In the Woods

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From the Oregon State University’s Extension Service, “In the Woods” is a monthly podcast series with the forestry and natural resources Extension program. This podcast aims to share the voices of researchers, land managers, and members of the public interested in telling the story of how woodlands provide more than just trees, they provide interconnectedness that is essential to your daily life. Discover a new topic related to forests on each episode.

In the Woods Podcast


    • May 17, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 64 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from In the Woods

    Episode 61: Marbled Murrelet

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 31:56


    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!

    Episode 60: Redwoods and Giant Sequoias

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 51:53


    In this episode of 'In the Woods' from Oregon State University's Extension Service, host Lauren Grand discusses redwoods and giant sequoias with forestry experts Dan Stark, Norma Kline, Alicia Christiansen, and Stephen Fitzgerald. The episode dives into the growing interest in planting these iconic trees in Oregon, despite their native ranges being primarily in California. The conversation touches on the environmental factors influencing tree growth, potential benefits and challenges, concerns about pests and diseases, and the possible impacts on local ecosystems. The experts also provide insights into the management practices, regulatory considerations, and economic potential of these species in Oregon. Additionally, the episode highlights a new publication available through OSU Extension that offers detailed guidance on growing these trees in the region.00:00 Redwoods and Giant Sequoias00:32 Introduction to the Episode01:33 Meet the Experts02:37 Personal Redwood Stories05:58 Redwoods and Sequoias in Oregon08:56 Environmental Factors for Growth14:45 Pests and Diseases17:50 Impact on Local Ecosystems21:19 Where to Get Redwood and Sequoia Seedlings23:47 Managing Redwood and Sequoia Trees26:31 Regulations for Planting Redwood and Giant Sequoia27:39 Forest Practice Act and Reforestation Requirements29:05 Tax Implications for Planting Non-Native Species30:26 Cost Share Programs and Planting Considerations31:41 Urban Planting Considerations for Redwoods33:09 Ecological Implications of Planting Redwoods and Sequoias33:21 Wood Properties and Market Potential41:34 Favorite Trees and Field Essentials45:51 Recommended Resources and Final Thoughts

    Episode 59: Mass Timber - Lessons and Innovations

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2025 15:59


    This episode features Scott Leavengood interviewing Dr. Mariapaola Riggio, an expert in wood design and architecture. Dr. Riggio discusses her work on enhancing the sustainability of mass timber construction and the benefits of extending the service life of timber buildings, sharing insights from her research on optimizing material use and end-of-life strategies, as well as her past projects in Italy, including the structural assessment of the timber roof of the bell tower in Florence.

    Episode 59 – Mass Timber: Lessons and Innovations

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2025 15:59


    This episode features Scott Leavengood interviewing Dr. Mariapaola Riggio, an expert in wood design and architecture. Dr. Riggio discusses her work on enhancing the sustainability of mass timber construction and the benefits of extending the service life of timber buildings, sharing insights from her research on optimizing material use and end-of-life strategies, as well as her past projects in Italy, including the structural assessment of the timber roof of the bell tower in Florence.

    Episode 58: REconstructing Fire Histories

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2025 38:54


    In this episode of the 'In the Woods' podcast, hosted by Jacob Putney from the Oregon State University's Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Program, fire specialist and assistant professor of practice Micah Schmidt shares his expertise. Schmidt details the intricate process of selecting sample sites, collecting tree ring samples, and analyzing them to understand past forest conditions and fire histories. The episode explores how this research informs current forest management and how fire has shaped forests over centuries.

    Episode 57: Recreation - Balancing Fun and Ecology

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 31:02


      In this episode of the 'In the Woods' podcast, Lauren Grand from Oregon State University's Extension Service talks with Ashley D'Antonio, an associate professor in nature-based recreation management and forestry chair at OSU. Dr. D'Antonio shares insights into her research on recreation ecology, exploring how human activities in forests and protected areas impact ecosystems and wildlife. She discusses the interdisciplinary nature of her field, the importance of balancing recreation with conservation, and surprising findings from her studies, including the impact of human waste in natural areas. Tune in to learn how this scientific research informs land management practices and helps foster sustainable outdoor recreation.

    Episode 56: Branching Out - Youth & Forestry in Focus

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2025 42:36


    In this episode of 'In the Woods', host Lauren Grand discusses youth and education in forestry programs with guest Nancy Geyer. They delve into Nancy's journey into forestry education, starting from her childhood in Alaska to her academic pursuits at Colorado State University and Oregon State University. Nancy shares her experiences teaching various audiences, emphasizing the importance of making learning fun and positive, especially when educating about environmental conservation and forestry. The episode highlights the use of technology in teaching, the significance of understanding forestry's role in climate change, and provides guidance for educators wanting to incorporate forestry education into their curriculum. Additionally, Nancy and the episode's co-host Trinity Longheim share personal anecdotes and educational strategies to engage students, particularly in rural Oregon. The podcast aims to inspire kids and promote a deeper understanding of forest science and management among young learners.    For more information and resources concerning this and other episodes, please go to inthewoodspodcast.com

    Episode 55: Post Fire Recovery with Kate and Teresa

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2024 60:39


    In this episode of 'In the Woods,' hosted by Steve Fitzgerald, the podcast delves into the story of Kate McMichael and Teresa Hauser, who own and manage Elk Ridge Tree Farm. The episode explores their journey from purchasing their property in Oregon, learning forest management from scratch, facing the aftermath of wildfires, conducting salvage harvests, and eventually starting their own seedling nursery. The episode includes practical advice on forest management and highlights the importance of community and continuous learning for forest landowners. For more information and resources concerning this and other episodes, please go to inthewoodspodcast.com.

    Episode 54: Phytophthoras

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2024 29:02


    In this episode of 'In the Woods' podcast by Oregon State University's Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Program, host Jacob Putney welcomes Norma Klein to discuss forest health. Norma shares her extensive background, ongoing projects, and dives deep into the genus Phytophthora, highlighting its significant impact on forests, including the history and effect of Sudden Oak Death. Listeners are introduced to various species of Phytophthora, their modes of transmission, and methods for detection and prevention. The episode underscores the importance of early detection, prevention techniques, and collaborative efforts to manage the spread of these destructive pathogens. Fore more information and resources concerning this and other episodes, please go to inthewoodspodcast.com.

    Episode 53: Starting your journey in Forest Land Management

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2024 30:24


    In this episode of In the Woods, host Lauren Grand from the Oregon State University's Extension Forestry and Natural Resources Program discusses essential tips for new forest landowners with Dr. Mark Swanson, the Starker Chair in Private and Family Forestry. They delve into crucial topics like forest management planning, identifying tree health, the importance of understanding local pests and pathogens, and the long-term journey of forest stewardship. Whether you're purchasing, inheriting, or thinking about acquiring forest land, this episode offers valuable insights to help you get started on your forest stewardship journey.

    Cut-to-Length & Tethered-Assist Systems

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024 42:18


    This episode of the 'In the Woods' podcast is hosted by Jacob Putney from Oregon State University, and features Matt Mattiota, Senior Vice President of Cut to Length Systems and Chief Forester from Miller Timber Services. Matt discusses the evolution of cut-to-length forestry equipment and today's advanced machines minimize environmental impact with detailed measurement and cutting technology, increasing efficiency and safety. They delve into tethered assist systems that enable operations on steep slopes and explore various forestry projects ranging from commercial thinning to ecological restoration efforts. Matt also highlights the impressive technological advancements and AI integration in modern forestry machinery, shedding light on the positive impact these innovations have on forest management, operational efficiency, and sustainability.

    Episode 51: The Purple Martin Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2024 29:48


    Lauren Grand from Oregon State University's Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Service chats with extension forester Lorelle Sherman about the captivating Purple Martin bird. Learn about their habitat, nesting behavior, and the conservation efforts to protect this species. Discover research insights and tips on how you can help protect this beautiful species. Whether you're a bird enthusiast or a curious listener, this episode offers a deep dive into the lives of Purple Martins and their importance in our ecosystem.

    Episode 50: Oregon Forest Practices Act

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 33:05


    This episode of Oregon State University's 'In the Woods' podcast, hosted by Lauren Grand delves into Oregon's forest practice laws. Featuring guests Julie Woodward from the Oregon Forest Resources Institute and Jennifer Ward from the Oregon Department of Forestry, the discussion covers the history, evolution, and recent updates to the Oregon Forest Practices Act. The episode also highlights various resources available for landowners, such as educational programs, technical guidance, and the illustrated manual. Key topics include the establishment of the Private Forest Accord and the role of stewardship foresters. The episode concludes with practical advice for landowners on how to navigate these regulations effectively. Go to ⁠inthewoodspodcast.com⁠ for more information and accessible resources.

    Episode 49: The Oregon Wildfire Hazard Map

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2024 35:19


    This episode discusses the development of a wildfire hazard map for Oregon, detailing the purpose, process, and importance of the map. The host, Lauren Grand, conducts an interview with a faculty research assistant at Oregon State University, who explains the calculation of wildfire hazard, the distinction between hazard and risk, and the involvement of various stakeholders in the mapping process.The conversation also covers the wildland-urban interface map, plans for map updates, and additional resources for those interested in wildfire hazard mapping in Oregon. Go to ⁠inthewoodspodcast.com⁠ for more information and accessible resources.

    Episode 48 - Reducing Fire Risk in Northwest Oregon

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2024 45:21


    Exploring wildfire hazards and preparedness in Northwest Oregon, in this episode of In The Woods Lauren Grand and guest-host Aaron Groth discuss the importance of adapting to wildfires, collaborating with fire management agencies, and fostering community engagement with Mike Cafferata, ODF Forest Grove District Forester and Jen Warren, Oregon State Fire Marshal, Fire risk reduction specialist. Go to inthewoodspodcast.com for more information and accessible resources.

    Episode 47: Managing Forest Carbon

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2024 34:55


    This episode features an interview with Catherine Carlisle, a forest carbon analyst, discussing forest carbon dynamics, management practices, and carbon projects with Jacob Putney. They discuss ecosystem carbon sequestration, the influence of management practices on carbon storage, research findings on rotation age and thinning treatments, and the growth of the forest carbon market.

    Episode 46: Storm Damage

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2024 63:40


    In this episode, Lauren Grand is joined by Glenn Ahrens and Scott Altenhoff to discuss the impact of storms on Oregon's forests and preventative measures that can be taken to mitigate tree damage caused by storms. Show Notes

    Episode 45: Carbon Markets

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2024 42:26


    In this episode, Lauren Grand invites Jacob Putney on the show to breakdown what carbon markets are and how they can be utilized to mitigate CO2 emissions. Survey Show Notes YouTube

    Episode 44: Slash Piles

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2024 61:00


    In this episode, Jacob Putney is joined by John Punches to discuss tips and regulations related to piling, managing and burning slash. Survey Link YouTube Show Notes

    Episode 43: Oregon State University Campus Arboretum

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2023 26:13


    In this episode, Scott Leavengood tours OSU's main campus with Dan Blanchard to learn about the university's rich history of woody plants and the process of turning OSU into an accredited arboretum. Survey Link YouTube Link Show Notes

    Episode 42: Mediterranean Oak Borer

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2023 38:37


    In this episode, Lauren Grand is joined by Christine Buhl to discuss what the Mediterranean Oak Borer is, where it came from, and ways to identify infestations and prevent them from spreading. Survey Link YouTube Link

    Episode 41: Indigenous Partnerships

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2023 63:47


    In this episode, Lauren Grand is joined once again by Cristina Eisenberg to discuss how creating relationships with indigenous tribes can help strengthen Western science methodologies to create natural ecosystem resiliency. Survey Link YouTube Link

    Episode 40: Indigenous Knowledge

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2023 49:59


    In this episode, Lauren Grand is joined by Cristina Eisenberg to discuss the importance of indigenous knowledge and how it can be used to strengthen communities and the natural environment. ⁠Take Our Survey Here! Show Notes YouTube Video

    Episode 39: Dead Wood

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2023 97:42


    In this episode, Lauren Grand invites Ken Bevis on the show to discuss how dead wood plays a critical role in the health of wildlife and forest ecosystems. Take Our Survey Here! Show Notes

    Episode 38: Climate Change

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2023 33:26


    In this episode, Lauren Grand invites Jessica Halofsky on the show to discuss the impacts of climate change on Oregon's forests. Take Our Survey Here! Show Notes

    Episode 37: WOWNet

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2023 92:32


    In this episode, Lauren Grand is joined by Tiffany Hopkins and multiple members of the Women Owning Woodlands Network to explain how WOWNet educates and empowers female small woodland owners. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 0:30 - Interview #1: Debi Lorence & Tiffany Hopkins 53:07 - Interview #2: Kate McMichael & Theresa Hausser

    Episode 36: Oak

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2023 48:26


    In this episode, Jacob Putney is joined by Steve Denney and Alicia Christiansen to discuss the importance of educating the public about Oak trees and their positive impacts on Oregon's woodlands.

    Episode 35: Range

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2023 40:58


    In this episode, Jacob Putney is joined by Katie Wollstein to discuss strategies to mitigate fires and invasive plant species in Oregon rangelands.

    Episode 34: Fire Weather

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2023 35:50


    In this episode, Jacob Putney and Aaron Groth invite Jon Bonk & Rebecca Muessle on the show to discuss the role incident meteorologists play in fighting wildfires. Both Bonk and Muessle are incident meteorologists for the National Weather Service in Portland, Oregon.

    Episode 33: Maple Syrup

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2023 40:39


    In this episode, Scott Leavengood is joined by Eric Jones and Eliza Nelson to discuss the increasing popularity of maple syrup production in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

    Episode 32: Tree School

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2023 10:12


    In this episode, Scott Leavengood visits the 33rd annual Clackamas Tree School to interview Sarah Cameron and Glenn Ahrens about what the event is and why it's so beneficial.

    Episode 31: Master Woodland Managers

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2023 58:23


    In this episode, Lauren Grand invites Susan Watkins, Brett Aldrich, and Tiffany Hopkins on the podcast to discuss the value of participating in the FNR Extension's Master Woodland Manager program. Watkins and Aldrich are both graduates of the program.

    Episode 30: ONREP

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2023 31:46


    In this episode, Scott Leavengood invites Yasmeen Hossain & LeeAnn Mikkelson on the podcast to discuss ONREP (Oregon Natural Resources Education Program) and the importance of implementing outdoor education in schools statewide. Mikkelson is the ONREP program director and Hossain is the associate director.

    Episode 29: Latinx Forest Workers (English Version)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2023 20:37


    In this episode, Manuel Machado, Martha Valle Hernandez, and Carl Wilmsen discuss what steps are being taken in order to improve working conditions for latinx forest workers in Oregon. Survey Link: https://beav.es/inthewoods-feedback

    Episode 29: Latinx Forest Workers (Spanish Version)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2023 36:00


    In this episode, Manuel Machado, Martha Valle Hernandez, and Carl Wilmsen discuss what steps are being taken in order to improve working conditions for latinx forest workers in Oregon. Survey Link: https://beav.es/inthewoods-feedback

    Episode 28: Christmas Trees

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2022 52:01


    In this episode, Jacob Putney and Chal Landgren discuss the history and science behind growing Christmas trees in Oregon. Landgren is the former OSU Extension Christmas Tree Specialist. Survey Link: https://beav.es/inthewoods-feedback

    Episode 27: NTFP Crafts

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2022 31:36


    In this episode, Lauren Grand is joined by Tiffany Hopkins to discuss how making non-timber forest product crafts can help people feel more connected with their local environment.

    A Note From Your Hosts

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2022 1:20


    Survey Link: https://beav.es/inthewoods-feedback

    Episode 26: Stream Restoration

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2022 39:24


    In this episode, Stephen Fitzgerald visits Woodcock Creek to interview multiple people involved in restoring and enhancing its natural habitat. Interviewees: Brent Klumph - Forest Manager at OSU Research Forests Dave Stewart - ODFW Habitat Biologist Walker Trask - Trask Design and Construction Jen Gorski - Former OSU Forestry Extension Member / Studied Woodcock Creek

    Episode 25: Early Seral Forests

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2022 45:01


    In this episode, Lauren Grand and Graham Frank discuss early seral forest's importance and key features.

    Episode 24: Swiss Needle Cast

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2022 49:59


    In this episode, Jacob Putney invites Dave Shaw and Gabriela Ritokova on the podcast to discuss Swiss Needle Cast's impact on Douglas fir populations. Dave Shaw is an OSU extension forest health specialist and Gabriela Ritokova is an ODF forest pathologist.

    Episode 23: Emerald Ash Borer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2022 41:43


    In this episode, Lauren Grand invites Christine Buhl and Daniel Stark on the podcast to discuss what the recent discovery of emerald ash borer in Oregon means and how to prevent it from spreading. Buhl is the state Forest Entomologist with the Oregon Department of Forestry and Stark helps run Oregon State University's Oregon Forest Pest Detectors Program.

    Episode 22: Selling Logs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2022 36:16


    In this episode, Lauren Grand and Francisca Belart discuss the steps a woodland owner can take in order to harvest and sell their logs. Belart is OSU extension's timber harvesting specialist.

    Episode 21: Mass Plywood Panel Facility Tour

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2022 35:36


    In this episode, Scott Leavengood takes a tour with Project Coordinator, Cody Beairsto, of Freres Engineered Wood to learn about the production process of Mass Plywood Panels.

    Episode 20: Fire Adapted Communities

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2022 32:04


    In this episode, Lauren Grand is joined by Carrie Berger & Emily Jane Davis to discuss how communities can be better prepared for wildfires.

    Episode 19: OSU Extension Fire Program Team

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2022 40:06


    In this episode, Lauren Grand gets to know the members of the OSU Extension Fire Program.

    osu extension program team
    Episode 18: Small Landowner Management

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2022 33:29


    In this episode, Lauren Grand and Lindsay Reaves discuss forest management at the Bauman Family Tree Farm. Reaves lives and works on the farm with her husband Tom Bauman.

    Episode 17: Mass Timber

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2022 44:05


    In this episode, Scott Leavengood is joined by Iain Macdonald and Evan Schmidt to discuss how mass timber could play a role in solving climate change. Iain Macdonald is the director of the TallWood Design Institute and Evan Schmidt is the outreach and education manager.

    mass timber iain macdonald
    Episode 16: Taxes For Woodland Owners

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2022 41:14


    In this episode, Jacob Putney and Tamara Cushing discuss woodland taxation and finance. Cushing is the extension forest business and economics specialist at the University of Florida.

    Episode 15: Reforestation

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2022 27:22


    In this episode, Stephen Fitzgerald discusses reforestation with Carli Morgan at the McDonald-Dunn Forest planting site. Morgan manages the reforestation, forest inventory, and GIS programs for the OSU research forests.

    Episode 14: Forest Fungi

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2021 53:51


    In this episode, Lauren Grand and Ariel Cowan discuss the role fungi play in maintaining a healthy forest.

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