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The work and wonder of winter woods

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Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

Experts provide a guide on how to enjoy and improve the forest in cold months.

On this Horticulture Day, Billy Beck, ISU extension forester, tells listeners how to practice good forest stewardship and why winter is the perfect time to explore the woods. He also shares the importance of being educated on non-native plants and controlling invasive species to limit ecological harm.

Later in the hour, Aaron Steil joins the program and the two answer questions ranging from addressing wounds on tree trunks, the benefits of a diverse windbreak, fighting back against garlic mustard and more.

For those interested in learning more about stewardship, Beck is running a Master Woodland Steward Program in spring 2023 that will include intense forestry training.

Guests:

  • Billy Beck, assistant professor of natural resource ecology and management, ISU Extension Forester 
  • Aaron Steil, Iowa State University Extension consumer horticulture specialist 
Tags
Talk of Iowa TreesHorticultureHort Day
Charity Nebbe is IPR's<i> Talk of Iowa</i> host. She also hosts IPR's podcasts <i>Garden Variety</i> and <i>Unsettled</i>. Since 2010, Nebbe has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Nebbe has a bachelors degree from Iowa State University.
Dani Gehr is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University. Since 2022, Gehr has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Aaron Steil is a Consumer Horticulture Specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. Aaron contributes his expertise to the Garden Variety podcast and newsletter and to Talk of Iowa's Horticulture Day program.
Natalie Dunlap is an award-winning digital producer and writer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa. Since 2024, Dunlap has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's digital audience.