Got Nature? Blog

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is offering several upcoming opportunities related to prescribed and wildland fire training. Many of these opportunities are required to become an Indiana Certified Prescribed Burn Manager.

All the upcoming training opportunities and course prerequisites are posted on the Indiana DNR Fire Headquarters Training page.

Trainings Required for Indiana CPBM
S-130 Field Day
Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2026
Location: Forestry Training Center
Martinsville, IN 46151

Rx Fire for Managers
Date: Tues-Wed, December 17-18, 2026
Location: Forestry Training Center
Martinsville, IN 46151

Other Prescribed and Wildland Fire Training Opportunities
RT-130 Fire Refresher
Date: Tuesday, November 24, 2026
Location: Prophetstown State Park
West Lafayette, IN 47906

Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2026
Location: Forestry Training Center
Martinsville, IN 46151

Date: Thursday, December 3, 2026
Location: Forestry Training Center
Martinsville, IN 46151

S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws
Dates: Tues-Thurs, December 8-10, 2026
Location: Forestry Training Center
Martinsville, IN 45151

For all Purdue Extension – forestry and Natural Resources upcoming events view Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources Events.

Resources:
FNR Ask The Expert: Prescribed Fire, Purdue Extension Forestry & Natural Resources
100 Year Project Shares New Video, Prescribed Fire, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
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
Burning for Benefits: Why Fire Belongs in Indiana, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
Renovating Native Warm-Season Grass Stands for Wildlife: A Land Manager’s Guide, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Wildlife Habitat Hint: Prescribed Fire Techniques – Backing Fire, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube channel
Wildlife Habitat Hint: Prescribed Fire Techniques – Flanking Fire, Purdue Extension – FNR Video
Wildlife Habitat Hint: Prescribed Fire Techniques – Strip Head Fire, Purdue Extension – FNR Video
Wildlife Habitat Hints: Prescribed Fire Techniques – Ring Fire, Purdue Extension – FNR Video
Wildlife Habitat Hints: Prescribed Fire Techniques – Point Source Fire, Purdue Extension – FNR Video
Wildlife Habitat Hint: Late Growing Season Prescribed Fire, Purdue Extension – FNR Video
FNR Ask The Expert: Prescribed Fire with Jarred Brooke and Mike Saunders, Purdue Extension – FNR Video
Indiana Prescribed Fire Council

Jarred Brooke, Wildlife Extension Specialist
Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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Whether it’s wildlife finding its way into buildings, mysterious holes appearing in the yard, or concerns about protecting gardens and crops, interactions with wildlife can leave landowners and homeowners searching for answers. To help address these common questions, Purdue University Extension and the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources are offering a new four-part online series, Wildlife Issues and Solutions.

This lunchtime webinar series will provide practical, research-based information to help participants better understand wildlife behavior, identify common wildlife-related problems and explore management options. Each session will include expert guidance and real-world solutions that can be applied around homes, properties, farms and outdoor spaces.

All webinars will take place from Noon to 1:00 p.m. (EST) and are open to anyone interested in learning more about living and working alongside wildlife.

Upcoming Sessions:
November 20, 2026
What’s Making Holes in My Yard?
Learn how to identify the wildlife responsible for digging activity and understand why animals dig in lawns, landscapes and natural areas.

December 11, 2026
Aggressive Wildlife: Truth or Myth?
Explore common misconceptions about aggressive wildlife behavior and learn when concern is warranted and how to respond appropriately.

January 22, 2027
Preparing for Spring: Crop & Garden Damage
Discover strategies to reduce wildlife damage to gardens, landscapes and agricultural crops before the growing season begins.

Whether you’re a homeowner, landowner, gardener, farmer, or simply interested in wildlife, this series will provide valuable insights for managing wildlife interactions while supporting healthy wildlife populations.

Register for the Wildlife Issues and Solutions Online Series:
Registration

Resources:
Diagnosing and Controlling Wildlife Damage, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s rescource center
Preventing Wildlife Damage – Do You Need a Permit?, The Education Store
Wildlife Conflicts, Purdue University
New Tool for Helping Landowners to Help Declining Birds, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR)
Forest Management for Reptiles and Amphibians: A Technical Guide for the Midwest, The Education Store
Ask the Expert: Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Birds and Salamander Research, Purdue Extension – FNR
Developing a Wildlife Habitat Management Plan, The Education Store
The Nature of Teaching, Purdue Extension
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources Youtube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana, Purdue Extension – FNR
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store
ReportINvasive, Purdue College of Agriculture – Entomology
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
District Forester, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 10+ acres
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
Subscribe Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

Brian MacGowan​, Wildlife Extension Specialist
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University

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In early November, invasive bush honeysuckle is one of the only understory shrubs that are still green. While many of our native plants are dormant, Asian bush honeysuckle remains green longer making them easy to locate. Doing control measures this time of year also reduces impacts to non-target plants.

How do you control it? That depends on what resources you have available. Small plants can be easily pulled by hand; be sure to hang them on tree branch rather than laying them down on the ground so they don’t re-root. In most cases, some method of herbicide control will be necessary. Ohio State University has a good guide on various methods of control, Controlling Non-Native Invasive Plants in Ohio Forests: Bush Honeysuckle.

Not sure where to start on your property? One of the most daunting aspects of invasive plant control is where to begin. Ellen Jacquart, former Director of Stewardship for the Nature Conservancy in Indiana, wrote an article in the Indiana Woodland Steward. The Where do I Start?! Prioritizing Invasive Plant Control article describes how to plan your invasive plant control including prioritizing what to do first.

Click on the photos below for larger view to help as you identify Asian bush honeysuckle.

Resources:
Subscribe to the Indiana Woodland Steward Newsletter
Consider Fall Eradication of Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Purdue Landscape Report
Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Purdue Extension YouTube Video
A Woodland Moment: Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Video
Invasive Plants of the Eastern U.S.: An Introduction to the Problematic Non-Native Species, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
Report Invasive Species: Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What Are Invasive Species and Why Should I Care?, Purdue Extension-FNR Got Nature? Blog
Emerald Ash Borer Information Network, Purdue University and Partners
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Subscribe Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

Brian MacGowan​, Wildlife Extension Specialist
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University

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Researchers at Purdue are working to scale up the green production of maple syrup in the Central Hardwood Region. As part of the project, which will help shape the future of the industry, researchers are asking producers to participate in a new survey, sharing their experiences, challenges and perspectives on sustainable production and cooperative opportunities.

“A producer coop could help strengthen Indiana’s maple syrup industry by reducing production costs, expanding market opportunities, improving profitability, and lowering the environmental footprint of maple syrup production,” said Dr. Mo Zhou, associate professor of forest economics and management. “But for such coops to succeed, it must reflect the needs and preferences of producers. This survey seeks to understand producers’ willingness to participate in a coop and the types of coop arrangements that would best serve them. The survey responses will help us explore a coop model that benefits individual producers while supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of Indiana’s maple syrup industry.”

The deadline to complete the survey is Nov. 30, 2026.

The fully confidential survey, which will take between 15 and 25 minutes to complete, asks about:

• Maple syrup production practices
• Production and marketing challenges
• Sustainable “green” production practices
• Cooperative participation and preferences
• Educational and technical assistance needs.

Participants may skip any questions they do not wish to answer or stop participating in the survey at any time. No personal identifiable information will be collected and survey responses will remain anonymous and only will be reported in summary form.

“Clearly, there is a great need and potential for expanding the “green” production of maple syrup in Indiana through engaging more private landowners in sugaring activities,” PhD student Jean Fritz Saint Preux said. “We will use Indiana as a model to produce new research that will help develop and disseminate decision-making and educational tools and promote the production of sustainable, low-carbon-footprint maple syrup and other sap-based products. The project findings will be transferable to other states in Central Hardwood Region because of the similarity in the forest type, land ownership and many other attributes.”

The project is supported by the USDA Aces Access and Development Program.

Learn More:
Sugar Sweet: Making Maple Syrup, Purdue College of Agriculture News
Researchers Need Community Participation in Maple Syrup Producers Survey, Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources News
For the second year, Acer grant boosts Indiana Maple Syrup Industry, Purdue College of Agriculture News
A Tale of Two Syrups, Featured Photo Styory, Purdue College of Agriculture
An Introduction to Trees of Indiana, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana Videos, Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR)
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue FNR YouTube Channel Webinars
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel for videos on forestry, urban forestry, wildlife, aquaculture, fisheries, conservation, natural resource management, wood products, wood manufacturing and much more.

Jean Fritz Saint Preux, Graduate Research Assistant
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

Mo Zhou, Associate Professor of Forest Economics and Management
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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For more than 100 years, Purdue Extension has worked alongside Indiana communities, helping residents access research-based information, trusted expertise and local support. Now, an exciting new chapter is underway.

As part of Purdue Extension’s transformation to a statewide structure with 12 regional teams, Indiana communities will have greater access to specialized expertise, stronger collaboration across counties and new opportunities to connect with Extension professionals. Purdue Extension has transitioned to a regional model designed to bring together experts from agriculture and natural resources, health and human sciences, community development and 4-H while continuing to serve local needs throughout the state.

Stay Connected Through New Regional Websites and Facebook Pages
Each regional team now has its own online presence where community members can learn about programs, meet team members, discover upcoming events and find resources tailored to their area. These regional websites will serve as hubs for sharing local success stories, educational opportunities and ways to engage with Purdue Extension.

Be sure to follow your regional Purdue Extension office on Facebook to stay connected with local events, educational opportunities, resources and success stories from your area.

Region 1: Northwest (website coming soon)
Facebook: Purdue Extension Northwest Region
Counties served: Jasper, Lake, LaPorte, Newton, Porter, Pulaski, Starke and White

Region 2: North (website coming soon)
Facebook: Purdue Extension North Region
Counties served: Elkhart, Fulton, Kosciusko, Marshall and St. Joseph

Region 3: Northeast (website coming soon)
Facebook: Purdue Extension Northeast Region
Counties served: Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells and Whitley

Region 4: North Central (website coming soon)
Facebook: Purdue Extension North Central Region
Counties served: Cass, Carroll, Clinton, Grant, Howard, Miami and Tipton

Region 5: West Central
Facebook: Purdue Extension West Central Region
Counties served: Benton, Fountain, Montgomery, Parke, Putnam, Tippecanoe, Vermillion, Vigo and Warren

Region 6: Central (website coming soon)
Facebook: Purdue Extension Central Region
Counties served: Boone, Hamilton, Hendricks, Hancock, Madison and Marion

Region 7: East Central
Facebook: Purdue Extension East Central Region
Counties served: Blackford, Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Jay, Randolph, Rush, Union and Wayne

Region 8: Southwest Central (website coming soon)
Facebook: Purdue Extension Southwest Central Region
Counties served: Clay, Daviess, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen and Sullivan

Region 9: South Central (website coming soon)
Facebook: Purdue Extension South Central Region
Counties served: Bartholomew, Brown, Jackson, Johnson, Lawrence, Monroe, Morgan and Shelby

Region 10: Southeast (website coming soon)
Facebook: Purdue Extension Southeast Region
Counties served: Decatur, Dearborn, Franklin, Jennings, Jefferson, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland

Region 11: Southwest (website coming soon)
Facebook: Purdue Extension Southwest Region
Counties served: Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike, Spencer, Vanderburgh, Warrick and Posey

Region 12: South
Facebook: Purdue Extension South Region
Counties served: Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Harrison, Orange, Scott and Washington

Explore Regional Highlights
Purdue Extension Announces Regional Operations Leaders, Purdue Extension News
Extension Launches Transformation, Purdue Extension
See Regional Impact in Action, Purdue Extension – West Central Impact, Creating Healthier Environments for Young Children
East Central Impact, From Research to the Field: Regional Collaboration at OPAC Field Day

Purdue Extension’s regional structure is built around a simple goal: helping communities thrive by connecting people with the expertise, resources and partnerships they need.

As these regional teams continue to grow, we invite you to explore your regional website, follow your regional Facebook page and discover new opportunities to connect with Purdue Extension.
Find your region. Follow your team. Stay connected.

More Resources:
Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR), Purdue Extension
Find Your Purdue Extension County Office, Purdue Extension
Purdue Extension 2025 Annual Impact Report, Purdue Extension
Facebook, Purdue Extension
Subscribe – Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR)
Ask an Expert, Purdue Extension – FNR
Download Free Publications, Purdue Extension – FNR
Subscribe to Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (videos include: aquaculture, fish management, urban and forestry management, natural resource planning, wildlife and sustainable biomaterials)
Purdue Extension resource center with additional publications – The Education Store

Purdue Extension

Diana Evans, Extension and Web Communication Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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Purdue Landscape Report: Fall is one of my favorite times of year. The temperatures begin to cool, the humidity drops, and the landscape starts its annual transformation as trees trade their summer greens for shades of yellow, orange, and red. For those of us who enjoy spending time outdoors, it can also be one of the most pleasant times of year to work in the landscape.

As fall approaches, one question I frequently hear is:
“Is fall a good time to plant a tree?” The answer is yes!

In fact, fall can be an excellent time to add a new tree to your landscape. Cooler temperatures and decreased drought stress can make the transition from nursery to landscape less stressful for newly planted trees. As long as you select an appropriate tree, plant it correctly, and provide proper care after planting, a fall planting can give a tree an excellent start.

Why plant trees in the fall?
One of the biggest advantages of fall planting is the weather. Compared with the heat of summer, cooler fall temperatures reduce heat stress and typically lower evapotranspiration—the amount of water lost from plants and soil to the atmosphere.

Fall also shifts the tree’s priorities. Rather than putting most of its energy into producing new shoots and leaves, a deciduous tree is preparing for dormancy and continuing to develop its root system. Planting during this period can allow roots to become established before the tree has to deal with the heat and water demands of the following summer.

Of course, cooler temperatures and fall rainfall do not eliminate the need to water a newly planted tree. Newly installed trees still require regular attention while their root systems become established.

What should I consider when planting in the fall?
There are a few important considerations to keep in mind.

• Water is still important. If rainfall isn’t providing approximately 1 inch of water per week, newly planted trees will need supplemental irrigation. A useful general guideline is approximately 5 gallons of water per week for every inch of trunk diameter, although actual watering needs will vary depending on soil, weather, tree size, and site conditions. Rather than relying solely on a calendar, check the soil and adjust watering based on conditions.
• Don’t forget to mulch. Apply a layer of organic mulch over the root zone to help conserve soil moisture and moderate soil temperatures. Keep mulch away from direct contact with the trunk—avoid creating the familiar “mulch volcano” around the base of the tree.
• Give the tree time to establish. Ideally, trees should be planted early enough in the fall to allow their roots to become established before the ground freezes. A common recommendation is to allow approximately six weeks between planting and the first hard freeze.
• Choose the right tree for the site. Fall is a good planting season, but it doesn’t make a poorly matched tree a good choice.
• Consider the mature size of the tree, available growing space, soil conditions, sunlight, drainage, and other site characteristics before making your selection.Think about winter protection. Some trees, particularly broadleaf evergreens, may be more susceptible to winter injury because they continue to lose moisture through their leaves when the ground is frozen and roots cannot readily replace that water. Newly planted trees may also benefit from protection against trunk damage from wildlife or winter sun exposure, depending on the species and site.

Give your tree a good start
Planting a tree is a long-term investment. The work you put into selecting, planting, watering, and caring for a tree during its first few years can have a significant impact on its future health and structure.

So, if you’ve been waiting for cooler weather to add a tree to your landscape, fall can be a great time to get planting. Choose the right tree for the right place, plant it properly, and don’t forget about it once the leaves have fallen.

If you have questions about selecting, planting, or caring for a tree, contact your local Extension office or consult an ISA Certified Arborist for site-specific advice. You can find an ISA Certified Arborist through Find an Arborist.

Original article and Additional resources are available through the Purdue Landscape Report.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Resources:
The Purdue Landscape Report
Planning the Tree Planting Operation, The Education Store
Tree Risk Management – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Tree Planting Part 2: Planting Your Tree, The Education Store
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Summer Tree Care, Purdue Landscape Report
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Surface Root Syndrome, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Ask an Expert: Tree Selection and Planting, Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube playlist
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube playlist
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Ben McCallister, Urban Forestry Specialist
Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources

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As the crisp autumn air settles in and campfires become a seasonal staple, October brings an important reminder: your firewood choices matter. That’s why October is officially Firewood Month, a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the risks of moving firewood and the spread of invasive forest pests.

Why “Don’t Move Firewood” Matters
Transporting firewood, even just a few miles, can unintentionally spread destructive pests like emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle and spongy moth. These invaders often hide inside or on firewood, threatening Indiana’s forests, parks and urban trees.

The Don’t Move Firewood website offers excellent resources to help you make informed choices. Whether you’re heating a cabin, heading out to hunt, or planning a backyard bonfire, they recommend:

• Buying firewood where you’ll burn it
• Choosing certified heat-treated wood
• Gathering wood on-site when permitted

You can also explore their Firewood Month Toolkit, maps of regulations and a webinar series designed for professionals and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

While October is Firewood Month, the risk of spreading invasive pests lasts well beyond the fall. Many forest pests remain a threat throughout the year. Adults may still be visible until the first hard freeze, and egg masses can be observed from now through June. The spotted lanternfly females lay egg masses in late summer through early winter, often peaking in October. These masses can survive through winter and hatch in the spring. Learn more about the Spotted Lanternfly from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. This is why it’s important to practice safe firewood habits year-round.

Spotlight on ReportINvasive
Check out the latest post on the ReportINvasive Facebook which reinforces the importance of Firewood Month. ReportINvasive is a trusted source for updates on invasive species in Indiana, and their social media outreach is a great way to stay informed and engaged. Give the Facebook page a LIKE and FOLLOW for future webinars and workshops.

Concerned About Insects? Purdue Extension Entomology Can Help
If you suspect insect damage or want to learn more about forest pests, the Purdue Extension Entomology team is an outstanding resource. Their experts provide science-based guidance on insect identification, management strategies, and outreach materials to help protect Indiana’s ecosystems.

Let’s work together to keep Indiana’s forests healthy and resilient. This October, make the smart choice—don’t move firewood!

More Resources
Spotted Lanternfly – including map sharing locations, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
October is Firewood Awareness Month!, Purdue Landscape Report
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Emerald Ash Borer Information Network, Purdue University and Partners
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Entomology Weekly Review, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology
Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology, Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Diana Evans, Extension and Web Communication Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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Have you been hearing more annoying buzzing around your ears than normal? Maybe you’ve got an itch you just can’t seem to scratch. There’s a good explanation for that.

Indiana saw record amounts of rainfall in August, resulting in flooding across the state. These rain events and flooding, along with a warm start to September, have created the perfect storm of conditions for a large boom in mosquito populations. Although flooding itself may temporarily wash away some mosquito larvae, the standing water left behind as floodwaters recede can provide abundant new breeding habitat. Floodwater is one of several important mosquito breeding environments in Indiana, along with woodland pools, slow-moving streams, ditches, marshes and the edges of lakes.

Indiana is home to more than 50 species of mosquitoes, and different species use different types of water for reproduction. Some mosquitoes are associated with floodwater and other natural habitats, while others prefer smaller, humanmade containers. Following a period of heavy rain, water can collect in old tires, clogged gutters, rain barrels, birdbaths, catch basins, tree cavities and other objects around homes. It’s important to empty these water sources to reduce mosquito populations around the home.

The mosquito life cycle also helps explain why populations can appear to increase rapidly after a major rain event. Female mosquitoes can lay as many as 400 eggs after having a blood meal. Depending on the species and environmental conditions, eggs can hatch in less than three days. The larvae, commonly called “wrigglers,” take roughly 7-10 days to develop into pupae. After an additional 2-3 days, the next round of adult mosquitoes emerges. The water remaining after all of the August storms will produce many new generations of mosquitoes in a relatively short period of time. You may have already noticed an influx in these pesky insects!

The increase in mosquitoes is not just an outdoor annoyance. Several mosquito-borne viruses are concerns for Hoosiers, including West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, La Crosse fever, Eastern equine encephalitis and Western equine encephalitis. Wild birds can serve as reservoirs for some of these viruses. Mosquitoes feeding on infected birds may subsequently transmit viruses when they feed on other animals or people. The Indiana Board of Health monitors for vector borne diseases, and has identified mosquito pools that are positive for West Nile Virus across the state.

For Indiana residents dealing with the aftermath of heavy August rainfall, reducing standing water around homes is an important first step. Removing or disposing of objects that collect water, regularly changing water in birdbaths and unused wading pools, keeping rain gutters unclogged, draining stagnant pools and puddles, and covering stored water such as rain barrels and cisterns are all great preventative measures around your home. Eliminating these breeding sites interrupts the mosquito life cycle before adults emerge.

Homeowners can also reduce exposure to adult mosquitoes. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, particularly during periods of high mosquito activity, can greatly reduce the chance of mosquito bites. Mosquitoes are often most active around dawn and dusk, so limiting outdoor exposure during those periods or staying in screened areas can reduce the chance of being bitten. EPA-registered mosquito repellents can provide additional protection.

As Indiana moves beyond August, mosquito numbers may remain elevated wherever standing water persists. Removing that water, improving drainage and protecting against bites can help Hoosiers reduce mosquito populations and limit their potential impact on people and animals.

Resources:
Indiana Department of Health
Mosquitoes, Purdue Extension Entomology
Mosquitoes In and Around the Home, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Community-Wide Mosquito Management, Purdue Extension – Entomology
Mosquitoes, Ticks and Other Arthropods, CDC Yellow Book, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Mosquitoes and ticks – little pests carry big risks – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Mosquitoes carrying Zika virus can be controlled and avoided – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Field Season Upon Us! Be Prepared – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Excess Rain and Pond Integrity – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Health & Wellness Lessons, The Nature of Teaching
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Tabatha (Tabby) Flinn, Senior Regional Educator
Agriculture and Natural Resources, Purdue Extension

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Following a recent tornado in Monroe County, an Indiana homeowner noticed something remarkable among the storm damage. More than 30 trees, including walnut and butternut, were either uprooted or snapped. Yet several mature shagbark hickory trees stood largely untouched amid the destruction.

This observation prompted an interesting question: Is there something about shagbark hickory trees that makes them more resistant to tornadoes and high winds than other hardwood trees?

Answer: While every storm is different and no tree species is completely tornado-proof, the observation aligns with what foresters and arborists know about hickory wood.

Shagbark, along with other hickory species, is among one of the stronger trees native to Indiana. Because of its strength and shock-absorbency quality, hickory is a prime choice for tool handles and baseball bats as well as solid wood furniture and flooring.

Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) is famous for more than its distinctive peeling bark. The wood itself possesses exceptional mechanical properties.

Hickory wood combines:

• High strength
• Notable elasticity
• Superior shock resistance
• High density

Together, these properties give hickory exceptional toughness – the capacity to absorb and redistribute energy before fracturing. This means its stems and branches may bend under wind loading rather than fail as abruptly as wood with lower toughness.

For that reason, hickory has long been valued for products subjected to repeated impacts. Traditional axe and sledgehammer handles, drumsticks, and baseball bats have often been made from hickory because it can absorb shock and withstand repeated bending stresses without breaking as readily as many other hardwoods.

Healthy Trees:
Healthy trees with vigorous growth and little decay generally withstand stress better than weakened trees. This is one reason why it is important to evaluate your trees before severe weather and storm season arrives. Identifying structural defects, dead branches, decay, or other potential hazards early can help reduce the risk of tree failure during high wind events. The following Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) blog articles can help you assess your trees and recognize common warning signs:
Learn More – Got Nature? Blog Posts:
Tree Risk Management: What Every Property Owner Needs to Know
Spring Storms Are Coming: How to Reduce Tree Damage and Risk
Trees and Storms: Understanding Damage, Risk and Recover
Storms Can Cause Damage and Tree Cleanup: What You Need to Know
Southwest Damage, Scalding or Frost Cracking

Great Resource from The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center:
Publication: Tree Defect Identification

Contact a Certified Arborist:
Consulting a certified arborist can help determine whether a damaged tree remains safe and healthy.
Find an Arborist, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)

Ben McAllister, Urban Forestry Specialist
Forestry & Natural Resources

More Resources:
Mechanical Damage to Trees: Mowing and Maintenance Equipment, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Tree Pruning Essentials Video, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Why Is My Tree Dying?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Surface Root Syndrome, The Education Store
Report INvasive, Purdue Extension
Indiana Invasive Species Council
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

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