Got Nature? Blog

Posted on August 27th, 2023 in Alert, How To, Invasive Insects, Wildlife | No Comments »

Purdue Landscape Report: A new invasive insect of concern has been identified in the state of Georgia. In August of 2023, Georgia’s Department of Agriculture, along with the USDA, confirmed the presence of the yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina, outside of the city of Savannah. To date, this is the only confirmed identification of this insect in the United States; it has already established in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia outside of its native range.  V. velutina is a native of the subtropical and tropical regions of southeast Asia, and it is not yet clear how it arrived in North America. Much like the northern giant hornet, previously known as the Asian giant hornet or ‘murder hornet’, this insect will attack honeybee hives in search of food and represents a potential danger to the beekeeping industry.

yellow-leg hornet

Figure 1. Yellow-Leg Hornet. Image Credit: Allan Smith-Pardo, Invasive Hornets, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org

Yellow-legged hornets are predators and will regularly attack honeybees to provide food for their young, though it is possible they could attack other, similar species.  Since honeybees concentrate their numbers in hives with a lot of in-and-out traffic, they provide an excellent opportunity for the hornets to hunt and provide food for their young.  The hornets are effectively ambush predators, waiting in front of hive entrances and capturing workers with their legs as they leave the hive. The hornets then dismember the bees, returning to their young with only the thorax, which contains the largest amount of protein. However, it is believed that yellow-legged hornets only represent a lethal threat to weaker hives that are already experiencing problems; it is also too early to tell how already-existing honeybee issues, such as mite and disease issues, will interact with the presence of this insect.

The yellow-legged hornet, much like other members of Order Hymenoptera, is a social insect. They create oval or egg-shaped nests in trees that can house as many as 6,000 individuals. Colonies are composed of a foundress and her young, who become the workers within the colony.  Female hornets will overwinter within tree hollows, leaf litter, or other environmentally stable locations, and once spring arrives, they start their own colony and give birth to new workers who care for young and hunt.

As with any new invasive species, it is critical to successful identify it and differentiate it from other species of wasps and hornets that we experience in the Midwest.  At a glance, the yellow-legged hornet is barely discernable from European hornets, yellowjackets, and similar insects; they possess aerodynamic shapes with heavy yellow and black color patterns like many of their cousins. The most easily identified trait is their namesake: the legs of this insect tend to be black closer to the body, with the lower half of the leg bright yellow. The segments of the abdomen follow a similar pattern, with those segments closer to the center of the body being dominated by black, steadily becoming more yellow as you reach the tip of the abdomen. The yellow-legged hornet is also approximately an inch in length, with reproductive individuals sometimes reaching an inch and a half.

While remaining observant will be critical to reporting any invasive species, there are a few things to keep in mind about the yellow-legged hornet. This insect has only been found in one location in Georgia; no other states have any sightings or confirmed reports of this insect. There is also no evidence the insect has established a population in Georgia, there is only one confirmed sighting. The best course of action for now is to be vigilant and report any potential sightings by calling 1-866-NOEXOTIC, or you can contact our local Purdue Extension educator for assistance.

To view this full article and other Purdue Landscape Report articles, please visit Purdue Landscape Report.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Resources:
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Pest Management, The Education Store
Protecting Pollinators: Why Should We Care About Pollinators?, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Ask The Expert: What’s Buzzing or Not Buzzing About Pollinators , Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Purdue Pollinator Protection publication series, Purdue Extension Entomology
Subscribe Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

Bob Bruner, Exotic Forest Pest Educator
Purdue Entomology

Tom Creswell, Plant & Pest Diagnostic Laboratory Director
Purdue Botany and Plant Pathology

Cliff Sadof, Professor, Ornamental, Pest Management
Purdue Entomology Extension Coordinator


In this episode of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee introduces the Black Spruce. This species is found in bogs, wetlands, and sometimes dry sites within the North Woods of Upper Michigan and Wisconsin. Black Spruce has a bluish cast to the newest needle growth. It has single needles attached to the twigs that are typically less than an inch long. The twigs have a reddish brown cast. This tree also has small cones that are somewhat egg shaped.

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, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Burning Bush, Callery Pear, Multiflora rose)
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Against Invasives, Garlic Mustard, Autumn Olive)
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Common Buckthorn, Japanese Barberry)
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
How long do seeds of the invasive tree, Ailanthus altissima remain viable? (Invasive Tree of Heaven), USDA Forest Service
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)
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

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


In this episode of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee introduces the Quaking Aspen. This species is found in the North Woods of Northern Wisconsin, Northern Indiana, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This species has simple, alternately arranged leaves. The stems are flat which allow them to quake or tremble in the wind. The stems on this species are relatively stout and have a chalky white color.

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, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Quaking Aspen, Native Trees of Indiana River Walk, Purdue Fort Wayne
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Burning Bush, Callery Pear, Multiflora rose)
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Against Invasives, Garlic Mustard, Autumn Olive)
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Common Buckthorn, Japanese Barberry)
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
How long do seeds of the invasive tree, Ailanthus altissima remain viable? (Invasive Tree of Heaven), USDA Forest Service
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)
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

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


In this episode of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee introduces the Chokecherry. This species is found in the North Woods of Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as well as natively in Indiana in small/medium shrub form. This species has alternately held broad leaves with finely toothed margins, and has short leaf stalks. The stems are a light to medium gray color and have prominent lenticels scattered along them.

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, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Burning Bush, Callery Pear, Multiflora rose)
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Against Invasives, Garlic Mustard, Autumn Olive)
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Common Buckthorn, Japanese Barberry)
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
How long do seeds of the invasive tree, Ailanthus altissima remain viable? (Invasive Tree of Heaven), USDA Forest Service
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)
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

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


Posted on August 7th, 2023 in How To, Publication, Safety, Wildlife | No Comments »

Drones can be used to assess crop health, monitor livestock, disperse cover crop seed, optimize natural resources, for public safety, and much more. Purdue Extension’s UAV pilots are flying fields, forests, and urban areas through Indiana to help farmers, land and business owners, and government officials turn images into insights. Purdue Extension’s personnel are learning how to help farmers and agricultural professionals more easily analyze and apply data from UAVs or drones.

This publication titled Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Checklist for Drones Flying in Indiana by Purdue Extension educators explains the steps required to legally fly a UAV or UAS in Indiana.

Checking for Drones Flying in Indiana website

To legally fly an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or unmanned aerial system (UAS), several steps must be taken. This document provides checklists to assist you in that process. The primary regulatory agency for UAVs is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). FAA puts drones in three main categories: 0.55 pounds or less, greater than 0.55 pounds to 55 pounds, and more than 55 pounds. The regulation and registration of drones varies, depending sometimes on usage but mostly on weight.

To receive the free download visit the Purdue Extension’s resource center: The Education Store – Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Checklist for Drones Flying in Indiana.

For more information regarding Purdue Extension and Purdue Agriculture’s outreach through the agricultural use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) view Purdue Extension-UAV.

Resources:
Integrated Digital Forestry Initiative (iDiF)
Creating a Wildlife Habitat Management Plan for Landowners, The Education Store
Purdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management Website, Purdue Extension
Timber Harvesting and Logging Practices for Private Woodlands, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Woodland Wildlife Management, The Education Store
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners Video Series, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Frost Seeding Native Grasses and Forbs with a Drone (UAV): Lessons Learned, Purdue Extension Forestry & Natural Resources
A New Drone Supports Pollinator Efforts, Purdue Extension Forestry & Natural Resources

Nikky Witkowski, Agriculture and Natural Resources
Extension Educator, Purdue University

Mark Carter, Agriculture and Natural Resources
Extension Educator, Purdue University

Alex Helms, Assistant Director,
Purdue Agricultural Centers


In this episode of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee introduces the White Spruce. This species is found in the North Woods of Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This species has single needles attached to the twig that tend to be relatively angular and stout. The bark tends to be flaky and dark. The cones are two to three inches in length, have thin scales, and are cylindrical in shape.

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, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Burning Bush, Callery Pear, Multiflora rose)
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Against Invasives, Garlic Mustard, Autumn Olive)
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Common Buckthorn, Japanese Barberry)
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
How long do seeds of the invasive tree, Ailanthus altissima remain viable? (Invasive Tree of Heaven), USDA Forest Service
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)
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

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


Posted on July 27th, 2023 in Alert, Forestry, How To, Safety, Wildlife, Woodlands | No Comments »

Purdue Landscape Report: I have lost count of the number of times I’ve witnessed people working with chainsaws in shorts, a tank top, and flip flops with maybe a pair of earbuds, and it makes me cringe every time.  According to the CDC, over 36,000 chainsaw-related injuries a year are reported with annual medical costs of more than $350 million (Johnson, 2023).  Wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) can help prevent accidents and injuries (Fig. 1).  PPE is there to protect you from head to toe and if you are investing in a chainsaw, it doesn’t take much more to invest in the proper PPE.  Including a work shirt and pants, if you’re using a chainsaw you should wear protection for your head, eyes and ears, hands, legs, and feet, most of which can be found at your local hardware store or home center.Chainsaw Safety Gear

Protecting your head means using a helmet, not a baseball cap or bandanna.  Depending on the type of work you’re doing there is a risk of being struck by wood or branches or if kickback occurs, sending the chainsaw back towards your head. Safety glasses will help keep sawdust and other debris out of your eyes and should be stamped with Z87.1, showing they conform to ANSI safety regulations.  Normal glasses and sunglasses are not rated for being struck and can shatter, sending broken lenses into your eyes.  Ear protection can be in the form of plugs or muffs and should be rated to reduce noise to appropriate levels when worn properly.

Most modern chainsaws have built-in anti vibration technology to reduce fatigue, but having a nice pair of work gloves will still help to protect your hands and grip.  Gloves will help protect against debris and are also good to wear for chainsaw maintenance.  Although not about PPE, another note on protecting your hands when operating a chainsaw includes the proper use of the chain brake.  Injuries can occur on the right hand because operators will remove it from the back handle to activate the chain brake with the palm of their hand and miss it, putting their hand on the still moving chain.  Injuries on either hand can happen when one handing a saw while using your other hand to brace or manage what you are cutting and losing control.  The chain brake is designed to be engaged by popping your left wrist forward while maintaining a grip with both hands on the handles.

To protect your legs some form of chaps or chap pants are needed.  Prices can range from around $40 for a pair of wrap-chaps that can be worn over your work pants up to around $400 for a high-end pair of chap pants that are a stand-alone work pant replacement.  Whichever you choose to wear, the protection should be from the top of your thigh to the top of your foot and wrap around your calf.  Care should be taken to keep them clean from gas and oil and if they are ever damaged by a chainsaw, chaps should be discarded and replaced.  Once the protective material has been damaged the safety has been compromised.  Chainsaw boots are also available to protect your lower legs and feet but are expensive and can be heavy.  A sturdy work boot should be worn at the very least while staying alert to how close the chainsaw is coming to you.  And please, no open-toed shoes.

Whatever the task, if you are going to do your own chainsaw work, then I implore you to wear your PPE from head to toe.  I know it’s hot and can get uncomfortable, but all it takes is one mistake to send you to the ER.  If you feel the job is beyond your capabilities you can always contact an ISA certified arborist at Find an Arborist through the treesaregood.org website.

To view this full article and other Purdue Landscape Report articles, please visit Purdue Landscape Report.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Resources:
The Purdue Landscape Report
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) Youtube Channel
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Find an Arborist website, Trees are Good, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Caring for storm-damaged trees/How to Acidify Soil in the Yard – In the Grow, Purdue Extension
Moist soil and rotten roots makes it easy for trees to come crashing down – Fox 59 News
Tree Risk Management – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Mechanical Damage to Trees: Mowing and Maintenance Equipment – The Education Store
Trees and Electric Lines – The Education Store
Tree Support Systems, The Education Store
Corrective Pruning for Deciduous Trees, The Education Store
Tree Installation: Process and Practices, The Education Store

Ben McCallister, Urban Forestry Specialist
Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources


Posted on July 24th, 2023 in Forestry, How To, Plants, Webinar, Wildlife, Woodlands | No Comments »

In this webinar hosted by Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association, ecologist Michael Homoya discusses the many naturally occurring species of orchids in Indiana and their range, habitats and blooming seasons. This presentation will look at a selection of them and discuss their floral characteristics as well as range, habitat, and blooming seasons. Michael Homoya served as Botanist/Plant Ecologist for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Nature Preserves for 37 years before retiring in 2019. He has written over 75 scientific papers, popular articles, and books about Indiana’s natural features, including Orchids of Indiana, Wildflowers and Ferns of Indiana Forests: A Field Guide, Wake Up, Woods, and Wildflowers of the Midwest.

Check out the Indiana Forestry & Woodland Association YouTube Channel for videos including: What is IFWOA?; A New Carbon Program for Hardwood Landowners Webinar, Indiana’s Native Orchids, Magnificent Trees of Indiana, Be Tick Aware and much more.

The Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA) was founded in 1977 and is a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation and sustainable management of woodlands in Indiana. IFWOA advocates for scientific best practices for management to achieve objectives of clean water, wildlife habitat, soil protection, native species diversity, timber production, recreation, carbon sequestration and many others.

IFWOA is an affiliate of the National Woodland Owners Association. IFWOA is a partner, collaborator or is represented on leading National and State organizations. These memberships or collaborations are selected to advance Indiana Woodland owner’s interests. IFWOA monitors and influences legislation and economic trends impacting Indiana woodlands and landowners for our members. Membership in IFWOA provides a valuable network linkage to information and resources at the leading edge of science, industry and politics impacting Indiana woodlands.

Resources:
Orchids of Indiana, Google Books
Wildflowers and Ferns of Indiana Forests: A Field Guide, Google Books
Wildflowers of the Midwest, Google Books
Magnificent Trees of Indiana, Purdue University Press
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Planting Hardwood Seedlings – The Education Store
Ordering Seedlings from the State Forest Nursery System, Got Nature? – Purdue Extension-FNR
Importance of Hardwood Tree Planting – The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Forest Improvement Handbook – The Education Store
Designing Hardwood Tree Plantings for Wildlife – The Education Store
ID That Tree – YouTube Playlist
Forest Management for Reptiles and Amphibians: A Technical Guide for the Midwest, The Education Store
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Forest Birds , Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Managing Woodlands for Birds , Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Sustaining Our Oak-Hickory Forests , Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Ask the Expert: Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Birds and Salamander Research, Purdue Extension – FNR
Subscribe to Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Liz Jackson, Engagement Lead
Indiana Forestry & Woodland Association


Posted on July 18th, 2023 in Forestry, How To, Wildlife | No Comments »

breeding bird atlas coverMyDNR, Indiana’s Outdoor Newsletter: The latest Breeding Bird Atlas is available. The Division of Fish & Wildlife thanks all atlas participants for their hard work and patience as we worked together to complete this multi-year feat.

The 2005-2011 Atlas of Breeding Birds of Indiana is essential to conservation efforts, as it provides information on breeding occurrences and habitats of rare birds. Not only does it identify new habitat locations for our state’s birds, but it also provides baseline data that can be used for studies on future populations.

Add some color to your day by browsing through the atlas and its beautiful photos of the native birds of Indiana.

Newsletter can be found online: MyDNR Email Newsletter

For more information please visit DNR: Fish & Wildlife: Breeding Bird Atlas.

Resources:
Breeding Birds and Forest Management: the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment and the Central Hardwoods Region, The Education Store, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Forest Birds, The Education Store
Managing Woodlands for Birds, The Education Store
Managing Woodlands for Birds Video, Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Breeding Birds and Forest Management: the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment and the Central Hardwoods Region, The Education Store
The Birders’ Dozen, Profile: Baltimore Oriole, Indiana Woodland Steward
Ask An Expert, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
It’s For the Birds, Indiana Yard and Garden-Purdue Consumer Horticulture
Birds and Residential Window Strikes: Tips for Prevention, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
No Room at the Inn: Suburban Backyards and Migratory Birds, Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center

Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Department of Fish & Wildlife


In this episode of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee introduces the Balsam Poplar. This species is found in the North Woods of Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This species can be quite tall and has gray bark with relatively prominent diamond shapes along it. These trees have a very vertical form and their leaves are elongated, sharply pointed, and have a shiny finish. Balsam Poplar also have very resinous sticky bud scales located below the leaves along the stem.

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, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Burning Bush, Callery Pear, Multiflora rose)
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Against Invasives, Garlic Mustard, Autumn Olive)
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Common Buckthorn, Japanese Barberry)
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
How long do seeds of the invasive tree, Ailanthus altissima remain viable? (Invasive Tree of Heaven), USDA Forest Service
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)
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

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


Got Nature?

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