LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 15, 2021) -- “From the Woods Today,” a weekly webcast from the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, recently won national accolade. Presented by the National Woodland Owners Association and the National Association of Forest Resources Programs, the Individual Project Award focuses on exemplary educational programming responses to the 2020 pandemic.

“This award really means a lot,” said Billy Thomas, webcast co-host and extension forester in the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “This category was open to all university forestry programs in the United States, so winning it is really special. We are grateful for the recognition and are especially proud that the program has highlighted the Cooperative Extension Service across Kentucky and regularly features county extension agents and specialists as well as our many forestry, wildlife, natural resource partners.”

The honor was created to recognize shows that furthered forestry education during the COVID-19 pandemic. “From the Woods Today” offers a variety of topics on a weekly basis on different aspects of forestry, from regular segments highlighting trees, snakes and pests, to episodes highlighting birds and mushrooms.

“’From the Woods Today’ has really progressed these past couple of years since it was introduced,” said Renee’ Williams, co-host and UK senior information specialist. “The original concept was to update county extension agents on forestry topics. That has expanded to featuring something everyone would have an interest in. We want something for everyone, and I think we really achieve that with every show.”

This is the third time the UK Forestry and Natural Resources extension team has gained national accolades. The team was also honored by the National Woodland Owners Association and the National Association of Forest Resources Programs when presented with the Comprehensive Family Forests Education Award in 2009 and again in 2018; this comprehensive national award covers family forest education programming over the previous five year period.

The program is available on multiple outlets including the department’s website, Facebook page, YouTube and as a podcast available on multiple platforms including Apple Podcasts and Libsyn.

Information about the programs and resources UK Cooperative Extension offers Kentucky woodland owners is available online at http://forestry.ca.uky.edu/extension-home.

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UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, through its land-grant mission, reaches across the commonwealth with teaching, research and extension to enhance the lives of Kentuckians.