Woods and Wildlife News and Notes: The Latest News from the Forestry and Wildlife Extension Team

Penn State Extension’s team of Forestry and Wildlife experts publishes an e-newsletter, Woods and Wildlife News and Notes, containing the most recent information, events, demonstrations, partnerships, and activities coming from the team. Forest Leaves shares the titles and thumbnails of select articles and videos with you in each issue.

This issueʼs articles:

Forest Snapshot May 2026

This bi-monthly article is a collection of forest health observations, plant and animal phenology, important upcoming dates, and hunting season changes.

The Definition of a Logger

This article describes who a logger is, the tools and equipment they use, the training loggers undergo, and how to find a qualified professional logger.

Remember to Look Up

Upon entering a forest, remember to look up! You might catch a glimpse of wildlife, but hopefully you will see potential dangers that exist within the woodlot from above.

Container-Grown Trees and Shrubs: Fix Those Roots Before You Plant

There are several situations that can trigger root problems and death of your new plant. Using preventative or corrective measures will help to ensure your plant thrives.

Forest Biodiversity: Understanding Biological Health in Our Forests

This article provides strategies for conserving forest biodiversity, provides a brief overview of species of concern in Pennsylvania, and suggests ways you can conserve biodiversity in your forest.

Backyard Wildlife

Image gallery of wildlife commonly found in Pennsylvania backyards.

Forestry Booth Questions

Working a booth at a public event can elicit some interesting questions. It can turn us into tour guides, biologists, and sometimes even history teachers.

Trees Aglow in Weather and Lightning Research

New research suggests a hidden glow in tree tops from electrical activity may be a common occurrence during thunderstorms.

Maintaining Forest Property Lines

Property line maintenance is one of the most important aspects of land ownership. Well-marked boundaries can help ensure your assets are protected. This article and associated video will teach you how to maintain and mark your property lines.

This issueʼs videos:

Saving Water Outside the Home

Many opportunities for water conservation exist outside of your home, including plant and watering choices.

Cut Stump Herbicide Treatment

This video is designed to give the basics of applying herbicide to the stump of a cut tree, shrub, or woody vine to prevent resprouting.

Email Preferences

Requesting the Woods and Wildlife News and Notes newsletter’s delivery to your personal inbox involves the same opt-in process you may have already used to communicate your areas of interest among the full suite of Penn State Extension offerings. To make sure you are on the distribution list, visit the Penn State Extension website to manage your email preferences, and select any of the “Forest and Wildlife” topic areas of interest.