Advertise on podcast: In the Woods

In this episode of Oregon State University Extension’s In the Woods podcast, host Jacob Putney talks with wood products extension specialist Scott Leavengood about a new lumber grading training program created in response to Oregon Senate Bill 1061 (the Oregon Forest to Homes Act). The program will certify small-scale sawmill operators to visually grade their own lumber for use in Oregon building construction under a limited, direct chain of custody, without applying grade stamps. The one-day trainings will teach simplified, conservative grading rules for key Oregon softwood species and include a hands-on test; certification is valid for five years. Use is limited to lumber sold directly to homeowners/builders for one- and two-family detached dwellings, with documentation provided for building inspectors. Initial sessions are planned for October in La Grande and Roseburg, with registration via the Oregon Wood Innovation Center website.

Oregon State University’s In the Woods podcast host Jacob Putney interviews OSU Extension regional fire specialists Chris Adlam (southwest Oregon) and Micah Schmidt (northeast Oregon) about Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs) and their role in expanding prescribed fire on non-federal lands. They describe how fire suppression became dominant over the past century despite long Indigenous burning traditions, and how PBAs re-emerged in the 1990s in the Great Plains and later spread to California and Oregon. PBAs are community networks where neighbors and partner organizations share labor, equipment, planning, and training to conduct safe burns, often with volunteers and sometimes paid coordination. Guests discuss Oregon PBAs’ growth and accomplishments, benefits like changing public attitudes and building social license, and barriers including capacity, permitting, funding, liability concerns, and limited region-specific research. They share ways to get involved via OSU’s Extension Fire Program resources, trainings, and documentaries.   00:00 Podcast Intro 00:32 Meet The Hosts 01:21 Chris Fire Ecology Path 02:22 Micah Prescribed Fire Work 03:32 What PBAs Are 03:52 Prescribed Fire History 05:11 PBA Origins And Growth 06:47 How PBAs Form Operate 09:49 Who Can Participate 12:58 Oregon PBAs Impact 17:22 Changing Fire Relationships 20:48 Extension Role In PBAs 24:01 Barriers And Challenges 26:14 Prescribed Fire Roadblocks 26:27 Landowner Research Gaps 27:39 Permits And Capacity Fixes 28:36 Future Of PBAs 30:34 More Fire And Youth Training 31:39 How To Join Or Start 35:39 Volunteer Skills Needed 37:20 Parting Thoughts And Tribal Roots 38:57 Training And Broad Support 41:45 Lightning Round Micah 45:33 Lightning Round Chris 50:00 Wrap Up And Credits

OSU Extension forester Jake Barker interviews Becca Shively of Sustainable Northwest about post-fire recovery and restoration after Oregon’s 2020 wildfires, focusing on the Western Oregon Cascades Recovery Effort (WOCRE). Shively explains Sustainable Northwest’s forestry work and describes WOCRE’s landowner assistance program, which provides intensive technical support and financial help to small family forest landowners facing barriers such as limited seedling access, lack of capacity after trauma, contractor shortages, and cost-share requirements. She outlines how the program aggregates bulk seedling orders and bundled contractor bids, pays contractors directly, and coordinates with conservation districts, USDA NRCS RCPP funding, a Forest Service grant funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, and American Forests for seedlings. The program will serve 40 landowners across Clackamas, Marion, Lane, and Jackson counties, treating about 2,000 acres, and has faced federal funding disruptions and staffing constraints.   ·      00:00 Podcast Intro ·      00:41 Why Post Fire Recovery ·      01:58 Meet Becca Shively ·      02:48 Sustainable Northwest Overview ·      04:04 Recovery Work Categories; ·      06:24 Behind The Scenes Work ·      07:52 Landowner Assistance Barriers ·      12:13 Enrollment Status And Reach ·      13:17 Partners Funding Seedlings ·      16:59 Aggregation And Contracts ·      21:29 Planning And Eligibility ·      23:16 Scaling The Model ·      26:20 Federal Funding Curveballs ·      29:08 Why Reforestation Matters ·      34:56 Fit In Regional Recovery ·      38:09 Lightning Round ·      39:40 Wrap Up And Credits

Oregon State University’s In the Woods podcast host Jacob Putney interviews Washington State University Extension colleagues Patrick Shults and Justin O’Dea about agroforestry and cultivating shiitake mushrooms on logs as a forest-farming enterprise. They describe shiitake’s origins in China and modern log-cultivation roots in Japan, and explain why shiitake is a reliable, versatile choice for hobbyists and small woodland owners. The episode covers low-capital startup needs (fresh hardwood logs, drill/inoculation tool, spawn, wax, and a stock tank for soaking), species recommendations and pitfalls (avoid conifers and Oregon ash; red alder and Oregon white oak perform well; bigleaf maple is variable; cultivated hazelnut shows promise), inoculation and timing (fell late winter, wait ~6 weeks, drill and fill holes with sawdust spawn, wax, then a 12–18 month spawn run), forced fruiting by soaking, typical yields, and key lessons on moisture management, bark care, and site logistics, plus resources including pnwforestmushroomgrowers.net.[00:00:32] welcome and guests [00:01:26] patrick’s extension journey [00:02:28] justin’s mushroom background [00:03:36] why shiitake and agroforestry [00:03:59] origins of log-grown shiitake [00:05:23] why shiitake is so popular [00:07:08] gear and setup basics [00:11:16] best tree species for bolts [00:16:53] bolt size and handling tips [00:17:42] inoculation step-by-step [00:19:58] timing fresh logs and seasonality [00:21:06] why wait six weeks [00:22:05] shiitake growth and competition [00:22:48] spawn rate teaser [00:23:01] drilling hole spacing [00:23:48] sawdust vs plug spawn [00:25:47] spawn run timeline [00:28:36] forced fruiting schedule [00:30:31] expected yields over time [00:31:51] first timer lessons [00:34:28] moisture management tips [00:36:07] forest farming takeaways [00:39:18] lightning round qanda [00:40:47] recommended resources [00:43:26] closing thanks and wrap

This episode of 'In the Woods' podcast, hosted by Jake Barker of Oregon State University's Extension Service, explores post-wildfire restoration on private forest lands based on the LEAF (Landowner Experience After Fire) survey. Conducted by OSU in response to the 2020 Labor Day fires, the survey gathered insights from over 200 landowners across Oregon on their recovery experiences from 2017 to 2023. Key findings were shared, including the importance of local capacity, coordination, and organizational support in driving effective recovery. Guest Kara Baylog, a program coordinator with OSU's Forestry and Natural Resources extension, discussed the survey's methodology, the barriers landowners faced, and the types of assistance that proved most effective in aiding recovery efforts. For more information on this and other episodes, go to inthewoodspodcast.com. List of Chapters and Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to In the Woods Podcast 00:35 Overview of Today's Episode: Post-Wildfire Restoration 01:57 Introducing Kara Baylog and the LEAF Survey 02:34 Details of the LEAF Survey 06:35 Survey Findings: Emotional and Practical Responses 08:22 Challenges and Barriers in Post-Wildfire Restoration 13:15 Importance of Management Planning 17:13 Role of Agencies and Organizations in Recovery 24:34 Types of Assistance Provided to Landowners 32:33 Future Directions and Final Thoughts 37:11 Conclusion and Lightning Round 40:14 Credits and Acknowledgements

This podcast episode from Oregon State University's Extension Service covers community forests in the Pacific Northwest and their role in the community-based conservation movement. Hosted by Jake Barker, the discussion features Daniel Wear from Sustainable Northwest. They explore the definition, goals, and management practices of community forests, emphasizing the significance of maintaining water quality, fire risk mitigation, and timber revenue through community-led initiatives. Key examples include the Arch Cape Community Forest and Montesano City Forest, showcasing varying structures and benefits. Funding challenges and sources are also discussed, along with the role of the Northwest Community Forest Coalition in supporting new and existing community forests. Daniel leads Sustainable Northwest's Community Forest Program which includes his facilitation of the Northwest Community Forest Coalition along with his direct support to communities in protecting their drinking water supplies through forest management. Daniel earned an MPA in Environmental Policy and Management from the University of Washington, with the goal of helping conservation non-profits connect communities to the resources needed for landscape protection. Daniel loves biking of all kinds, camping, and if possible, a combination of the two. For more accessible information on this and other episodes, visit IntheWoodsPodcast.com. 00:00 Introduction to In the Woods Podcast 00:32 Host Introduction and Episode Topic 01:19 Guest Introduction: Daniel Wear 04:31 Defining Community Forests 11:22 Examples of Community Forests 18:51 Watershed Management in Community Forests 27:12 Challenges and Opportunities in Community Forests 30:47 Public Access and Community Involvement 38:39 Funding and Support for Community Forests 44:47 Lightning Round and Conclusion

This episode of 'In the Woods' podcast from Oregon State University's Forestry and Natural Resources Program features Dr. Seri Robinson, a professor in the College of Forestry's Wood Science and Engineering program. Dr. Robinson discusses her unique career path that merges art and science, particularly her expertise in the study of spalting. Spalting is a process where fungi react to environmental stressors, producing vivid pigments in the wood. Robinson delves into the science behind this phenomenon, the historical applications in art, and the potential innovative uses in modern technology like optoelectronics. She also addresses common myths about the safety of spalted wood in kitchen applications, the toxicity of wood dust, and the importance of selecting appropriate wood species for food-related uses. The episode concludes with Dr. Robinson sharing resources for further learning and her favorite tool and tree species. Go to inthewoods.com for accessible resources concerning this and other episodes.  00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:45 Meet Dr. Seri Robinson 01:11 Journey into Wood Science and Spalting 01:54 The Science Behind Spalting 03:23 Art and Science Intersect 04:13 Career Path to OSU 05:46 Understanding Spalting and Fungal Decay 08:47 Wood Safety in the Kitchen 10:34 Woodworking Safety Tips 16:46 Wood Finishes and Cutting Boards 19:55 Supporting Dr. Robinson's Research 21:02 Lightning Round Questions 22:43 Conclusion and Credits

In this episode of In The Woods by Oregon State University's Extension Service, host Jake Barker discusses assisted migration and assisted gene flow with Jess Shamek, a field botanist and researcher focused on the adaptive capacity of Oregon White Oak. The conversation covers the definitions and importance of these practices in the context of climate change, best management practices, and the interconnectedness of forestry, farming, and ecology. They also discuss several tools and frameworks, such as the RAD framework, ClimateNA, and the Seed-lot Selection Tool, for planning and decision-making in forest management. Throughout the episode, there is an emphasis on understanding the risks, increasing genetic and species diversity, and learning from past introductions of non- native plants. For more information and resources concerning this episode and more, go to inthewoodspodcast.com. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:38 Meet Your Host: Jake Barker 00:44 Today's Topic: Assisted Migration and Gene Flow 01:17 Guest Introduction: Jess Shamek 03:54 Defining Assisted Migration 07:02 Understanding Assisted Gene Flow 12:17 Best Management Practices in Climate Change 21:41 The Role of Large-Scale Disturbances 26:09 Climate Change and Plant Communities 26:42 Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Ecosystems 27:15 Increasing Genetic and Species Diversity 29:45 Challenges and Testing of BMPs 31:37 Tools for Climate Adaptation 34:16 Species Distribution Models and Climate Data 40:42 Assisted Migration and Horticultural Practices 44:50 Final Thoughts and Resources

Inside the Portland Airport Renovation: Sustainable Northwest Woods and Xena Forest Products In this episode of the 'In the Woods' podcast, host Scott Leavengood from Oregon State University's Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Service dives into the recent renovations at Portland International Airport (PDX). Scott talks with Ryan Temple of Sustainable Northwest Woods and Ben Deunling of Xena Forest Products, two key figures in Oregon's forest products industry. They discuss the logistics, challenges, and stories behind sourcing and implementing local, sustainable wood products for the airport renovation. Learn about the specifics of sourcing from local forests, dealing with supply chain issues during a pandemic, and the importance of promoting diverse species for forest resilience. For more information and resources concerning this episode and more, go to inthewoodspodcast.com. 00:00 Introduction to In the Woods Podcast 00:56 Meet Ryan Temple: Sustainable Northwest Wood 01:35 Ryan Temple's Journey and Sustainable Practices 04:36 Meet Ben Deunling: Xena Forest Products 05:13 Ben Deunling's Journey and Innovative Products 08:31 The Portland Airport Renovation Project 19:54 Challenges and Innovations in Wood Flooring 23:07 Scaling Up: Building the Facility 23:48 Challenges in Timing, Segregation, and Pricing 28:18 Partnerships and Coordination 28:36 Feedback and Future Projects 32:44 Lessons Learned and Reflections 35:39 Lightning Round: Favorite Tree Species 39:30 Resources and Final Thoughts

The episode of 'In the Woods,' hosted by Carrie Cantrell, features Dani Berger, a master's student from Oregon State University. The discussion delves into Dani's research on how recreational users respond to different types of messaging about forest management at McDonald Research Forest and Tillamook State Forest. Dani explains the methodology of her study, which included control groups and the use of photos with varying management types accompanied by ecological or social benefit messages. The findings suggest that ecological messaging generally results in higher positive perceptions compared to economic messaging. The conversation also touches upon effective communication strategies, the importance of audience understanding, and the potential influence of messaging on public opinions about forest management. Additionally, Dani offers insights on the practical applications of her research and her future studies on climate-adapted floodplain forests. Find more accessible resources at inthewoods.com!

In this episode of Oregon State University's 'In The Woods' podcast, host Jake Barker discusses watersheds and landslides with Annette Patton, a Watershed Science Extension Specialist. Annette defines a watershed, explains its importance, and discusses the dynamics of watershed science including water processes and sediment transport. The conversation also covers the impact of disturbances such as landslides and wildfires on watersheds, and the importance of predicting and managing these disturbances to mitigate risks. Annette shares her research experiences from Alaska and how they apply to Oregon's diverse landscapes. Additionally, the episode explores how forests influence watershed dynamics and ends with a lightning round of questions about Annette's favorite tree, field tools, and recommended resources. Find more information and resources concerning this episode and more, go to inthewoodspoodcast.com.

In this episode of the 'In the Woods' podcast by Oregon State University's Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Program, host Jacob Putney interviews Thomas Stokely, a forest ecologist with The Nature Conservancy in Central Oregon. They discuss the significance of wildlife habitat connectivity, the impacts of habitat fragmentation and loss, the role of roads and recreation, and the importance of integrating fire management to promote ecosystem health. Thomas explains concepts like landscape ecology, connectivity, and fragmentation, emphasizing the need for effective management strategies to balance human activities with conservation efforts. They explore specific projects like the Oregon Connectivity Assessment Mapping Project and strategies for mitigating human impact on wildlife through community involvement and science-based forest management practices. For more information and accessible transcripts go to inthewoods.com.

Exploring Permaculture in Forestry with Andrew Millison | In the Woods Podcast   In this episode of 'In the Woods' podcast, hosted by Lauren Grand of Oregon State University's Extension Service, we delve into the application of permaculture principles in forestry. Joined by Andrew Millison, a seasoned permaculture designer and educator, we uncover how permaculture oriented thinking—ranging from road placements to water harvesting and species diversity—can transform forest management for long-term health, productivity, and resilience. Learn about practical examples from Oregon and global insights, including innovative projects in India and Sub-Saharan Africa. Whether you are an experienced forester or a small woodland owner, this episode is packed with actionable insights and advanced strategies to enhance ecological sustainability and economic benefits in forestry.   00:00 Introduction to In the Woods Podcast 00:35 Meet Your Host and Today's Topic 00:58 Introduction to Permaculture with Andrew Millison 02:13 Permaculture Principles in Forestry 04:05 Water Harvesting and Road Placement 06:05 Long-Term Forest Development and Diversity 09:41 Real-World Examples of Permaculture in Action 13:00 Permaculture in Global Contexts 19:54 Practical Applications for Landowners 25:06 Low-Cost, High-Impact Permaculture Techniques 30:33 Lightning Round and Final Thoughts 34:32 Closing Remarks and Credits

In this episode of the 'In the Woods' podcast from Oregon State University's Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Program, host Scott Leavengood & Guest host from OSU's BIOTECH Insight's podcast BioTech Talks, discusses forest biotechnology with Dr. Steve Strauss. Dr. Strauss, a professor of forest biotechnology at OSU, shares insights from his 40-year career, including the genetic engineering of trees, the use of Agrobacterium for DNA modification, and the challenges and opportunities in the field. They also address public misconceptions about genetic engineering and its potential to address climate change. The episode concludes with a lightning round of questions about Dr. Strauss's favorite tree species and the impact of CRISPR technology.

Extension Forester Lauren Grand hosts Dr. Jim Rivers. They discuss the marbled murrelet, a reclusive seabird that nests in old-growth forests far inland. Dr. Rivers explains the bird's unique nesting behavior, the challenges of studying it, and recent advancements in research methods. They also touch on the bird's dependence on both healthy marine and forest ecosystems, the difficulty of tracking their movements, and ongoing conservation efforts. The episode highlights the intersection of forest ecology, wildlife conservation, and innovative research techniques. More information and resources at inthewoods.com!