Kansas Canopy

Kansas Forest Service

Kansas Forest Service serves the landowners, communities, forest and arboriculture industries, and citizens of the state through protection and management of forests, woodlands, and windbreaks. Mission Statement: Sustaining and enhancing natural resources and communities through forestry and wildland fire management.

  1. 2D AGO

    Champions in the Field: Measuring Giants, Building Pride

    In this episode of the Kansas Canopy Podcast, Volunteer and Partnership Liaison Brady Wolken takes us behind the scenes of the Kansas Champion Tree Program and its dedicated volunteers. From measuring some of the largest trees in the state to learning how to identify species and document their stories, these citizen scientists help preserve Kansas’s living landmarks. We explore why champion trees matter, how they connect us to the history of our state, and how spending time with these giants fosters a deeper respect for nature, and a sense of pride in caring for it. 5th Grade Arbor Day Poster Contest: https://www.kansasforests.org/programs/postercontest.html200-year-old Kansas Champion Pecan: https://www.kansasforests.org/events/calendars_and_articles/statechampionpecan.htmlWhat Tree is This Guide: https://www.arborday.org/tree-identification

    50 min

  2. JAN 7

    Investing in the Forest: Why Timber Stand Improvement Matters

    Improving wildlife habitat, timber harvest, and recreationare among the top reasons landowners are calling north central rural district forester Thad Rhodes. In this episode of the Kansas Canopy Podcast, Thad guides us through the what, how, and why of timber stand improvement projects, sharinghis perspective on how forestry objectives have evolved over the last 20 years. Learn more about Timber Stand Improvement: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/download/improving-your-woodland-for-timber-production_L725 Woodland Management for Wildlife: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/download/forest-management-for-wildlife_MF2899Contact your rural district forester: https://www.kansasforests.org/about/meet_our_staff/ruralforestry.html

    30 min

  3. 12/03/2025

    Building the Wildland Fire Workforce

    In this episode, we are joined by Christopher Hanson, Workforce Development Specialist at the Kansas Forest Service. Christopher breaks down the wildland fire career path—from getting RED CARD qualified to pursuing advanced roles—while sharing what makes Kansas wildfire unique. He also highlights training opportunities offered by KFS, the importance of fitness and mental resilience, and how mentorship and statewide programs help grow the next generation of fire professionals. Firefighter Training: https://www.kansasforests.org/fire/wildlandfiretraining.htmlAbout the Fire Program: https://www.kansasforests.org/about/meet_our_staff/firemanagement.html

    48 min

  4. 11/05/2025

    Forestry for the Bats: How Forest Management Supports Kansas Bat Populations

    Forests aren’t just for trees—they’re vital habitats for bats, too. In this episode, Rural and Community Forester Chelsea Hanson joins us to explore how thoughtful forest management can support healthy bat populations across Kansas. From protecting roost trees and managing riparian buffers to using prescribed fire and timber harvests wisely, Chelsea explains how forestry practices can create better conditions for bats to roost, forage, and thrive. Tune in to learn how landowners and communities alike can help keep Kansas’s forests—and its bats—healthy for generations to come. KDWP: https://ksoutdoors.gov/Wildlife-Habitats/Wildlife-ConservationNRCS: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/state-offices/kansasK-State Extension Bat Information: https://www.wildlife.k-state.edu/species/bats/Merlin Tuttle's Bat Conservation: https://www.merlintuttle.org/

    27 min

  5. 10/01/2025

    Does Every Ash Tree Have to Die? The Spread of Emerald Ash Borer in Kansas

    Emerald ash borer (EAB) has forever changed the future of ash trees in North America — and Kansas is no exception. In this episode, Forest Health Coordinator Shad Hunfnagel of the Kansas Forest Service explains how this invasive insect arrived in the U.S., its devastating impacts on communities and ecosystems, and what options landowners still have to protect or manage their ash trees. We’ll explore why EAB is so difficult to detect, what Kansans can do to slow its spread, and whether there’s any hope for ash trees in the years ahead. Learn more about EAB: https://www.kansasforests.org/ Sign up for the Kansas Canopy Newsletter: https://kfs.myflodesk.com/klkuvgulw5

    33 min

  6. 09/03/2025

    Only You Can Prevent Wildfires: Fire Prevention in Kansas

    Smokey Bear may be the face of fire prevention, but protecting Kansas from wildfires takes all of us. In this episode, Fire Prevention Specialist Shawna Hartman of the Kansas Forest Service shares Smokey’s surprising backstory, the five timeless fire safety rules, and how communities can prepare for and reduce wildfire risks. From understanding the “home ignition zone” to joining Firewise USA, Shawna offers practical steps for homeowners, neighborhoods, and event organizers to help keep Kansas safe—because only you can prevent wildfires. Request Smokey Bear: https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8HwUE7aBV87SW3ANFPA Resources: https://www.nfpa.org/NFPA-Solutions?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19188247804&gbraid=0AAAAAD3hth1qAzW9jmagBFoq7IH_xd3fr&gclid=CjwKCAjwwNbEBhBpEiwAFYLtGKFUy1rMGQogYQABwdTFkS_Wxu0t4Emd8tGzy3cqqASPiCtU5Vj-ERoCDGQQAvD_BwE

    27 min

  7. 08/06/2025

    Leave It Be: Why Less Is More When It Comes to Wildlife

    In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Drew Ricketts, Wildlife Extension Specialist at Kansas State University, to explore why even the best intentions can lead to harmful outcomes when it comes to wild animals. From “rescuing” fawns to preventing snake bites, Dr. Ricketts walks us through common human-wildlife encounters and explains how species are biologically adapted to thrive without our help. We discuss Kansas laws, public health risks, and what to do if you encounter injured or endangered wildlife. Most importantly, we unpack how to teach the next generation to respect wild animals—by giving them the space they need to stay wild. Fins, Fur, and Feathers: https://open.spotify.com/show/7HyaYenrLLztd5l9NseZ8h Let wildlife be wild: https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2025/05/agriculture-leave-wildlife-alone.html Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit Information: https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Rehabilitation/Wildlife-Rehabilitation-Permit-Information K-State Extension Wildlife Management: https://www.wildlife.k-state.edu/ Animal Diversity Web: https://animaldiversity.org/

    36 min

  8. 07/02/2025

    Forests Fire, and the Fight for Funding

    The Kansas Forest Service is facing unprecedented challenges due to proposed federal budget cuts. This episode explores what’s at stake—not just for the agency, but for landowners, communities, and ecosystems across the state. From wildfire response to community tree planting, invasive pest control to water quality improvements, State, Private, and Tribal Forestry funding touches nearly every corner of Kansas. You’ll also hear firsthand accounts from partners and landowners—including voices from Shawnee County, KU Field Station, Blue Rapids, and the Kansas Forestry Association—who have seen the impact of KFS programs up close. Together, they paint a picture of what’s working, what’s at risk, and what can be done to help ensure these services remain available for the people and landscapes that depend on them.

    23 min
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5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Kansas Forest Service serves the landowners, communities, forest and arboriculture industries, and citizens of the state through protection and management of forests, woodlands, and windbreaks. Mission Statement: Sustaining and enhancing natural resources and communities through forestry and wildland fire management.

Information

  • Creator
    Kansas Forest Service
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kansas Forest Service
  • Show Website
    Kansas Canopy

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