Topics and Agenda

9 a.m. 

Using “My Land Plan” to Plan, Map, and Document Your Woodland Activities – Dave Apsley, Ohio State University
My Land Plan is a free web based (http://mylandplan.org) tool designed to assist woodland owners with planning, mapping and documenting activities in their woodlands. This presentation will walk participants through the process of making a map and using many of the features available in My Land Plan.

9 a.m.

Tree Identification – Doug McLaren, Forester
Tree identification can be easy! This session will attempt to take all the mystery out of identifying the trees that blanket the states of Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio.

9 a.m.

Wildlife Damage ID and Control - Matthew Springer, University of Kentucky
Wildlife on your property can provide hours of enjoyment through birdwatching, photography, hunting and many other activities, but they can also can also cause problems in many situations. Issues often arise with wildlife when home owners plant trees, ornamentals, or backyard gardens. This program will discuss some common wildlife issues relating to your property including how to identify the wildlife causing the problem, preventative measures, and in the worst case scenario how to legally and ethically remove individuals that are causing extensive damage.

10 a.m.

Monarchs & Milkweeds: Providing Pollinator Habitat in Your Backyard - Marne Titchenell, Ohio State University
We will discuss the life cycle of the monarch butterfly, current threats, and how you can help this species by providing essential habitat in your own backyards.

10 a.m. 

Mushroom Cultivation – Ellen Crocker, University of Kentucky
Growing mushrooms, whether for personal enjoyment or for added revenue, is of increasing interest for many woodland owners. In this session you will learn the basics of mushroom cultivation, from general procedures to key considerations for marketing and budgeting.

10 a.m.

Timber Marketing - Ron Rathfon, Purdue University
The sale of timber from your woodland is an important financial undertaking. Achieving a reasonable financial return on a timber investment depends on many factors. None is more critical, however, than proper marketing. Even if financial gain isn’t the primary goal, proper marketing can reduce the cost of achieving other management objectives, such as creating wildlife habitat and sustaining forest health and productivity. Ron will discuss key points that a woodland owner should consider when marketing timber.

11 a.m.

Forest Health Update – Ellen Crocker, University of Kentucky and Abe Nielsen, Kentucky Division of Forestry
What is forest health and why should you care? In this session, you will learn the basics of what makes for a healthy woodland, learn about some of the major forest health threats in this area, and get tips about improving the health of your woods.

11 a.m.

Tree Planting Tips – Kathy Smith, Ohio State University
Landowners with open ground often think about planting it in trees. We will cover some of the key components to consider when planning to plant.

11 a.m.

The Future Of Oak is in Your Hands – Dave Apsley, Ohio State University
This session will focus on the ecological and economic importance of oak, the downward trends in oak dominance in the region, and the steps that you can take to maintain and encourage oak in your woodlot. Ohio’s ongoing collaborate efforts to ensure the continued prominence of oak will also be discussed.

Noon - Lunch provided on site.

1:15 p.m. 

Managing Woodlands for Forest Songbirds - Brian MacGowan, Purdue University
Forests provide habitat for birds year round. Brian will discuss how woodland owners can enhance their property for birds by providing important habitat features and structural diversity. Oftentimes, forest and wildlife management are not only compatible, but are interrelated. Management recommendations were developed in part from the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment, a long-term, large-scale experimental study of forest management and its impacts on plants and animals.

2:15 p.m.

These sessions/program consist of 3 mini sessions that will include Cavity Nester ID program, Cavity Nest creation program and building a bird house (each session will be about 20 minutes) participants will attend all 3 sessions.

Identifying Cavity Nesting Birds – Marne Titchenell, Ohio State University - Learn to identify common cavity nesting birds in the Ohio Valley.

1:15 p.m. 

Invasive Plant ID and Control – Kathy Smith, Ohio State University
This talk will highlight a few invasive plants in the categories of trees, shrubs and vines. Then we will cover methods of control for each category. We will also talk about some plants to have on your radar for future infestation issues.

These sessions/program consist of 3 mini sessions that will include Cavity Nester ID program, Cavity Nest creation program and building a bird house (each session will be about 20 minutes) participants will attend all 3 sessions.

Creating Habitat For Cavity Nesters - Matthew Springer, University of Kentucky
Learn how to create natural cavities, promote cavity nesting bird habitat, and which bird house design should be used for the species you are hoping to attract. Matt will also address where to install your bird house, what you need to do to maintain them, and what you can do to prevent predators from destroying the nests.

1:15 p.m.

Another Boring Beetle Talk – Joe Boggs, Ohio State University
Let Joe introduce you to some of the beetles that bore into our trees and talk about what the options are for control and management of these pesky insects.

These sessions/program consist of 3 mini sessions that will include Cavity Nester ID program, Cavity Nest creation program and building a bird house (each session will be about 20 minutes) participants will attend all 3 sessions.

Creating a Cavity for Your Back Yard Birds – Chad Niman and Laurie Thomas, University of Kentucky
For many species of birds, there is a shortage of great places to nest. In this session you will get to construct a birdhouse for use in your own backyard.