The University of Kentucky's Kentucky Forest Leadership Program (KFLP) is now accepting applications for its 2026 session. The weeklong, residential program brings high school students together for hands-on learning about Kentucky’s natural resources. Part of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, this year’s program runs June 7–12 at Robinson Forest.  

KFLP is geared for students who want to explore the forests, trees, insects, water and wildlife. Participants spend the week outdoors and in field settings, learning from trained forestry and natural resource professionals. Students will follow a full schedule of activities built around real field methods and problem-solving.  

“The KFLP program helps participants understand the importance of Kentucky forests and natural resources as well as the management and conservation of these resources,” said Extension forester Laurie Thomas. “It also helps students interact with natural resources professionals and learn about academic programs and careers in this field and develop team building and leadership skills while working in resource management teams.” 

Participating students can apply to one of three educational tracks — Forestry, Entomology or Wildlife. While each track offers focused instruction, students also work across tracks during the week, sharing findings and tackling the kind of interdisciplinary questions that come up while working in natural resources. 

The Forestry Option is intended for students with a strong interest in Kentucky’s woodlands and forest management. These participants learn the basics of forest surveying and management and complete a survey within an 80-acre forest plot that all three tracks study. Activities include tree identification, land surveying, soil science, fire management, water quality evaluation, Kentucky wildlife topics and GPS/GIS mapping. Forestry students also estimate tree species composition and timber volume as part of their fieldwork.  

The Entomology Option focuses on Kentucky’s insects and their impact on forests. Students learn insect identification, collection and ecology, then contribute to an insect survey in the same 80-acre plot examined by the other tracks. The entomology schedule also includes aquatic habitat investigation, tree identification, water quality evaluation, wildlife topics and GPS/GIS mapping. Students discuss how insect pressures shape forest conditions and how that information feeds into management decisions.  

The Wildlife Option centers on Kentucky wildlife and field techniques used to sample, identify and manage species. Wildlife participants complete a wildlife habitat assessment in the shared 80-acre plot and conduct surveys for reptiles and amphibians, signs of mammals (tracks, scat and damage), birds (early morning survey) and bats after dusk using acoustic recording technology. GPS/GIS mapping is also part of the track.  

Across all tracks, students periodically come together to compare results and work through real-life forest management problems, culminating in a forest management plan and student presentations. Instructors and advisors are from the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Department of Entomology and Natural Resource and Environmental Science, along with partners from the Kentucky Division of Forestry, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Kentucky Division of Conservation. Enrollment is limited within each track.  

“Educating Kentucky's youth about our natural resources is critical to the future of our environment and economy,” Thomas said. “Programs like KFLP provide participants a greater understanding about the environment and the importance of managing and conserving our natural resources.” 

The program begins at 3 p.m.ET on Sunday, June 7. Families are invited to attend student forest management presentations at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 12.  

The program cost is $600, which covers programming costs and room and board. Payment is due after acceptance. Applications are currently open, and students can apply through the online registration form posted on the KFLP website.  

Scholarship support may be available. County conservation districts often sponsor participants; families can contact Mark Davis with the Kentucky Division of Conservation at 502-782-6594 for details. A Kentucky Woodland Owners Scholarship application is also available through the KFLP site.  

For program questions, contact Laurie Thomas at laurie.thomas@uky.edu or 859-257-2703. For questions specific to the Entomology Option, contact Blake Newton at blaken@uky.edu or 859-257-7453. 

Learn more about the Kentucky Forest Leadership Program at Martin-Gatton CAFE. 

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Writer: Jordan Strickler, jstrickler@uky.edu    

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education information and other services to individuals and institutions that provide equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.