January 24, 2006

New book helps readers identify trees of the Midwest

Sally Weeks, author of "Native Trees of the Midwest," has taught classes on aspects of tree identification at Purdue University for nearly 20 years, and now teaches laboratory and recitation sections of dendrology.

"My main goal for this book was to have something available as a supplement to pre-existing guides from Midwestern states," Weeks said. "Some of the scientific names in the older books are out of date, and almost none of them had color photos."

She received her bachelor of science degree in wildlife management and her master's degree in forestry from Purdue's Department of Forestry and Natural Resources.

The book contains listings for individual tree species and includes a general description, their form and size, habitats they can be found in, wildlife uses and their landscaping value. Also given are similar species, a map of where in the Midwest they are commonly found, as well as extensive color photographs of important characteristics.

The book's co-authors are Purdue faculty members. Harmon P. Weeks Jr. is a professor of wildlife science in the forestry and natural resources department, and George R. Parker is a professor of forest ecology. The authors' combined classroom and research experience totals more than 50 years in teaching students how to identify woody plants.

"Native Trees of the Midwest" can be found online or can be ordered by phone at (800) 247-6553.

Writer: Jennifer Culy, (765) 494-8402, jculy@purdue.edu

Source: Sally Weeks, (765) 494-9416, weeksss@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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