Can you identify trees with leaves? What about without leaves? Identifying trees in winter can be a real challenge. This is an advanced class for individuals with some tree identification prior knowledge.

The class will begin indoors with samples of various tree twigs. A guide for identifying trees by fruit and twigs will be utilized for a significant portion of the course. We will get into using a dichotomous key. The afternoon portion of the class will hopefully be outside – weather dependent.

If you would like to learn more about identifying trees in the winter time, please join us on February 18th, 2025 for this program.

• Learn the tips and tricks to identifying trees by buds and twigs.
• Understand and utilize a dichotomous key.

This program will take place at Fairfield County Ag Center, located at 831 College Avenue, Suite D, Lancaster, Ohio 43130. The program will run from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm. A registration fee of $40 will cover the costs of the dichotomous key and lunch. Registration is required by 02/12/2025.

Please visit Advanced Winter Tree ID to register for the program. or call Ohio Woodland Stewards Program 614-688-3421.

“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.

Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp is located at 1362 Caves Road, Jackson, Ohio. 

Like a well-managed garden, your woodland will provide more benefits if you invest some of your time and energy managing them. “Forest Stand Improvement”, 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 November 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. We will also be providing the opportunity to gain knowledge on one of the most important tools in managing your woodlands, the chainsaw.

If you would like to learn more about Forest Stand Improvement, please join us on November 8th for our “A DAY in the WOODS” program at 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.

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 November 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, 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. Wildlife management is important to most woodland landowners. Just like the diversity in every woodland this program will focus on a variety of different species and their required habitat including songbirds, black bear, bobcat, fisher, gray fox, river otter, beaver, and white-tail deer. Please join us to help learn about setting realistic wildlife goals for your property and ways to achieve them!

If you would like to learn more about Critter Homes: Wildlife Habitat Improvements, please join us on October 11th for our “A DAY in the WOODS” program at 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

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 October 4th: 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, Hocking College,  Ruffed Grouse Society, Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative, Pheasants and Quail Forever, and Ohio’s SFI Implementation Committee.

The forest is a wonderful and mysterious place especially at night.  Join us on September 13^th for “Night Flyers”.  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:

• 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
• Discover some common and not so common night sounds in the forest
• Search for moths and caterpillars and other nocturnal insects
• 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 program.

This program will take place on September 13th at the Vinton Furnace State from 5:00 to 9:30 PM. A registration fee of $15 will cover the cost of a light evening meal and program materials.

Please use one of the following methods to register by September 6th: 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.

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

“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.

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