Management”, please join us on July 11th for our “A DAY in the WOODS” program at Vinton Furnace State Forest: 

This program will take place at Vinton Furnace State Forest near McArthur, Ohio and runs from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Please see below for driving directions to Vinton Furnace State Forest.  A registration fee of $20 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

Vinton Furnace State Forest is in Vinton County near McArthur North Entrance (Dundas): From the intersection of SR 93 and SR 324, drive south on SR 324 for approximately 0.3 mile and turn left onto Sam Russell Road. Follow Sam Russell Road about 2.5 miles to the forest entrance. South Entrance (Radcliff): From the intersection of SR 32 and SR 160, drive about 2.1 miles north on SR 160 and turn right onto Experimental Forest Road. Once you enter the VF State Forest follow the yellow “A DAY in the WOODS” signs to the event location.

Please use one of the following methods to register by July 3rd: 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, University of Rio Grande, Hocking College,  Ruffed Grouse Society, Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative, Pheasants and Quail Forever, and Ohio’s SFI Implementation Committee.

Photo of Hooded Warbler banded during the workshop on 06/13/2025

Thanks to everyone that attended the Birds & Tick Talk A DAY in the WOODS Workshop. Listed below are some additional resources on Ticks that were provided by Tim McDermott, Agricultural and Natural Resources educator, Franklin County and Adjunct Faculty of Veterinary Medicine The Ohio State University.

SOS: Tick Safety for AEP Ohio Tick Safety for AEP

Ticks and the dangers that come with them are increasing across Ohio. From new kinds of ticks to new diseases and year-round activity…

Yellow-Throated Vireo photo by Molly McDermott

Southeastern Ohio’s woodlands contain a rich diversity of migratory songbirds and unfortunately for humans, disease-carrying ticks. The focus of the June 13^th “A Day in the Woods” program will be focused on woodland birds and ticks. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with experts from The Ohio State University and will include a live bird banding demonstration! “Birds n’ Tick Talk” is designed to help you:

• Explore the relationships between forest birds and ticks
• Learn more about birds nesting in your woodland
• Observe a professional bird banding demonstration!
• Learn to protect yourself from disease-carrying ticks

Tick being removed from Swainson’s Thursh photo by Ningzhu Bai

If you would like to learn more about “Birds n’ Ticks”, please join us on June 13th for our “A DAY in the WOODS” program at Vinton Furnace State Forest: 

This program will take place at Vinton Furnace State Forest near McArthur, Ohio and runs from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Please see below for information for driving directions to Vinton Furnace State Forest.  A registration fee of $20 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 .

Mist netting for Songbirds at Vinton Furnace State Forest.

Vinton Furnace State Forest is in Vinton County near McArthur North Entrance (Dundas): From the intersection of SR 93 and SR 324, drive south on SR 324 for approximately 0.3 mile and turn left onto Sam Russell Road. Follow Sam Russell Road about 2.5 miles to the forest entrance. South Entrance (Radcliff): From the intersection of SR 32 and SR 160, drive about 2.1 miles north on SR 160 and turn right onto Experimental Forest Road. Once you enter the VF State Forest follow the yellow “A DAY in the WOODS” signs to the event location.

Please use one of the following methods to register by June 6th: 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, University of Rio Grande, Hocking College,  Ruffed Grouse Society, Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative, Pheasants and Quail Forever, and Ohio’s SFI Implementation Committee.

Southeastern Ohio’s woodlands contain a rich assortment of plants and fungi ranging from Virginia bluebells to delicious morels. The focus of the May 9^th “A Day in the Woods” program will be “Spring Wildflowers and Fungi.” Participants will have the opportunity to interact with naturalists in the stunning and diverse mesic habitat of Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve in Jackson County. “Spring Wildflowers and Fungi” is designed to help you:

• Learn to identify many of the understory plants found in SE Ohio
• Understand the ecology of these plants
• Recognize some common woodland mushrooms
• Become familiar with the many resources available to help you further understand the nutritional and medicinal value of these plants and mushrooms
• Explore understory plants and fungi at the Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve

If you would like to learn more about “Spring Wildflowers and Fungi”, please join us on May 9th for our “A DAY in the WOODS” program at the Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve: 

This program will take place at Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve located at 1703 Lake Katharine Road, Jackson, OH 45640 and runs from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Once inside the preserve follow the yellow A DAY in the WOODS signs to the parking area.  A registration fee of $20 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 2^nd: 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, University of Rio Grande, 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. Oftentimes, this involves “tackling non-native invasive plants”. 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 tackling non-native invasive plants, please join us on April 11 for our “A DAY in the WOODS” program at the Hocking County Fairgrounds to: 

• Learn how to identify invasive plants in your woodlands.
• Understand common herbicide labels and treatment methods.
• Get tips for when and how to control invasives and what to do after treatment.

This program will take place at Hocking County Fairgrounds located at 150 North Homer Avenue, Logan, Ohio 43138 and runs from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Once inside the fairgrounds, turn to the left and follow the yellow A DAY in the WOODS signs to the parking area.  A registration fee of $20 will cover the cost of lunch and program materials. To download a brochure with more details about this program and future programs visit: u.osu.edu/seohiowoods .

Please use one of the following methods to register by April 4th: Register and pay online at go.osu.edu/aditw; call OSU Extension Jackson County 740-286-5044  or email Annie Miller at miller.11368@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, University of Rio Grande, Hocking College,  Ruffed Grouse Society, Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative, Pheasants and Quail Forever, and Ohio’s SFI Implementation Committee.