Got Nature? Blog

Welcome to ID That Tree! In this episode, Purdue Extension Forester Lenny Farlee introduces Coralberry, a small native Indiana shrub also known as Buckbrush. Learn how it got its name, what makes its leaves unique and where it typically grows. Whether you’re a nature lover, student or just curious about local plant life, this quick and informative video is a great way to expand your knowledge of Indiana’s native shrubs.

 

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
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana, Purdue Extension – FNR
Habitat University, Episode 12 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
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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Discover the importance of thinning dense native warm-season grasses in conservation plantings to improve diversity. This guide explains methods to reduce tall native warm-season grasses to improve habitat for wildlife. Essential reading for conservationists and land managers interested in grassland ecosystems.

Learn when and how to thin these grasses effectively, and explore strategies that balance ecological health with long-term land management goals: Thinning Native Warm-Season Grasses

This publication is part of a seven publication series The Managing Conservation Plantings Series which include details on how to control invasive species and other problematic plants in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) plantings and native warm-season grass and wildflower conservation plantings.

Publications in this series include:

• Golden Rod Control
• Thinning Native Warm-Season Grasses
• Sericea Lespedeza Control
• Woody Encroachment and Woody Invasives
• Johnson Grass Control
• Reed Canarygrass Control
• Teasel Control (Common and Cut Leaved)
• Controlling Introduced Cool-season Grasses
• Crownvetch, Sweetclover and Birdsfoot Trefoil Control

Resources:
Deer Impact Toolbox & Grassland Management, Purdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management
Pond and Wildlife Management, Purdue Extension
Forestry for the Birds Virtual Tour and Pocket Guide, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Frost Seeding to Establish Wildlife Food Plots and Native Grass and Forb Plantings – Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Wildlife Habitat Hint: Tips for Evaluating a First Year Native Grass and Forb Plantings, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Drone Seeding Native Grasses and Forbs: Project Overview & Drone Setup, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Ask an Expert: Wildlife Food Plots, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 1, Field Dressing, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Forest Management for Reptiles and Amphibians: A Technical Guide for the Midwest, The Education Store
A Template for Your Wildlife Habitat Management Plan, The Education Store
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Nature of Teaching Unit 1: Animal Diversity and Tracking, The Education Store
Nature of Teaching, Purdue College of Agriculture
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Subscribe Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

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

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Purdue Landscape Report: These three maples have somewhat similar-looking leaves. On the surface, you may think this is simply an academic exercise. But if you care about invasive plants and local ecology, this distinction is an important one.

Norway maple is an invasive tree species, while sugar and black maples are native tree species (sometimes called hard maples). Sugar and black maples are even more beloved for their gift of delicious sugary sap that can be made into maple syrup and similar products. They also make great shade trees. Note that there are other native and non-native maple species.

One way to distinguish between Norway (Acer platanoides), sugar (Acer saccharum), and black (Acer nigrum) maples is to count the number of lobes on the leaves. Lobes are large areas of the leaf that stick out, like an ear lobe, although that is not the clearest analogy. Norway maples typically have 5-7 lobes (commonly 7), sugar maples typically have 5, and black maples typically have 3-5. Black maple’s bottom two lobes are so much less prominent than sugar maple that it often looks like 3 main lobes. Additionally, black maple leaves droop on the sides, almost like they are starting to wilt from lack of water.

Another way to distinguish Norway maples from native maples (sugar and black) is to look at the winged seeds, called samaras. Children may call these “helicopters,” as they twirl on their way to the ground. The Norway maple has paired samaras arranged like a handlebar mustache. Sugar and black maple samara pairs look more like a Fu Manchu mustache, pointing downward rather than the near horizontal arrangement of Norway maple samaras.

A third way to distinguish Norway maples from native maples is to snap off the long leaf stem (petiole). Norway maples have a milky latex sap that exudes if you squeeze or pinch a petiole, while native maples have clear sap.

There are a few other identification nuances between these species. For example, black maples have stipules (leaf-like growths) at the base of their petioles (absent on sugar maple). They also have pubescence or hairiness on the underside of the leaves. Norway maple has hairs in the axils of leaf veins. Norway maple’s leaves are generally broader than long. Other differences may be seen in the bark, twigs, buds, and fall coloring.

Although Norway maple is an invasive species, it has been a long-time landscaping favorite of homeowners, especially cultivars like ‘Crimson King’ that retain their deep red color all year. This attribute has made Norway maple a popular choice because few other options exist to offer that color feature for the landscape. Other varieties or cultivars exhibit the normal green leaf color. Native to northern Europe, the tree was introduced in America in the late 1700s. George Washington reportedly purchased two trees in 1792 to plant at Mount Vernon.

For full article: Distinguishing Between Norway, Sugar, and Black Maples, Purdue Landscape Report.

Resources:
ReportINvasive, Purdue College of Agriculture
What are Invasive Species and Why Should I Care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Large Spots on Maple Leaves that Look Like Tar, Purdue Extension News
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana
An Introduction to Trees of Indiana
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Tree Installation: Process and Practices, The Education Store
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resource (FNR) YouTube Channel
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube playlist
Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory

John E. Woodmansee, Extension Educator – Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR)
Purdue Extension – Whitely County

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MyDNR, Indiana’s Outdoor Newsletter: Do you have bats roosting on your property? Help DNR by counting how many bats fly out during a few evenings this summer. Monitoring bats as they emerge from roosts helps us manage the reproductive health of bats across the state.

The Summer Bat Roost Monitoring Project uses volunteers to collect information on the distribution, occupancy and abundance of bat colonies throughout Indiana.

Participants must have bats roosting on their property or permission to enter property where a roost occurs. Possible roost sites include trees, bat houses, barns, attics, outbuildings and other structures. On each night of surveying, volunteers count the bats that exit the roost and record weather information. Each survey takes about an hour and is conducted on eight to 12 nights from mid-May to mid-July.

Newsletter can be found online May: DNR: Communications: MyDNR Email Newsletter (in.gov)

For more information please visit Summer Bat Roost Monitoring Project.

To sign up for the project, visit the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s volunteer page and select “Find an ongoing service project.” Wildlife Diversity staff also monitor bats using mobile acoustic surveys and acoustic monitoring stations.

Resources:
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE) Highlights: Bats, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Bats in the Belfry, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
Ask An Expert: Bats on the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE), Video, Purdue Extension – FNR Facebook
Bats in Indiana, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN DNR)
Bat Houses, Bat Conservation International
Creating a Wildlife Habitat Management Plan for Landowners, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
The Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE): Indiana Forestry and Wildlife, The Education Store
Unexpected Plants and Animals of Indiana: Indiana Bats, Purdue College of Agriculture News
Selecting a Nuisance Wildlife Control Professional, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
FAQs – How can I get rid of nuisance wildlife (bats, deer, racoons, etc.)?
Subscribe to Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Department of Fish & Wildlife

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Trees are lost every year from storm-related events. Major damage to parts of the tree or even the entire tree can result from high winds, snow and ice. Historic, specimen and significant trees provide value to the landscape and the community, and these trees can become aesthetic, financial and social losses in storms. In addition to physical damage or loss, risk and liability can become a concern to people and the surrounding property. Seasonal storms can cause extensive damage depending on timing and intensity. Deciding what to do with damaged trees is an important process.

Over time, trees swaying in the wind develop extra strength to withstand directional forces. If conditions are consistent, trees will initiate changes in their development to compensate for these loading patterns. They are biologically engineered to adjust to external loading, under normal conditions. This fiber strength can minimize the impact of external forces, unless they are excessive, such as during a storm. Typically, these loads come from wind. However, ice and snow also can cause damage from excessive weight on branches.

Typical weather events are not an issue for trees. They are engineered to withstand normal conditions. However, some storms can exert extreme forces, resulting in injuries of varying degrees. It is at this point that a tree owner or manager must make an informed decision based on the extent of the damage. The assistance of a trained arborist can help determine if a tree can be saved from sustained injuries, or if it requires removal

The response to storm damage should be based primarily on two concepts: risk and sustainability. If the tree is an imminent or likely danger to people, property or activities, the decision leaves little room for options. However, if the residual risk from the damage is determined to be of an acceptable level and the injury to the tree not life- threatening, mitigation may be possible to save the tree and reduce the danger.

There are several types of tree damage that occur from violent weather. Each has its own specific assessment considerations. All parts of the tree should be inspected during a post-storm assessment.

Some common damage found includes:
Wind Throw
The entire tree is “pushed over” by high winds. The loading forces on the aerial tree portions are too great for the developed root system. Previous harm from activities such as construction damage, lack of maintenance and attacks from pests predisposes the tree to damage with poor anchorage or health. Inspect the root plate of each tree on a regular basis to determine if there are any root health issues. Look for fungal fruiting bodies, exposed roots, lifting or other damage. Larger or more mature trees that have been completely uprooted are typically not salvageable

Stem Failure
Trees will fail at their weakest point. Typically, failure is caused by the combination of a defect and external forces. Old injury sites or wounds are common on tree trunks, and these damaged areas can lead to tree failure under excessive loads. Also, trees newly exposed to prevailing winds from development or removal can be at greater risk. Trunks can snap or buckle if the tree is unable to withstand the wind forces. Damage from stem failure usually cannot be repaired. Trees with major defects on the trunk should be examined carefully to determine the degree of risk for that location. Look for decayed areas, cavities, nesting holes and fungal fruiting bodies for indicators. The extent and location of these defects will help the arborist determine the potential for failure.

Crown Twist
The tree canopy contains an array of leaves, twigs and branches that make up the crown portion of the tree.

Many times, the crown can have an uneven geometry from competition or poor pruning, leaving an unequal appearance. The result of this situation in high winds can be trouble. Uneven wind loading on the lopsided crown produces a damaging twist on major branches and the stem. This twisting causes torsional stress, much like twisting a rope backwards, resulting in splits and cracking. This is especially damaging around old wounds or other defects, which can lead to failure. Close investigation is necessary to spot these often-subtle cracks. Often this damage can be mitigated in branches; however, take caution with damaged trunks.

Root Failure
Stability and anchorage are important roles of the root system for keeping a tree upright.

Both the structural, woody roots and the fine absorbing roots create an effective network of strength to withstand wind-loading forces. As the tree becomes larger, increased stress is put on the roots to maintain stability.

Roots that are restricted, diseased or damaged can cause trees to lean and fall. Careful examination of the root plate is needed to determine if anchorage is compromised. Look for heaving soil and roots around the tree trunk, which can present a high-risk situation. The presence of pulled or broken roots, as well as any mushroom development around the root system, also can be indicators of defects in the roots. Depending on the age, size and degree of exposure, mitigation may be possible. Young trees with healthy roots systems can be up righted and staked or guyed with success. However, if more than 30 percent of the roots are exposed, removal may be the better option.

Branch Failure
Tree branches are easy victims of loading forces. Whether it is axial loading from snow or ice accretion or lateral, side loading from wind, damage is frequent. Because branches can sometimes be poorly attached to the main stems, they can easily experience injury. However, this structural arrangement allows the branches to be flexible and disposable, and easily shed in times of stress to help dampen the impact of wind, minimizing damage to the larger, structural branches.

Poor architecture and development, such as codominant stems and included bark in branch junctions, predisposes branches to failure and often are the first to experience damage. Branch failure can be easily repaired and not lethal to the tree unless more than half the crown has been destroyed. However, they can create high-risk situations in the wrong places. Learn to recognize dead, broken, hanging limbs or other signs of damage to reduce risk. Often twisted and cracked branches are difficult to see and may need closer inspection by an arborist to identify. Be sure to use pruning best practices when correcting damage in the crown.

There are other forms of damage, such as lightning damage, which can be detrimental and even lethal to trees. A certified arborist or qualified consulting arborist can help provide a prognosis.

Storm Damage Prevention
It is impossible to protect a tree from storms or prevent damage from weather events. However, there are some actions that can minimize injury to trees.

The best preparation begins when trees are young or newly planted. Do not stake or guy trees unless absolutely necessary. This prevents development of internal adjustments to wind with response wood growth. Let the tree adjust to local conditions by allowing natural movement.

Functional pruning helps trees form a healthy, more wind-resistant crown. Inspection and corrective pruning of newly planted trees produces a stronger structure. Eliminate codominant stems by pruning these weak- forked branches. Choose a good, strong central leader for young trees. This will prevent losing the whole crown in the future. Choose branches with even spacing, radially around the tree for balance and symmetry.

Inspect trees for broken, dying, diseased and dead branches each year. Also, conduct a visual assessment after a storm event. Look for crossing branches, which lead to problems where rubbing produces damage and decay. Always favor branches with a “U” shape or greater than 45° angle, which forms an optimal connection. These branches will have fewer tendencies to split or break from wind or ice loads. Eliminate branches with bark inclusion and tight or narrow branch junctions.

Branch training is essential for sustainable, long-term tree plantings.

Under no circumstances should a tree be “topped” to prevent wind or ice damage. Topped trees produce many small, poorly attached sprouts and as they grow, the canopy weight and density is actually increased. In addition, topped branches often develop decay and diseased stems, which further weakens the tree and makes the branches more susceptible to breakage. Topping may seem to make a tree safer, but it actually increases the potential for storm damage with unhealthy epicormic sprouting and additional decay in the stems.

When mature trees develop unequal crowns, prune to improve symmetry. However, remember pruning best practices and never remove more than 30 percent of the crown at one time. It may take several years for crown restoration. Good pruning techniques also promote faster healing of the cuts.

Do not try to “wind-proof” the tree by thinning out branches. Trees rely on proper branching habits and placement to dampen the wind energy affecting them. Excessive and unnecessary pruning creates wounds and additional stress on tree health. Allow the tree to develop fully and naturally by pruning only when needed. However, proper health care includes pruning for vigor. This includes removing dead, dying or diseased branches, poor branch attachments, crossing branches and narrow branch angles. After this functional pruning, some thinning is achieved to reduce drag or sail in the canopy.

A healthy tree is the best defense to any challenge the tree may face in its lifetime. Appropriate watering and fertilization improves root growth and structure, making the tree more stable. Monitor for pest problems and treat when needed to prevent insects and diseases from weakening tree health. Remove diseased branches, as needed, to minimize spread and potential damage.

Risk Assessment
Following a severe storm event, not all trees will need to be pruned or removed, and many will need little or no treatment. After identifying the type of damage, risk assessment is the priority. One of the more critical tasks for the property owner is determining an acceptable level of risk. It is the responsibility of a tree owner or manager to maintain and manage their trees to protect the safety of others. This usually requires assistance from a well-qualified arborist.

Post-Storm Response

• Safety first! Stay clear and look for dangerous hanging limbs, broken branches and other failures before beginning cleanup or inspections. Keep others clear of the areas beneath and around damaged trees. Be alert for power lines that could be involved with damaged trees. All utility lines should be considered energized and dangerous.
• 

  Functional pruning creates a healthier tree that is less prone to
  damage from ice and wind.

  Damage assessment is the next step. Review the affected tree or trees to determine the level of injury. Some trees may not require any action and can recover on their own. The challenging part of the assessment is deciding which trees can be pruned properly to a healthy state and which trees should be removed. Many factors are involved in the decision, and damage may be hidden or difficult to determine. It is critical to get a professional arborist with credentials to conduct the assessment and the work required to mitigate the injured parts of the tree.

• Match skills with the situation when it comes to reparation of damages and restoration. Be able to recognize when tree damage requires advanced training and is best handled by the arborist. Tree work is dangerous and the hazards are compounded when storm damage is involved. Leaning trees, broken and pinned branches, as well as utility lines, can create life-threatening situations.
• Basic cleanup can be helpful in the post-storm response process. Removing downed branches and limbs, and performing basic pruning on smaller, injured trees, can help speed recovery from the event. This also provides for a better evaluation of the site and the larger affected trees.

Hire a Certified Arborist
One key to dealing with the challenges of storm damage is to consult a qualified tree service. Finding a qualified tree care professional is important protection for the property owner. Sometimes less credible companies follow storms to take advantage of a bad situation. Knowing how to hire a reputable arborist can protect a property owner from being victimized. A professionally trained arborist can determine if a tree can be saved. Even if the tree must be removed, safety and training are needed to prevent additional damage or injury from the removal. An International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist can help save a tree or improve the risk situations that follow storms. Also, choosing an accredited company brings the highest level of standards for client satisfaction and safety.

A list of qualified arborists can be obtained by contacting the following sources:

• International Society of Arboriculture website.
  https://www.isa-arbor.com/
• Tree Care Industry Association website.
  https://www.tcia.org/

For more information contact: Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources Office, fnrextension@purdue.edu, 765-494- 3590.

Resources:
Find an Arborist video, 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
Tree Risk Management – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Why Is My Tree Dying? – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Mechanical Damage to Trees: Mowing and Maintenance Equipment – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Spring Storms Are Coming: How to Reduce Tree Damage and Risk – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Trees and Electric Lines – The Education Store
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Tree Installation: Process and Practices, The Education Store
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Lindsey Purcell, Executive Director
Indiana Arborist Association

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Purdue Landscape Report: April showers bring May Flowers. Many of us were taught this little rhyme to describe the weather of Spring.  April has arrived along with the beginning of the Spring storm season and damage to and from trees is a topic of concern on many minds.  Depending on the intensity of the storms and the condition of the trees, damage from high winds, heavy rainfall, and lightning can be quite severe. Cracked or broken branches, stem failure, and root failure are some of the main concerns, but also the risk and liability of damage to people and property.

If your tree is damaged, there are some steps to deal with the situation. First and foremost, consider the safety of yourself and others around you. Inspect the tree from a distance first, looking for the following:

• Heaving of the ground, indicating potential root failure
• Damage to limbs and/or the trunk of the tree
• Hanging branches can fall to the ground, resulting in injury or death
• Be aware of utility and power lines. Trees can become charged by coming in contact with live wires. All utility lines should be considered energized and dangerous.

If you find your trees damaged from a storm hiring an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist to perform a risk assessment will help guide your decision of how to manage your tree. To find an arborist near you and verify credentials, use the link at Find an Arborist, Trees are Good, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). For more information, you can also view the publication Trees and Storms, located in The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Resources:
Find an Arborist video, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Trees and Storms: Understanding Damage, Risk and Recovery – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Caring for storm-damaged trees/How to Acidify Soil in the Yard – In the Grow, Purdue Extension
Why Is My Tree Dying? – The Education Store
Tree Risk Management – The Education Store
Mechanical Damage to Trees: Mowing and Maintenance Equipment – The Education Store
Trees and Electric Lines – The Education Store
Tree Risk Management – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Planting Your Tree, video, The Education Store
Tree Installation, The Education Store
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Ask an Expert: Tree Selection and Planting, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Tree Pruning Essentials, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Ben McCallister, Urban Forestry Specialist
Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources

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While the weather may tell you otherwise, spring is upon us. With the changing weather comes greening grass, breaking buds and sprouting plants. This plethora of fresh growth can help cure the winter blues, but it also provides wildlife with a desirable food source. Recently you may have noticed deer and other wildlife’s increased utilization of winter wheat fields and other green areas like lawns – early spring is the time you see deer in Indiana feed extensively on grass.

For homeowners, this is the time you need to scout around your home for emerging plants in your lands​caping beds. Plants that are frequently browsed by deer such as tulips or hostas need special attention, but the limited amount of green plant material can leave any plant as a potential target. Most homeowners choose a type of taste repellent to protect plants. There are several tips on how to increase the efficacy of this approach.

1. Timing: It helps to have some foresight into when damage is likely to occur and/or the plant developmental stage(s). Unfortunately, this is usually based on past experience. Ideally, you want to time applications during these periods.  With tulips, for example, applying repellents early during sprouting, later during sprouting and during flower bud development will prevent damage during most years.
2. Type of repellent: There are many types of taste repellents labeled for deer and other wildlife species. Most have a combination of capsaicin, putrefied egg solids and/or fatty acids of ammonium soaps. There are, of course, others with different ingredients. So which do you choose? There have been many studies that have investigated the efficacy of repellents. The bottom line – they work, but control is not 100%.
3. Label: Failures can often result when not following the directions on the label. The label also provides safety information and what you can/can’t spray. Read and follow the label – it’s the law.
4. Expectations: You aren’t going to solve all of your wildlife problems by spraying a few plants or even everything. If you use repellents, reapply according to label directions (every three to four weeks is usually a good rule of thumb). To increase success, you may use them as part of an integrated approach that includes exclusion, cultural practices and other approaches.

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

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

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Welcome to this edition of “ID That Tree”. In this video Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee will introduce you to leatherwood, a charming Indiana shrub. Typically found in the understory of forest areas, this compact shrub is easy to identify by its oblong leaves with smooth margins and alternate leaf arrangement. Join us to learn more about leatherwood and its unique characteristics!

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
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana, Purdue Extension – FNR
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture

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

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Join Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee and wildlife specialist Brian MacGowan as they help you prepare for the holidays while keeping your family and local wildlife safe. This video discusses everything from how to choose and care for a real Christmas tree as well as what to do with it after the season and also how to make wildlife/nature-friendly decorations.

Topics Include:
– What can I do with my tree after Christmas that would benefit wildlife?
– Are artificial structures legal in Indiana lakes?
– What types of items can I collect from the wild for holiday decorations?
– How do I do it in an environmentally responsible way?
– Are there some things I shouldn’t or can’t collect?
– What outdoor holiday decorations can benefit wildlife?
– How do I make it last longer?
– Can I avoid problems with non-target wildlife?

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

Resources
Selecting an Indiana-Grown Christmas Tree, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Tips for First-Time Buyers of Real Christmas Trees, The Education Store
Indiana Christmas Tree Growers Association
Purdue University Invasive Species resources
Indiana DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife for wildlife possession rules
Feed the birds with a DIY wreath, Audubon
Dan Cassens: Tips for First-Time Christmas Tree Buyers, Video, Purdue Agriculture
Dan Cassens: Starting Your Own Christmas Tree Farm, Video

Lenny Farlee, Sustaining Hardwood Extension Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resource

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

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