Dave Apsley, OSU Extension Natural Resource Specialist, recently released the dates for the 2019 “A Day in the Woods” programs. The full list and details can be found below. Last summer, I was able to attend one of Dave’s programs on Timber Marketing. Dave took participants to an active logging site and explained what a site should and should not look like. If you are interested in any of the topics below, these programs offer a great opportunity for hands-on, interactive education.
Each program costs $12.00. Contact Dave Apsley to register: 740-596-5212 or apsley.1@osu.edu. You can also find more information at: https://agnr.osu.edu/events/day-woods
May 10: Spring Edibles From Your Woods – Vinton Furnace State Forest
-Explore the spring woods in search of edible plants and fungi
-Learn about the nutritional and medicinal properties of common woodland plants and fungi
-Discover ways that you can add variety and nutrition to your diet from the plants and fungi in your woods
May 24: Tree and Shrub Identification – Hocking College (Bonus Friday)
-Learn to use leaf characteristics to identify trees and shrubs
-Explore a variety of woodland habitats and understand the site requirements of common woody plants
-Get a free tree guide and leaf identification key, and learn how to use them
June 14: Woodland Critters: Non-game Wildlife – Vinton Furnace State Forest
-Learn about the habitat requirements of gray treefrogs, flying squirrels, and other woodland creatures
-Explore a variety of woodland habitats and learn about the critters associated with them
-Understand the life histories of these species
July 12: Woodland Stewardship Opportunities – Vinton Furnace State Forest
-Discover techniques, resources, and assistance available to help you improve your woodland
-Learn how to manage undesirable species on your property
-Understand the steps you can take to maintain oak in your woods
August 9: Hocking Hills Hemlock Forests and Night Sounds – Hocking Hills State Park, Camp Oty’Okwa
-Explore the hemlock forests of the Hocking Hills Region
-Learn the important roles these forests play in wildlife and stream ecology and the invasive insect threat they are facing
-Enjoy a summer evening and learn the night sounds associated with these forests
Septemper 13: Timber Harvesting: Things to Consider – Zaleski State Forest – CCC Camp
-Make sure that your timber harvest is compatible with your woodland goals
-Visit active and recently closed timber sales
-Learn where to get hlep with your timber sale to ensure that you receive a competitive price and are please with the process
September 14: Family Day in the Woods – Vinton Furnace State Forest
-This kid friendly event includes a variety of hands-on activities and interactive booths. Enjoy a hay ride through the forest. Learn about the abundant wildlife that inhabit our woodlands. Rattlesnackes, blue jays, insects and golden eagles to name a few! Observe a sawmill in operation, experience tree cookies, and much more! Kids from 1 to 99 are welcome. There is no cost to register, but please RSVP
October 11: Woodland and Wildlife Research – Vinton Furnace State Forest
-Learn about the latest wildlife research, including rattlesnakes and blue jays, taking place at the Experimental Forest
-Get an update on the latest research on our oak-hickory ecosystems and techniques to sustain them
-Enjoy the fall woods
November 8: Winter Tree Identification – Zaleski State Forest
-Learn to use buds and twig characteristics to identify trees
-Recognize bark of common trees
-Identify trees using nuts, acorns and other clues that you can find on the forest floor