In this episode of the ‘In the Woods’ podcast from Oregon State University’s Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Program, host Scott Leavengood 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.

“ BioTech is a powerful method, but it’s not a replacement for conventional breeding…. It’s some combination that will be most useful, putting those together.” – Dr. Steven Strauss, Distinguished Professor of Forest Biotechnology, OSU School of Forestry

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.

“The marbled murrelet is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most mysterious seabirds… it nests in mature and old-growth forests and spends much of its life at sea.” – Dr. Jim rivers, Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology

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.

“I think one of the first times I experienced the redwoods, we went backpacking in Redwood Creek… and I just was in awe of the size and height of these trees. It was incredible. And you’re sitting around the creek and you just see this grove of really huge trees, just, you feel so small.“-Stephen Fitzgerald“

– Stephen Fitzgerald, Professor Emeritus

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. 

Quote: “While in my previous experience with historical buildings, I was called in when the patient was already ill to diagnose the severity and cause of the issue… in the case of Peavy, I’m monitoring the condition of a young, healthy subject, ensuring it remains in optimal condition, and performs as intended.”

– Dr. Mariapaola Riggio, Associate Professor of Wood Design and Architecture at Oregon State University 

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.

Quote: “Think about if you were walking out here 200 years ago what it might have looked like; I think it’ll give you a little bit different look and idea of what you’re doing out on the forestland. Obviously we have to look at what is there now, but looking at what was there historically can help inform our management decisions.”

– Micah Schmidt, North East Regional Fire Specialist

In this episode of ‘In the Woods’, host Lauren Grand , Lane County Extension Forester, talks with Dr. Ashley D’Antonio, an associate professor in nature-based recreation management and forestry chair at OSU, and discusses land management practices to help foster sustainable outdoor recreation through research methods and practices.

Quote: “So we can use recreation ecology studies to understand where people are going, how they interact with that sensitive resource, and then hopefully use tools like education and outreach to help visitors mitigate their impacts in those places.”

-Dr. Ashley D’Antonio, Associate Professor

In this episode of ‘In the Woods’, host Lauren Grand , Lane County Extension Forester, & Trinitie Long-Hindman, OSU Extension Intern, discuss youth and education in forestry programs with guest Nancy Geyer.

“You need to understand what happens in schools to teach schools.” … “Never underestimate the power of having fun”

– Nancy Geyer, Educator and guest speaker In The Woods Podcast.

In this episode, Stephen Fitzgerald takes a tour of WOWNet members Theresa Hausser & Kate McMichael’s property to discuss how they managed their small woodland after adevastating fire.

“Your story and journey in managing your property is both tragic and yet inspiring to me and I think others. It demonstrates so much fortitude and resilience on both of your parts. “

– Stephen Fitzgerald, silvicultural specialist for OSU School of Forestry Extension Office, as he inerviews Theresa and Kate.