White Oak Initiative

10/12/2026

Next up in the Open Canopy Webinar Series: Creating Roosting and Foraging Habitat for Bats Through Forest Management

Join Dr. Joy O'Keefe for a discussion on the biology and ecology of bats in managed forests and how forest management can support roosting and foraging habitat. Register in advance: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KAi04O1ITC2fNCQS71dRqQ #/registration

Hosted by the Central Hardwoods Joint Venture, the Open Canopy Webinar Series shares practical, science-based information on active forest management and the restoration of open canopy woodlands and savannas. Thank you to CHJV and American Bird Conservancy for hosting these webinars!

Past recordings: https://www.youtube.com/

09/25/2026

We are excited to share this recent American Distilling Institute's Distiller Magazine article featuring the work and mission of the White Oak Initiative.

It was a pleasure to be interviewed by Maggie Gigandet, and we're grateful for the thoughtful attention she brought to this important story. As demand for white oak continues to grow, conversations about sustainability, conservation, and long-term stewardship have never been more important.

We're honored to see WOI included among partners who are helping to shape this conversation like Croze Nest, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, the American Forest Foundation, Dendrifund, Sazerac Company, Suntory, Brown-Forman Brands, Copper Mule, Mizzou Extension, and so many others.

Take a look at the article: https://distilling.com/distillermagazine/white-oak/

Barrels (and bourbon) depend on white oak. The White Oak Initiative was founded to help insure healthy forests for generations to come.

09/21/2026

The Regional Mass Timber Conference in Lexington, Kentucky is just a few weeks away from October 12-14. Check out KYMassTimber.com for more information.

09/18/2026

Great video from Missouri Forest Products Association with voice of The Kansas City Chiefs Mitch Holthus. Wood products can be sustainable and better for the environment.

08/26/2026

🌳 Calling Ohio seed collectors!

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry is looking to purchase select native tree and shrub seeds from professional seed collectors this fall for the Buckeye State Tree Nursery.

We are seeking:

🌰 Bur Oak
🌰 Swamp White Oak
🌰 White Oak
🌰 Shagbark Hickory
🌰 Shellbark Hickory
🌲 Eastern White Pine
🌸 American Plum – cleaned and floated, or as fruit
🌳 American Persimmon –cleaned and floated, or as fruit

Seed must be collected in Ohio and labeled with the county where it was collected. A leaf sample is preferred when available.

Before delivery, seed must be:
• Free of debris, including caps and husks
• Processed for viability using the floating method
• Hickory seed must be dehusked
• Bur oak does not need to be decapped


Interested in collecting seed for the Division of Forestry? Contact us to learn more about purchasing requirements and arrangements at [email protected].

****Update*****

• There is a 25 lbs minimum for all species except American plum (min. 10 lbs)

• Vendors must be able to provide an invoice to the Division of Forestry. Payments can be made immediately by credit card, or checks can be processed and mailed within up to 20 business days.

• The Division of Forestry reserves the right to refuse seeds.

• The Division of Forestry will only be accepting limited quantities of seeds; it is recommended to call and confirm that the nursery is still accepting seeds.

08/24/2026

Great follow-up video to the Smithsonian article about white oaks by Wes Melker...!

White oaks are some of the strongest and sturdiest trees in North A...

08/14/2026

08/13/2026

Cleveland is calling! 📣 The hardwood industry is better together, and this September, we’re bringing it all together in Cleveland for the 2026 NHLA Convention & Exhibit Showcase.

This year brings together the conversations, expertise, and connections our industry needs right now:

🎤 Opening Session featuring keynote speaker Connor Lokar
🌍 Global Markets & the Future of American Hardwood with Mike Snow
⚙️ Operating Savings Using Wood Energy with Lew McCreery
🔥 Thermal Modification Panel
📊 The Hardwood Industry Now: Data, Direction & What Comes Next with Dan Meyer
📖 Rules Change Open Forum led by NHLA's National Inspectors

And there’s plenty happening beyond the sessions! Explore the Exhibit Showcase, meet up with industry friends at the Opening Jam, reconnect with fellow ITS alumni, and experience an unforgettable evening at Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

👉 Register today: https://ow.ly/QcrH50ZyVj6

08/13/2026

08/11/2026