Kentucky Forest Facts

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

(University of Kentucky, Department of Forestry)

Kentucky has an abundance of trees--about 12.4 million forested acres.

In Eastern Kentucky, forests are full of dense stands of hardwoods.  In Western Kentucky, you are more likely to see a riparian forest along a winding river.  In Central Kentucky, stately bur oaks often populate urban landscapes.

In Carroll County, we have over 27,000 forested acres--that is 30.4 percent of the total county.

Regardless of the species or climate, forests help all of us breathe cleaner air, drink cleaner water, and enjoy forest wildlife.  In addition, we also are able to utilize products from them every day.

A Sure Sign of Summer: Lightning Bugs

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

Lightning Bug (R Bessin 2000, University of Kentucky)

Lightning bugs.  What adult doesn't have memories of chasing and catching these fascinating little insects?

When my brothers and I were little, we spent many hours chasing bug and bug, and placing them in a jar with holes punched in the lid.  Then, we would sit in a dark room and watch these glowing wonders.

Lightning bugs, also known as fireflies, do more than generate entertaining childhood memories--they also help control some pests in the garden.

Encountering Young Wildlife

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

Fawn (Alabama Cooperative Extension)

Watching wildlife is a really fun and exciting activity.  It can be very enjoyable to watch wildlife in their natural state in our surroundings.  This time of year can be especially exciting because the young wild animals can be seen.

If we are outside, we may come across young wild animals that appear to be abandoned or orphaned.  The big question is what should we do about it?

First and foremost, do not bring the animal in your home for care.  This may be the worst thing you can do for these young animals.

2013 Carroll County Fair

IT'S COUNTY FAIR TIME!

The 2013 Carroll County Fair begins tomorrow, June 7 at the Carroll County Fairgrounds in Carrollton.

Over 130 4-H exhibits have already been judged, and will be in the Fair Exhibit Building for viewing tomorrow.  Stop by the Exhibit Building to see what 4-H projects will be going to the Kentucky State Fair this year!

Open exhibits will be accepted tomorrow, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Exhibit Building near the entrance to the Carroll County Fairgrounds.

Livestock and animal shows will be excellent this year.  4-H and FFA volunteers had worked incredibly hard to make our 4-H Livestock Barn a place of beauty.  If you're coming to the fair, be sure to walk down to the barns to look at all the shows we have going on.  Here's a schedule:

Soil Compaction in the Garden

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

Gardening season is in full force with the threat of frost now behind us.  Before the garden went in, we had soil on our minds with testing the soil for fertilizer and lime needed.  However, now is also a good time to think about your soil.

I have talked about soil compaction in cropland, but soil compaction also creates an unfriendly growing environment for garden plants.  It is a serious problem for many home gardeners.  Thankfully, it is relatively easy to prevent.

Compaction transforms soil into a difficult environment for plant growth by making it harder for roots, water, and soil to penetrate the ground.  Major causes are working the soil when it is too wet, foot traffic, and excessive rototiller use.