Got Nature? Blog

Indiana joined 22 other states in 2025 when it launched its state-level Certified Prescribed Burn Manager (CPBM) Program. This program resulted from HB-1557, which went into effect on July 1, 2025. For more information about the new prescribed fire law in Indiana and what it means for burners, check out the Indiana Prescribed Burn Law Factsheet.

This article will walk through the steps to complete all stages of the program. The Indiana DNR CPBM Policy can be viewed by visiting the Indiana Prescribed Fire Council website.

The CPBM program consists of three parts:

• Online Training
• In-Person Training
• Prescribed Burn Experience

Indiana CPBM Requirements At-a-glance

1. Online Training
   1. S-130
   2. S-190
   3. L-180
   4. IS-100
2. In-Person Training
   1. S-130 Field Day (no pack test requirement)
   2. Indiana DNR Prescribed Fire for Managers
3. Burn Experience (Minimum of 5 total burns for experience)
   1. Participate in 5 prescribed fires
   2. At least 3 in woodland at least 1 in grassland
   3. Ben an Apprentice Burn Manager for 2 burns
   4. 1 woodland and 1 grassland burn
4. Paperwork and Documentation
   1. IN CPBM Application
   2. IN CPBM Experience Log
   3. IN CPBM Task Book
   4. Burn Plans for Apprentice Burns

Online Training Requirements

The online training required for the CPBM program includes many of the same courses as are necessary for Basic Wildland Firefighting.

• S-130 Firefighter Training
• S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
• L-180 Human Factors on the Fireline I
• S-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System

These are self-paced, free online courses available through FEMA, the National Fire Academy (NFA), and the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.

• FEMA – IS-100
• National Fire Academy Registration Page – S-130, S-190, L-180
• Wildland Fire Learning Portal – S-130, S-190, L-180

*Before taking any courses through FEMA or registering for the NFA, you need to obtain a FEMA SID#. You can do that at FEMA: Student Identification System.

In-Person Training Requirements

The two requirements for in-person training are:

• S-130 Field Day (1-day; no pack test required)
• Indiana DNR Prescribed Fire for Managers (2-day)

How to complete the in-person training?
In-person S-130 Field Days and Indiana DNR Prescribed Fire for Managers courses are offered 1-2 times per year, often offered in the spring (Feb-Mar) and in December.

*To take the S-130 Field Day, you need to complete the required online training before the field day. To take the Prescribed Fire for Managers Course, you need to take the S-130 Field Day.

You can find information about upcoming trainings by visiting the Indiana Prescribed Fire Council (INPFC) website and the Indiana DNR Fire Headquarters Training Portal.

Prescribed Burn Experience

To be an Indiana CPBM, you need the following prescribed fire experience:

• Participate in 5 prescribed fires across the 2 major fuel model groups in Indiana (grass and hardwood timber litter)
  • At least 3 of the burns shall be in the hardwood timber litter fuel model
• Serve as an Apprentice Burn Manager on 2 of the 5 prescribed burns – 1 from each of the two fuel model groups (grass and timber litter)

Serving as an “Apprentice Burn Manager” means you need to lead burns under the guidance of an existing CPBM, RxB1, or RxB2 (RxB1 & RxB2 are Burn Boss qualifications through the National Wildfire Coordinating Group) and complete a Certified Prescribed Burn Manager Task Book related to preparing for and managing a prescribed burn.

How do I receive prescribed fire experience?

To get experience as a crew member on prescribed fires, here are a few steps:

• Meet Common Training Requirements: Many organizations (but not all) require burn crews to have basic wildland fire training courses, many of which are needed for the CPBM program. Having these trainings will open the door for more opportunities.
  • Basic Wildland Firefighter (FFT2) Requirements (bolded are required for CPBM)
    • S-130 (Online and Field Day)
    • S-190
    • L-180
    • IS-100
    • IS-700B
    • Arduous Work Capacity Test (Pack Test)
• Attend a Learn-N-Burn: these half- or full-day events can help you get your feet wet with prescribed fire and are offered by groups like the Indiana DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife and Purdue Extension. Generally, prior experience or training is not required for these events.
  • Upcoming Learn-N-Burns can be found under Events on the INPFC events website.
• Find Volunteer Opportunities: Many organizations accept volunteers for prescribed fire, but may require Basic Wildland Firefighter Training (see above).
  • Volunteer on burns with The Nature Conservancy
    • To be a TNC fire volunteer, you need to be a FFT2 or complete the Prescribed Fire Crew Member (RxCM) standard, which is similar to FFT2 standards but does not require IS-700 and requires a moderate pack test. View the TNC Fire Manual for more information.
  • To learn more about helping TNC on prescribed burns, contact Stuart Orr, Indiana Fire Program Manager at sorr@tnc.org.
• Volunteer with your Local Land Trust
  • Indiana is home to over 20 land trusts, many of which utilize prescribed fire.
  • Each land trust may have different requirements to volunteer for prescribed fire.
  • Visit the Discover Your Land Trust page on the Indiana Land Protection Alliance website to find a land trust in your area.
• Find landowners in your area who are using prescribed fire and volunteer to help
  • Several landowners across Indiana use prescribed fire and may be seeking help.
    • You may be able to find landowners who burn through existing conservation networks, such as local NGOs (NWTF, NDA, PF, or QF Chapters) or landowner groups such as the Indiana Forest and Woodland Owners Association.
  • Join or start a Prescribed Burn Association, which is a collection of landowners who help each other burn by pooling resources, equipment, knowledge, and crew through a “Neighbor Helping Neighbor” model.

How do I receive apprentice burn manager fire experience?

The first step in finding opportunities is building relationships with current prescribed fire practitioners. By volunteering as a crew member, you start to learn about prescribed fire and build relationships with existing burn managers. This may lead to opportunities to apprentice in the future.

The Indiana Prescribed Fire Council is piloting a Prescribed Fire Opportunity Sharing Network to help connect those seeking burn experience with experienced burners. You can use the links below to sign up for this network as either a Mentor (have experience) or Mentee/Apprentice (need experience). Register on the Mentor sign-up or the Mentee sign-up.

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
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
Renovating Native Warm-Season Grass Stands for Wildlife: A Land Manager’s Guide, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center

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

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Poison hemlock is native to Europe. It is a biennial plant, meaning that it has a two-year lifespan. Last summer, it went through vegetative growth and largely stayed out of sight as a basal rosette. This summer, a long stem (up to 3 to 10 feet tall) will bolt and produce small white clusters of flowers. Poison hemlock is a member of the parsley family and can sometimes be confused with wild carrot. However, its distinguishing feature is its hairless hollow stalks with purple blotches.

The biggest risk with poison hemlock is ingestion. Lethal doses are fairly small, so it is important for animal owners or parents of young children to identify it in their area and remove it if possible. The toxins can also be absorbed through the skin and lungs, so be sure to wear gloves and a mask when handling these plants.

Symptoms of hemlock poisoning include dilation of the pupils, weakening or slowing pulse, blue coloration around the mouth and eventually paralysis of the central nervous system and muscles leading to death. Quick treatment can reverse the effects, so act quickly.

It is considered highly invasive and is listed on both Indiana’s noxious weed list and the terrestrial invasive plant rule list, Indiana General Assembly IC 14-24-12, IC 15-15, IC 15-16-7 to 10, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Terrestrial Invasive Species – Plants. Thus, its occurrence may have legal implications for landowners. Some Indiana counties aggressively monitor and spray poison hemlock, particularly along county roads. It primarily invades disturbed and early succession sites such as roadsides, stream and ditch banks, vacant lots, and field borders. However, it can spread into pastures, hay fields, and other grassland habitats.

Its sap contains alkaloid toxins which are highly toxic to humans and animals. Although humans would not normally purposely or accidentally ingest poison hemlock (Socrates was a notable exception), care should be taken when mowing or cutting to avoid dermal and respiratory inhalation exposure. Livestock farmers should control poison hemlock in pastures, feed lots and holding pens and ensure it is not baled in hay.

Poison hemlock spreads via seed, so effective management must prevent new seed production, prevent spread of existing seed, and exhaust the existing seed supply in the soil seed bank.

Poison hemlock seed is often inadvertently spread by mowing, road maintenance or agricultural equipment. Mow infested areas along roadsides, ditch banks and field edges before seed develops. A single mowing may delay but  not stop poison hemlock from growing another shoot and ultimately flowering and producing seed. Multiple mowings are likely required to prevent new seed production.

Herbicide control should focus on the first-year basal rosette. Herbicide control can still be achieved in the early stages of flower stem development. However, as the flower stem grows so grows the amount of herbicide required to provide full coverage and thus full control.  A 2% solution of glyphosate (41% active ingredient) in water with a non-ionic surfactant will provide good control of poison hemlock basal rosettes. If the poison hemlock is growing among desirable grasses, broadleaf-specific herbicides such as triclopyr and 2,4-D are also very effective on poison hemlock and will not harm the grasses. AS always, read the pesticide label for proper, safe handling and use.

For more information see Purdue Cooperative Extension Invasive Plant Fact Sheet Series FNR-437-W, Poison Hemlock.  For further guidance on poison hemlock control, contact your county Purdue Cooperative Extension office.

Resources:
Noxious and Invasive Weeds and the Weed Laws in Indiana, Purdue Extension – Botany & Plant Pathology
Be Careful Around Highly Toxic Poison Hemlock Plant This Summer, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Poison Hemlock, Pest & Crop Newsletter, Purdue Extension – Entomology
Pest & Crop Newsletter, Purdue Extension
Recognizing and Managing Poison Hemlock, Purdue Landscape Report
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: Distribution Update, Purdue Landscape Report
Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Woodland Management Moment: Invasive Species Control Process, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
What are Invasive Species and Why Should I Care?, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Report INvasive, Purdue Extension & Indiana Invasive Species Council
Purdue Pest and Plant Diagnostic Lab

Ron Rathfon, Regional Extension Forester, Southern Indiana Purdue Agriculture Center (SIPAC)
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources

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Purdue Extension is proud to share the 2025 Impact Report, a showcase of the people, programs, and partnerships driving stronger, more resilient communities across Indiana. This year’s report highlights how research from Purdue’s College of Agriculture is being put into action, from addressing the spread of tar spot in corn, to monitoring invasive species, to supporting farmers navigating concerns around Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu).

Here is a quick snapshot of the great articles and information you will find:

• Saving One of Indiana’s Top Crops From Tar Spots
• 4-H Tech Changemakers Lead the Way in AI
• Teaching Small Steps to Achieve Healthier Lives
• Strengthening Financial Security Through Tax Preparation and Education
• Uniting Indiana Residents Against Invasive Species
  Highlighting Lenny Farlee, Extension forester, and Henry Quesada, professor and assistant director of Extension. Check out all of our FNR resources listed below. 
• Supporting Childcare Providers to Create Stronger Communities
• Emergency Preparedness and Response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu
• Making the Best Better: Strengthening Teen Leadership Skills
• Check out program impacts

Explore the full report to see how Extension is making a difference statewide and beyond: Purdue Extension Impact Report 2025.

Resources:
What are Invasive Species and Why Should I Care?, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) Blog
Woodland Management Moment: Invasive Species Control Process, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Burning Bush, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Callery Pear, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Multiflora Rose, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Invasive Plants Threaten Our Forests Part 1: Invasive Plant Species Identification
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Emerald Ash Borer Information Network, Purdue University and Partners
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
1-866 No EXOTIC (1-866-663-9684)
depp@dnr.IN.gov – Email Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Subscribe to Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel YouTube channel
Nature of Teaching, Purdue College of Agriculture
Community Development, Purdue Extension

Purdue Extension

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Are you a woodland owner who is just beginning to explore forest regeneration, restoration and reforestation activities?

The Human Dimensions Lab at the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources with Purdue University is conducting research to understand private landowners’ perspectives on regeneration, restoration and reforestation. Private forest and woodland owners are key partners in forest and vegetation management efforts across the United States. These activities may involve tree planting, restoration of native vegetation or other practices aimed at enhancing forest and vegetation cover on private lands. Various federal, state and local programs offer financial and technical assistance to support these efforts and understanding landowner perspectives is important for informing future research and outreach.

About the Research
As part of a collaborative research effort involving multiple universities and the U.S. Forest Service, the Purdue University research team is working directly with private forest landowners to better understand real‑world experiences with regeneration, restoration and revegetation.

Specifically, the research aims to:

• Better understand the opportunities and barriers that landowners face when considering or engaging in regeneration, restoration or revegetation activities, including participation in assistance programs.
• Explore how assistance programs can better align with landowner values, needs and goals.

By learning directly from landowners, especially those who are in the early stages of exploring these activities, the researchers hope to generate insights that can improve the design and delivery of support programs in the future.

Who Can Participate?
The research team is currently recruiting forest and woodland owners who have recently begun exploring regeneration, restoration or reforestation topics and are willing to share their perspectives.

Participation may include an interview or focus group discussion, depending on participant preference and availability. All participation is entirely voluntary.

Why Participate?
By sharing your experiences, questions and thoughts, you can help researchers and land management agencies better understand what works, what doesn’t and what support landowners truly need. Your insights can contribute to more effective, landowner‑centered programs that support forest and woodland stewardship on private lands.

Learn More or Get Involved
If you are interested in participating, have questions about the research, would like to share feedback or know others who may be interested, please reach out before March 15 and visit the Landowners: Share Your Insight form provided by the Purdue Human Dimensions Lab.

Contact Information:
Primary: Katherine Pivaral, Ph.D. Student
Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, Purdue University
Email: kpivaral@purdue.edu

Dr. Zhao Ma, Professor
Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, Purdue University
Email: zhaoma@purdue.edu

FNR looks forward to learning from and collaborating with forest and woodland owners to better understand how regeneration, restoration and reforestation efforts can support both landowners and the landscapes they steward.

Katherine Pivaral, Ph.D. Student
Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, Purdue University

Resources:
Appalachian State University
Michigan State University
University of Massachusetts – Amherst
U.S. Forest Service
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE)
Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center (HTIRC)
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Deer Impact Toolbox, Purdue Extension
Virtual Tour Brings Forest Management for Birds to Life, Got Nature? Blog Post, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Silvics Succession Management Webinar, Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel
Subscribe: Deer, Forest Management, ID That Tree, Woodland Management Moment, Invasive Species and many other topic video playlists Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

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As the snow flies and the temperature drops, there are still some activities that we can do to remind us that spring is on the way. One of those is planning for tree planting. The Indiana DNR Division of Forestry operates a nursery system that provides tree and shrub seedlings to Indiana landowners. The seedlings are intended for conservation plantings for purposes like wildlife habitat, erosion control, windbreaks, and reforestation plantings. The state nursery also provides Select black walnut, red oak, white oak and black cherry seedlings for those interested in growing trees for timber. These seedlings are a result of tree breeding programs at the Division of Forestry and Purdue University. Seedlings are mostly bare-root one and two year old stock intended for spring planting. Seedlings are still available for purchase from the state nursery system. You can find ordering and contact information for the state nursery at Instructions for Ordering Tree Seedlings.

There are also several private nursery options for ordering tree seedlings in Indiana. The private nurseries may be able to offer species, sizes, and quantities of seedlings not available from the state, and can also sell trees for non-conservation purposes like landscaping and Christmas trees. The National Nursery and Seed Directory provided by the USDA Forest Service provides a directory of seed and plant sources across the region.

When planting trees and shrubs, be sure to check the suitability of your site for the species of plants you plan to use. Long-lived woody plants need to be on sites well-suited to their growth for good long-term results. You can consult the Web Soil Survey for maps and information covering the soil types on your property. You can also consult forestry and conservation professionals for advise and assistance. Purdue Extension offers several resources for planning your tree planting including publications and upcoming workshops. Check out upcoming events: Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) Events.

So, take some time while the snow is falling to make plans for a warm spring day of tree planting.

Resources:
Instructions for Ordering Tree Seedlings, Indiana DNR Division of Forestry
National Nursery and Seed Directory, USDA Forest Service
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success – webinar, Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Web Soil Survey, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Deer Impact, Purdue Extension Pond & Wildlife
Planting Forest Trees and Shrubs in Indiana (pdf), located on The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Planting and Care of Fine Hardwood Seedlings (pdf), located on The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Importance of Hardwood Tree Planting , The Education Store
Designing Hardwood Tree Plantings for Wildlife, The Education Store
Resources and Assistance Available for Planting Hardwood Seedlings, The Education Store
Creating a Wildlife Habitat Management Plan for Landowners, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
How to Build a Plastic Mesh Deer Exclusion Fence, The Education Store
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube playlist
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Purdue Extension – FNR Extension YouTube Playlist
Woodland Management Moment, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Playlist
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

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

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Welcome to ID That Tree! In this episode, Purdue Extension Forester Lenny Farlee introduces us to a widespread native shrub called smooth sumac. Found in open fields, roadsides and woodland edges across Indiana, this shrub is easily identified by its recognizable stems and leaves. Watch the video to learn about these characteristics, along with the differences in smooth sumac through the different seasons. For example, in summer, this shrub has flowers that turn into fruit heads! Whether you’re a student, naturalist or simply curious about native plants, this video offers a quick and helpful guide to identifying smooth sumac in the wild.

 

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

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

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

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Purdue University Landscape Report: Early fall is the time to begin preparing trees for the winter and get them off to a good start in the following spring. Preventative maintenance and some good cultural practices in autumn boost trees’ health and vigor during the winter and creates an encouraging growing environment in the spring. Here are 5 good tips for trees:

1. Scout for pruning issues.
   It’s advantageous to schedule pruning tasks after leaves have fallen. It’s much easier to see the branch structure of trees and deciduous shrubs in order to perform good selective cuts. Look for those non-beneficial plant parts and remove them. These include any dead, broken and crossing branches which can be removed. Also, search out and remove those epicormics sprouts in the canopy and basal sprouts emerging from around the trunk and root collar.  Refer to this pruning publication for more information.
   

   Newly-established trees benefit from fertilizer

2. Feeding for the future.
   Typically, tree roots have produce more root growth during the fall. Root systems are important as storage organs or banks to reserve energy for later. These stores of starch will become active energy on demand in the spring when shoot growth, leafing and flowering occur. Fertilization during this time will maintain soil nutrient levels and increase root production, promoting new growth in the spring. Newly, established trees and those younger trees are especially responsive to supplemental feeding. However, not all trees need or require fertilization. Refer to this publication on fertilization for more information.
   

   Mulch provides a blanket of protection

3. Complete cultural practices.
   It’s always beneficial to the tree to replenish mulch to give root systems an extra layer of protection against temperature extremes. This helps maintain the moisture levels in the soil during those drier winter months as well. Maintaining 2-3 inches of composted mulch over the root zone of the tree and landscape provides great protection. Also, it may be a good time to consider providing protective wraps on thin-barked or newly planted trees, if needed. Also, now is a good time for inspecting those existing wraps to be sure they are effective and not too tight around the trunk or harboring hidden pest issues.
   

   Good moisture levels going into the winter is critical for tree health

4. Water needed, still.
   The dry, cool air and low precipitation that can sometimes occur during fall and early winter can take a toll on trees. Provide supplemental irrigation with deep watering to prevent root damage and a good spring start. It is advisable to water only when temperatures will be above 40^o Water around mid-day so there is time to soak in before the freezing night temperatures. Applying approximately 5 gallons water per inch of tree diameter will be adequate for times when there is little to no rainfall going into winter.
5. Take inventory.
   This is a good time to assess your site for vacancies. Check your property for potential planting locations to install new trees next spring. Research during the winter allows plenty of time for good decision-making which includes proper species selection and suitable locations. Refer to the tree selection publication for more information.

There are many resources available to learn about proper tree care. If you are uncertain on how to maintain your trees or prefer professional services, it is important to reach out to an ISA Certified Arborist to help with the tree, within your landscape, especially the larger, mature trees. A Certified Arborist can proactively identify, analyze and evaluate your tree needs to maintain this important asset, your trees.

Resources:
Why Do Our Trees Go From Green Leaves to Different Colors?, Got Nature? Blog
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana
An Introduction to Trees of Indiana
The Nature of Teaching: Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Why Leaves Change Color, USDA Forest Service

Lindsey Purcell, Executive Director
Indiana Arborist Association

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Welcome to ID That Tree! In this episode, Purdue Extension Forester Lenny Farlee introduces us to a widespread and often overlooked native plant, the wild grape vine. Found across Indiana, this vine is especially noticeable in late summer and fall. Learn how to identify wild grape by its vine structure, bark, leaves and growth. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, land manager or just curious about native plants, this video offers a quick and informative look at how to spot wild grape vine and appreciate its role in Indiana’s ecosystems.

 

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, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association
District Forester, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 10+ acres
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

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

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Purdue Landscape Report: It’s that time again!  With the arrival of warm temperatures and increased rainfall, many of us are getting to work on our lawns, gardens, and landscaping.  Unfortunately, this often comes with discovering what new (or old) invasive species are here to haunt us.  So far this year, the invasive I’ve gotten the most questions on is the Asian jumping worm.  This earthworm’s life cycle tends to experience ‘boom & bust’ years due to their feeding habits, and, anecdotally speaking, we appear to be experiencing an increase in their populations throughout the state this season.  Now is a great time to brush up on our understanding of this organism, and the revisit how it impacts our environment.

Identification
While Asian jumping worms share a lot of traits with other, less harmful earthworm species, they do have some features we can use to differentiate them from the rest.  Jumping worms tend to be darker in color, since they live either on top of the soil or just under the first layer of plant detritus and get more exposure to sunlight.  Asian jumping worms also have a significantly higher number of bristles, or setae, that they can use to move around.  They can have as many as forty bristles per segment, in contrast to the eight found on other species, giving them the traction they need to wriggle and squirm as violently as they do.  Perhaps the easiest feature we can use to identify them is the clitellum, the organ that contains they reproductive organs.  On Asian jumping worms, the clitellum just looks like a very pale set of segments close to the anterior end of the worm, whereas on most other worms, it’s about midway down the body and saddle-shaped.  Finally, we can detect their presence by changes in our soil.  Asian jumping will not improve soil quality for growing like other earthworms can, but rather change the soil consistency into something like coffee grounds, rendering it unsuitable for growing most crops and ornamentals.

Environmental Impact
As I alluded to above, Asian jumping worms do significant damage to soil quality when left unmanaged.  These earthworms, unlike their beneficial cousins, do not provide ecosystems services like soil aeration or castings that help add nutrients to the soil.  Since they live at the surface, they do not burrow, and their castings lock in nutrients and often get swept away by hydrological events.  Asian jumping worms also tend to gather in large groups whenever they infest an area, resulting in most of the decaying plant material and other organic material being stripped out of the soil.  Often, the only plants capable of developing in those conditions are invasive themselves!

Reporting
We are still learning about the Asian jumping worms spread in Indiana, so we are asking everyone to please report sightings.  You can report them either online by going to the EDDMapS website or you can call 1-866-NOEXOTIC.  We ask that you take a picture and tell us where you were when you saw the worms. You can also check the Report Invasive webpage for up-to-date information on all kinds of invasive species, or reach out to Bob Bruner, Purdue University Exotic Forest Pest Educator, by emailing rfbruner@purdue.edu.  With your help, we can map out this worm and create effective plans to limit its presence in our state.

View the original article on the Purdue Landscape Report website: Asian Jumping Worms: How to ID this soil pest.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Resources:
Gardeners Asked to be Vigilant This Spring for Invasive Jumping Worm, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
Fall webworms: Should you manage them?, Purdue Landscape Report
Mimosa Webworm, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Sod Webworms, Turf Science at Purdue University
Bagworm caterpillars are out feeding, be ready to spray your trees, Purdue Extension Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) Got Nature? Blog
Landscape & Ornamentals: Bagworms, The Education Store
Purdue Plant Doctor App Suite, Purdue Extension-Entomology
Find an Arborist website, Trees are Good, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
ID That Tree – Video Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana, Purdue FNR web page list
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press

Bob Bruner, Exotic Forest Pest Educator
Purdue Entomology

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With rainfall well below average, watering your trees is more important than ever. Indiana typically receives around 3.14 inches of rain in September, but as of 2025, only 1.31 inches have fallen—making this month even drier than last year. These conditions can lead to dry, wilted leaves and stress for trees across the state, especially during prolonged heat. To see how drought is affecting your area, visit the U.S. Drought Monitor for Indiana-specific maps.

In this video, Lindsey Purcell, Executive Director of the Indiana Arborist Association, explains why consistent watering is critical and shares practical tips to help your trees stay healthy through dry spells.

Extreme heat can have a major impact on tree health and survival. Water is the most limiting ecological resource for a tree, and without adequate moisture, decline and death are imminent. It reduces carbohydrate production, significantly lowering energy reserves and production of defense chemicals in the tree. Check out this publication titled Drought? Don’t Forget the Trees! to learn what to look for for any weakening issues including pests that like the dry conditions.

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.

More Extreme Heat Resources:
Climate and Drought Maps, Purdue Indiana State Climate Office
Summer Tree Care, Purdue Landscape Report
Drought? Don’t Forget the Trees!, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Extreme Heat Including Fact Sheets, Purdue Extension – IN-PREPared
Extreme Heat – Resources, Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN)
Drought Information​, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Tree Selection for the “Un-natural” Environment, The Education Store
Tree Pruning Essentials Video, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
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
Submit Sample, Purdue Plant & Pest Diagnostic Lab
Find an Arborist, Indiana Arborist Association

Ben McCallister, Urban Forestry Specialist
Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources

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