Got Nature? Blog

Explore the latest newsletter updates on the Indiana Woodland Steward website. Stay up-to-date with forestry news and receive their free e-newsletter by subscribing at IWS Subscribe.

Highlights from the new Newsletter include:

• Ticks in Indiana Woodlands: Identification, Risk Reduction, and Prevention
  By Lee Green
  “Indiana’s forests, woodlots, and edge habitats support a diverse tick fauna that matters to both human and animal health. As reforestation has increased and wildlife hosts, especially white‑tailed deer, have…”
• How Emerging Digital Forestry Technologies Can Support Indiana Landowners
  By Erica Kronenberger and Zhao Ma
  Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University
  “Indiana is home to more than 4.8 million acres of forestland, of which 4.6 million acres are timberland, and this amount increases every year1. Eighty four percent of Indiana’s forests is…”
• Prescribed Burn Associations: Neighbors Helping Neighbors Bring Fire Back to Indiana’s Landscape
  By Danielle Howard
  “Indiana’s ecosystems are shaped by fire. And to help them thrive, we need to bring fire back. But how do we re-ignite…”
• Tree of Heaven, Ailanthus altissima
  By Lenny Farlee, Ron Rathfon, Don Carlson, Brian Beheler
  “Tree-of-heaven (ToH), also known as Chinese sumac, varnish tree, or stink tree, is a large, rapidly-growing deciduous tree native to parts of China. Tree-of-heaven was introduced …”
• Days Gone By Volumn 35 Number 2
  Constructing a corn crib from native hardwoods on Mr. Herbert C. Thomas’ property in Vermillion County (photos by Roy C. Brundage, undated).

The Indiana Woodland Steward Newsletter is a resource offering a wealth of valuable information for foresters, woodland owners, timber marketing specialists, woodland and wildlife enthusiasts. The Indiana Woodland Steward Institute (IWS) is an entity made from 11 organizations within the state including Purdue University, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association (IHLA), that works to promote best usage practices of Indiana’s woodland resources through their Woodland Steward publication.

Resources
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE) website
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Wildlife Responses to Timber Harvesting, Purdue Extension
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Virtual Tour Brings Forest Management for Birds to Life, Got Nature? Blog Post, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Breeding Birds and Forest Management: the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment and the Central Hardwoods Region, The Education Store
Deer Impact Toolbox, Purdue Extension
Grassland Management Series, Purdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management
Birdfeeder tips, The National Audubon Society
Explore the Rich World of Oaks with Purdue FNR Extension & Partners, Purdue Extension – FNR
Managing Woodlands for Birds Video, Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Subscribe: Deer, Forest Management, ID That Tree, Woodland Management Moment, Invasive Species and many other topic video playlists Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

Dan McGuckin, President
Indiana Woodland Steward

Dr. Brian MacGowan, Extension Wildlife Specialist
Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, Purdue University

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Fall Hunting and Fishing Licenses on Sale
MyDNR, Indiana’s Outdoor Newsletter: Whether you’re gearing up to hunt, fish, or simply enjoy the outdoors this season, now’s the perfect time to prepare. Check out the IN DNR Sport License webpage as you will find information for:

• Deer
• Turkey
• Small Game
• Upland Game
• Migratory Birds
• Bobcats

New DNR Hunting, Fishing and Trapping License Mobile App Now Available
The GoOutdoorsIN mobile app launched in early July and is ready to download. It’s free and available for Android and iOS. With the app, you can purchase a license, check in your harvest, view your order history and active privileges and edit your customer account information from your smartphone.

When searching in the app stores, search “GoOutdoorsIN” so that the app pops to the top of the search results. You can also find it in the official DNR app.

Resources:
Hybrid Striped Bass Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Largemouth Bass Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Seafood Basics: A Toolkit for Understanding Seafood, Nutrition, Safety and Preparation, and Sourcing, The Education Store
Walleye Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, Eat Midwest Fish
Rainbow Trout Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
A Guide to Small-Scale Fish Processing Using Local Kitchen Facilities, The Education Store
Aquaculture Family Coloring Book Development, The Education Store
Eat Midwest Fish, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant online resource hub
Ask an Expert: Wildlife Food Plots, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
How to Build a Plastic Mesh Deer Exclusion Fence, The Education Store
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 1, Field Dressing, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Deer Harvest Data Collection, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Age Determination in White-tailed Deer, video, The Education Store
Subscribe to Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources YouTube Channel, Wildlife Playlist

Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

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In the past few years, prescribed fire has caught on in Indiana. Government agencies and land trusts have increasingly used it as a tool to create wildlife habitat, manage for rare and endangered species, and promote ecosystem health. On these properties, fire has been reintroduced to landscapes it shaped for thousands of years.

However, while fire is being used to improve our public lands, 96% of Indiana is privately owned. If fire is truly going to spread, private landowners need to start burning as well. One means to that end is the formation of Prescribed Burn Associations.

Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs for short) are, at their most basic level, groups of people who burn together. By burning as a group, members of the PBA can share expertise, equipment, and labor to get more fire on the landscape. They can also pursue training and funding opportunities that may not be readily available to individuals. In Missouri, the formation of 18 PBAs has led to prescribed fire on more than 11,000 acres across the state in the past 10 years. The model for success is already out there.

Indiana is just getting into the PBA game. One PBA based in Daviess County already exists, and interest meetings for two more in Brown and Harrison are on the calendar for fall of 2026. More meetings are in the works across other parts of Indiana.

So, how does one get involved with a PBA? If you happen to be in one of the counties mentioned above, it’s as simple as contacting the leader or attending a meeting. Fire experience is not a requirement, only enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Members don’t have to be landowners either – many PBAs include professionals, students, and folks who are simply interested in learning new land management skills.

If there isn’t a PBA in your area, consider getting one started. Find a few other people who want to be involved, hold an interest meeting to share information and sign folks up, then elect a board. From there, the board guides the organization and helps create its rules, and the larger membership decides on a coverage area and name. Then, all that’s left to do is inventory available equipment and expertise, line up some burns, and start getting good fire on the ground.

Still not sure how to start? That’s where we can help. If you are interested in starting or joining a PBA, you can fill out this PBA Interest Form, and we will reach out to help you get started.

With the formation of PBAs across the state, fire can be more broadly used as a management tool, benefiting the natural world and humans alike. For more information on PBAs, including formation tips and upcoming meetings, visit the Prescribed Burn Associations website.

Resources:
Indiana Prescribed Fire Council (INPFC)
Effective Firebreaks for Safe Use of Prescribed Fire, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Prescribed fire: 6 things to consider before you ignite, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Getting Certified as an Indiana Certified Prescribed Burn Manager, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
FNR Ask The Expert: Prescribed Fire, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment: Prescribed Fire, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Wild Habitat Hint: Late Growing Season Prescribed Fire, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Wild Habitat Hint: Prescribed Fire Techniques – Backing Fire, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Wild Habitat Hint: Prescribed Fire Techniques – Flanking Fire, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Wild Habitat Hint: Prescribed Fire Techniques – Strip Head Fire, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Wild Habitat Hint: Prescribed Fire Techniques – Point Source Fire, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Wild Habitat Hint: Prescribed Fire Techniques – Ring Fire, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel

Danielle Paige Howard, Extension Prescribed Fire Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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In this edition of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension Forester Lenny Farlee introduces us to Nannyberry Viburnum, a native shrub found across Indiana woodlands. Learn how to identify Nannyberry by its finely serrated leaves, drooping branches, clustered fruit and seasonal changes from spring blooms to fall color. Lenny also shares where this species commonly grows and how it fits into Indiana’s natural landscapes. This video provides a helpful introduction to identifying Nannyberry Viburnum whether you’re a student, landowner, or just interested in better understanding the trees and shrubs around you.

 

If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.

Resources:
ID That Tree – Video Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana, Purdue Extension – FNR
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Habitat University, Episode 12 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association
District Forester, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 10+ acres
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

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In this edition of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension Forester Lenny Farlee introduces us to Eastern Swamp Privet, a native Indiana shrub commonly found in wetland and swampy habitats. Unlike the privets around yards, homes and towns, the Eastern Swamp Privet comes from a different genus of plants. Learn how to identify this species by its opposite arrangement, simple leaves, finely toothed margins and spurs. This video provides a helpful introduction to identifying Eastern Swamp Privet whether you’re a student, landowner, or just interested in better understanding the trees and shrubs around you.

 

If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.

Resources:
ID That Tree – Video Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana, Purdue Extension – FNR
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Habitat University, Episode 12 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association
District Forester, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 10+ acres
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

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Jarred Brooke, Extension wildlife specialist, was honored with a Career Achievement Award at the Fire in Eastern Oak Forests Conference in June.

In addition to his extension work with wildlife, Brooke has been deeply involved in prescribed fire, serving as chair of the Indiana Prescribed Fire Council since 2018, working to implement prescribed fire policy in Indiana, and organizing more than 30 Learn-N-Burn and Prescribed Fire field days and workshops that provide landowners and professionals with practical experience in fire safety, timing, and ecological benefits. Jarred has also co-instructed the undergraduate FNR-333 Applied Fire Ecology course since 2019. He was instrumental in securing funding from the Sam Shine Foundation to hire Danielle Howard, the recently hired Extension prescribed fire specialist.

Brooke also was one of three main instructors and organizers of the Indiana Land Stewardship Leadership Academy, which graduated its first class this spring. He was honored in 2021 with the Early Career Award from the Purdue Cooperative Extension Specialists’ Association and PK-12 Council’s Staff Excellence Award for his work with youth audiences, expanding their interest in and preparation for careers in natural resource sciences.

“It’s an honor to have been given the Career Achievement Award from the Fire in Eastern Oak Forests Conference,” Brooke said. “Since I don’t have enough gray hair for a career achievement award, we’ll just call it an early-career award. I have enjoyed all the prescribed fire work I’ve been able to do through my Extension role at Purdue, but this award would not have been possible without all the partners I work with on fire. From leading Learn-N-Burns and serving on the Indiana Prescribed Fire Council board to working

on prescribed fire policy in the Hoosier state, it’s been a collaborative journey – and I’m looking forward to more in the future! Special thanks to Allen Pursell for presenting me with the award.”

At the awards presentation, Pursell, director of forest programs for the Sam Shine Foundation, Inc., said:

“Jarred served as president of the Indiana Prescribed Fire Council from its inception in 2016 through 2025, and remains active. Jarred was known for great ideas, energy, and leadership skills. One of the board members told me that Jarred really held the council together, especially during Covid, when it would have been easy for it to wither.

“As part of his accomplishments there:

• He spearheaded getting the Indiana Prescribed Fire Council incorporated as a non-profit entity.
• He was the key person shepherding the entire process that resulted in the new Indiana Prescribed Fire Law. Many people were involved in key roles, but Jarred made it come together.
• More recently, Jarred identified funds so that Purdue University could hire a Prescribed Fire Extension Specialist who will help to form and support Prescribed Burn Associations, Support the Certified Prescribed Burn Manager program, and Conduct prescribed fire outreach to local communities.
  

  FNR students conduct a prescribed burn at the Celery Bog for their FNR 33350 class in West Lafayette, Ind. on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. (Purdue University photo/Joshua Clark)

• In addition to these, Jarred has conducted many “learn and burn” courses for students and citizens who are interested in prescribed fire. He is a leader among his peers and an untiring advocate for prescribed fire in Indiana.

“For these accomplishments and many others, we are pleased to present Jarred Brooke with this career award.”

The Eastern Oak Forests Conference achievement awards are meant to recognize any significant contributions ranging from science, management, education and outreach, or training. Awards for the conference began during the 2019 conference playing and have ranged from one to six awardees per conference. Awardees are nominated by conference steering committee members.

To view this article along with other news and stories posted on the Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources website view: Jarred Brooke Receives Early Career Award for Prescribed Fire Work.

Resources:
Nature of Teaching, Purdue Agriculture
Natural of Teaching YouTube Channel
College of Agriculture PK-12 Council Outreach and Engagement Awards, Purdue Agriculture
National Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP), Teaching Youth Valuable Skills
Learn How to Control Reed Canarygrass, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
FNR Ask The Expert: Prescribed Fire with Jarred Brooke and Mike Saunders, Purdue Extension – FNR Video
Brooke’s Prescribed Fire Videos Utilized in Global USFS Efforts, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
Prescribed fire: 6 things to consider before you ignite, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – 4Forestry and Natural Resources
Wildlife Habitat Hint: Prescribed Fire Techniques – Backing Fire, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube channel
Indiana Prescribed Fire Council (IPFC)
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel, find natural resources, forestry, wildlife, urban forestry and much more.

Wendy Mayer, FNR Communications Coordinator
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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In this edition of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension Forester Lenny Farlee introduces us to Carolina Buckthorn. This native Indiana shrub features smooth gray bark, glossy leaves and colorful berries that shift from green to red to black. Learn how Carolina buckthorn differs from invasive buckthorn species, where it commonly grows in Indiana woodlands and tips for recognizing it throughout the seasons. This video provides a helpful introduction to identifying Carolina Buckthorn whether you’re a student, landowner or just interested in better understanding of the trees and shrubs around you.

If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.

Resources:
ID That Tree – Video Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana, Purdue Extension – FNR
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Habitat University, Episode 12 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association
District Forester, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 10+ acres
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

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Purdue Landscape Report: Espalier is a pruning and training technique that shapes a tree or shrub to grow in a flat, usually two-dimensional form, often against a wall, fence, or trellis. Rather than allowing branches to grow in every direction, espalier uses careful cutting and tying to guide stems into a planned pattern. The result can be both practical and beautiful, turning a fruit tree or ornamental plant into a living architectural feature.

This method has been used for centuries, especially in places where gardeners wanted to maximize growing space or use walls to create a

warmer microclimate. Espalier is especially popular with fruit trees such as apples, pears, and sometimes figs or stone fruits, because the open structure can improve light penetration and make harvesting easier. It is also valued in formal gardens and small urban spaces where a full-sized tree would be too large or unruly.

One of the biggest advantages of espalier is efficient use of space. A tree trained flat can fit into narrow courtyards, along property lines, or against sunny walls where space is limited. It can also make maintenance easier, since pruning, spraying, thinning, and harvesting are often more accessible than in a dense, free-growing tree. In fruit production, better sunlight and air circulation can improve fruit quality and reduce some disease problems. For many gardeners, espalier is also appealing because it adds a strong visual design element to the landscape.

Espalier does have challenges. It requires patience, regular attention, and a willingness to prune frequently during the training phase. The technique is not ideal for every species, and success depends on choosing a plant that responds well to bending and cutting. If neglected, an espaliered tree can lose its shape quickly and become difficult to correct. It also demands a level of planning that is greater than ordinary pruning, since the final form must be imagined and maintained over time.

The technique is most commonly associated with Europe, especially France, Italy, and England, where it has long been used in formal gardens, orchards, and along estate walls. Today it is also popular in North America among home gardeners, landscape designers, and urban fruit growers who want to combine productivity with ornament. While espalier is less about a single geographic region than pollarding, it remains especially visible in European garden traditions and in places where intensive use of limited space matters.

Espalier is both practical and artistic. It can help gardeners grow more in less space while creating a distinctive look that feels deliberate and refined. For the right plant and the right site, it is a pruning style that blends horticulture with design.

Resources:
Tree Pruning Essentials Video, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Tree Selection for the “Un-natural” Environment, The Education Store, Purdue Education’s resource center
Tree Installation: Process and Practices, The Education Store
Why Is My Tree Dying?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Tree Risk Management, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Pruning Highlight-Pollarding Trees, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Urban Tree Spotlight: Planting Deciduous Shade Trees, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Southwest Damage, Scalding or Frost Cracking, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Surface Root Syndrome, The Education Store
Find an Arborist video, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Report INvasive, Purdue Extension
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Ben McAllister, Urban Forestry Specialist
Forestry & Natural Resources

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Purdue Landscape Report: Many homeowners have evergreens in their home landscape. Evergreens provide a landscape service that other plants cannot – they add color to our landscapes in the winter, and provide some thermal protection for animals and birds. However, if you are researching potential evergreens for your landscape, you may be confused about species names and the botanical differences between them.

Identifying evergreens is a difficult task for most people, which is why many interchange the terms “evergreen” and “pine tree,” but we can also think of spruces, firs, hemlocks, and other species. Although I encourage planting native trees, I’ll cover several native and non-native evergreen species that may be planted or encountered in Indiana.

Let’s start with the basic aspects of pine trees. Pines have needles that are wrapped together in bundles (called fascicles) of 2, 3, or 5 needles, and their cones hang down from branches. Common 2-needled pines include (from shorter to longer needles) Jack pine, Virginia pine, Scots (or Scotch) pine, Austrian pine, and Red pine. 3-needled pines are somewhat rare in Indiana. Loblolly pine is one, and has very long needles, 6-9 inches long. We have one common 5-needled pine tree, the Eastern white pine.

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