Though the words “woodland” or “forest” often bring to mind vast tracts of trees, more than 6 million people in the United States own between 1- and 10-acre parcels. Owners of these “backyard woods” who wish to learn more about keeping their landscapes healthy and managing wildlife in their yards will get many of their questions answered by University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment specialists Sept. 16 during the Kentucky Wood Expo.

From 1 to 3 p.m. EDT, speakers will cover the importance of backyard woods and useful resources for the landowner; caring for backyard water resources; shopping for the right tree; avoiding invasive plant species and the emerald ash borer, and wildlife habitat and damage control. Speakers will include Billy Thomas, UK extension forester; Carmen Agouridis, UK associate professor of ecosystem restoration, Nic Williamson, UK Urban Forest Initiative coordinator, Ellen Crocker, postdoctoral scholar in UK’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, and Matt Springer, assistant extension professor of wildlife management.

“Obviously, backyard woods are an important part of our urban forest canopy, which contribute to our quality of life through cleaning our air, conserving energy and helping slow or prevent storm water runoff,” Thomas said. “Making sure these trees are healthy is a good thing, from which we all benefit.”

Interested participants are urged to preregister for the workshop at http://ukforestry.org or by calling 859-257-7597. Admission to the program is free of charge to all Kentucky Wood Expo visitors. The cxpo will be held in Masterson Station Park in Lexington. Expo admission is $7 at the gate or $5 by calling 502-695-3979 in advance.