Got Nature? Blog

Agricultural & Natural Resources (ANR) Newsletter: On May 5, Natural Resources professionals gathered at the Davis Purdue Agricultural Center (DPAC) in Farmland, Indiana, for a forestry and wildlife management training led by Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources’ Brian MacGowan, wildlife extension specialist and extension coordinator; Don Carlson, forester; Jarred Brooke, wildlife extension specialist; and Jessica Outcalt, natural resources training specialist. The program combined classroom updates with field-based learning focused on active land stewardship, habitat management and conservation planning.

During the field tour of DPAC and Herrmann Properties, participants explored topics including native warm-season grass management using prescribed fire, Sericea lespedeza control in native grass plantings, prairie restoration, young forest management, and oak forest management for multiple objectives. Don Carlson discussed the history and management goals of DPAC, emphasizing how tree spacing, mowing and the use of crop and nurse trees influence tree establishment and growth. Jarred Brooke highlighted challenges such as rabbit damage to young trees and invasive species management. Participants learned key wildlife habitat principles, including a practical guideline for quail habitat: If a baseball tossed into the grass rolls, the habitat structure is suitable for quail; if it does not roll, the vegetation is too dense. The day concluded with updates on the NR Training Hub, prescribed fire and evaluation efforts.

If you’re interested in bringing a program like this to your area, we’d love to hear from you, submit a request at fnrextension@purdue.edu.

Emily Kring, Extension Educator
Agriculture & Natural Resources, Purdue Extension Jay County

Jessica Outcalt, Natural Resources Training Specialist
Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources

Resources:
Natural Resources Training Hub
Explore the Rich World of Oaks with Purdue FNR Extension & Partners
Forestry for the Birds Pocket Guide, The Nature Conservancy
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Community Planning for Agriculture and Natural Resources: A Guide for Local Government, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s research center
The Nature of Teaching
Help the Hellbender
Let the Sun Shine in Indiana
Community Development, Purdue Extension
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel, find natural resources and much more in playlists.

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Purdue Landscape Report: Earlier this year, Ohio expanded its quarantine for box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) to include seven additional counties, bringing the total number of quarantined counties in the state to 14 (ODA, 2026). Michigan currently has 13 counties under quarantine as well. Although this invasive pest has not yet been detected in Indiana, populations close to our borders are continuing to spread. It is important to remain vigilant, particularly in the northeastern and southeastern regions of the state where the risk of introduction is greatest. Landscape professionals, nursery workers, and homeowners can all assist with early detection by monitoring boxwood plantings for signs of infestation.

Signs and Symptoms
The caterpillar stage of box tree moth is responsible for the damage to boxwoods. Caterpillars are aggressive foliage feeders and often leave behind only the leaf margins or midribs, giving damaged plants a characteristic “stringy” appearance (Figs. 1, 2). As they feed, the larvae also produce large amounts of webbing throughout the shrub canopy.

One of the challenges in detecting infestations is that damage often begins deep within the interior of the shrub. Boxwoods may appear healthy from the outside even while caterpillars are actively feeding inside the canopy. As feeding progresses outward, severe defoliation can develop rapidly. When scouting plants, carefully inspect interior branches for webbing, brown or dried leaves, and feeding injury.

Identification
Box tree moth caterpillars are bright yellow-green with black stripes and rows of black spots running the length of the body (Fig. 3). This is the time of year when the caterpillars are active, so take a few minutes to check any boxwoods for them.

Adult moths are primarily night fliers, so they are less commonly observed during the day. Adults are typically white with broad brown wing borders and a distinctive white crescent-shaped marking within the brown band on the forewing (Fig. 4).

 

Resources:
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Playlist:
An Introduction to Trees of Indiana, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Invasive Species, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Playlist (Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Burning Bush, Callery Pear, Multiflora rose)
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Finding help from a professional forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association
Find an Arborist video, Trees are Good, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Beetle that attacks Tree-of-Heaven found in Indiana, Purdue Landscape Report, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Sawflies: Caterpillar Pests but not Caterpillars – PLR, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Prepared for Insects Waking Up? – PLR, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Case Study: Maple Tree Pests – PLR, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR

Alicia Kelley, Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) State Survey Coordinator
Purdue Extension – Entomology

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Purdue Landscape Report: When talking about invasive species, specialists are most commonly talking about some kind of plant or insect that is making an impact on landscape plants, soil, or hardwood. Most of these species are relatively easy to understand, with a biology that typically resembles that of a native counterpart. Wood-boring insects, vining plants, and fast-growing shrubs all have similar native species that landowners deal with on a regular basis. And then, some invasive species are just plain weird, like the invasive hammerhead worm!

Hammerhead worms, sometimes called shovel-headed garden worms, are a type of land planarian, or flatworm. Flatworms are worm-like organisms that lack the segmentation of earthworms and have the ability to regenerate from parts and pieces. Hammerhead worms belong to a subset of planarians, the genus Bipalium; while there are a few native species of Bipalium, most are from tropical regions. It is believed that hammerhead worms have been present in North America for long time, preferring environments that stay warm and moist through most of the year. Hammerhead worms are named for their spade-shaped head and typically have bright colors with dark lines running the length of their bodies. They are often found in indoor spaces and greenhouses that are temperature controlled and maintain humid conditions. Hammerhead worms can also be found living under rocks, fallen trees, or anywhere that can maintain a high enough relative humidity. While some flatworms are able to live in drier conditions, Bipalium need moisture in order to survive.

Members of Bipalium are predatory, consuming invertebrates like earthworms, snails, slugs, and some soft-bodied insects. Once they capture a prey item, they envelop it in a mouth-like organ located on the underside of their bodies. The primary issue with hammerhead worms is the potential damage they can do by preying on beneficial organisms that maintain soil and plant health. Hammerhead worms, and all other planarians, lack a closed body plan that uses a one-way digest system. Once they eat something, it is digested and waste is excreted through that same mouth-like opening. Some members of Bipalium can also use a toxin called tetrodotoxin to subdue their prey; however, they only produce a small amount and lack a way to use it on a larger organism. While they are often confused for more dangerous species, the Bipalium in North America do not represent a human health concern. Just keep any pets or children away from them, and if found, and use gloves if you’re forced to handle them.

As mentioned above, one of the more unique traits of Bipalium, and planarians in general, is their capacity to regenerate new individuals from parts and pieces. A piece as small as 1/279th of the whole can regenerate into a new individual. Do not attempt to chop up or crush hammerhead worms, or you may be dealing with several dozen when new worms develop in two weeks. However, even though it seems like hammerhead worms could reproduce very quickly, it’s still fairly uncommon to see one. If found, place it in a bag or bucket with either salt, alcohol, or vinegar until the worm is dead. As long as you do not cut or chop up the worms, it is very unlikely you’ll have to deal with more than one at any given time. Just keep your eyes open and remember to report any sightings to 1-866-NOEXOTICS!

View the original article on the Purdue Landscape Report website: Keep an eye out for hammerhead worms!.

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, 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
Report INvasive Facebook
Subscribe – Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel

Bob Bruner, Exotic Forest Pest Educator
Purdue Entomology

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Purdue Landscape Report: Spotted lanternfly (SLF) has been the subject of a lot of media attention in the last few years.  In the east, states like Pennsylvania and New York have been dealing with heavy infestations since the insect was first detected in 2014.  In Indiana, this invasive planthopper arrived three years ago, infesting two counties on the eastern side of the state.  Since then, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Purdue University have been working together to mitigate the spread of this insect as well as educate Hoosiers on what they can do to help.  Spotted lanternfly is still on the move, and this update will help refresh you on how this bug works, and where they are headed.

Life cycle
Spotted lanternfly is an annual insect, having only a single generation in a year under normal conditions.  The insect goes through incomplete metamorphosis; immature stages, called nymphs, resemble smaller, wingless versions of the adults.  Nymphs will begin to appear in April or May, developing through four instars, until they reach adulthood in late summer.  With each instar, the period in between molting, the nymph will grow larger, develop wingpads, and eventually change color.  Early instars are black with a white dot pattern, while later instars will be bright red with black and white patterning (Fig. 1).  Late instar nymphs are often compared to milkweed bugs or lady beetles.  Once they complete development in the late summer or early fall, they will mate and lay egg masses covered in a protective substance that makes them resemble mud.  Eggs masses will overwinter until the spring, while adult insects will die as temperatures cool.  In Indiana, depending on temperature, adults can be seen as late as early November.

Impact
Spotted lanternfly is a sap-feeding insect, using syringe-like mouthparts to drain nutrients directly from plant tissues.  Like other sap-feeding insects, the activity of SLF wounds the plant, creating openings for various pathogens to exploit.  Feeding by SLF has been shown to reduce overall health of their hosts, reducing their capacity to survive overwintering, and potentially kill the host plant depending on species.  They also produce a sugary waste known as honeydew; while honeydew itself is not harmful, it acts as a growing substrate for sooty mold, which can have a serious impact the photosynthesis of understory foliage as well as attract other nuisance insects.

Spotted lanternfly is a generalist herbivore and can feed on over 100 different species of plant and tree in Indiana.  However, this insect has shown strong preference towards certain species, often with devastating consequences.  The most preferred host is tree-of-heaven, an invasive tree species in North America.  Tree-of-heaven is the primary host of SLF in their shared native range, and the insect appears to experience high reproductive success on it even when they share a new environment.  Grapes are also highly preferred by SLF, and infestations will typically result in overfeeding and the death of the plant.  Black Walnut, American river birch, and various maple species are also at risk of severe damage from this insect.   Evidence has also suggested that maple, when used for syrup production, will experience reductions in yield and quality when attack by spotted lanternfly.

Where are they now?
Spotted lanternfly has been present in Indiana since 2021, first arriving in Huntington and Switzerland Counties.  In Huntington, the infestation occupies a stand of tree-of-heaven next to an industrial parking lot.  Tree-of-heaven moved into the neighboring residential area, allowing SLF to also spread with it. The more rural infestation in Switzerland County was traced to a vehicle transported from Pennsylvania, and the insect has taken advantage of patches of tree-of-heaven in nearby wooded areas.  While both infestations have strongly associated with the insect’s primary host, there is some evidence that SLF is beginning to take advantage of other nearby plants, such as maple.  In the last year, SLF moved a significant distance and has been detected in several more counties, including Elkhart, St. Joseph, Porter, Allen, Dekalb, and Noble Counties.  Most of the activity has been found on tree-of-heaven along rail lines, supporting the idea that the insect is dispersed by rail traffic moving westward out of infested areas.

It’s important to remember that trains aren’t the only vehicles that can have SLF passengers.  These insects, and their egg masses, can be found on just about any surface, including the car you drive to work, the RV you used for recreation, semi-trucks that cross the country, and more.  Purdue Entomology and Indiana DNR are encouraging everyone to inspect their vehicles when traveling through any of the infested areas.  Also check all recreational vehicles and trailers for spotted lanternfly egg masses; if found, scrape them off into a bag or bucket filled with soapy water.  This fall and winter, we also want to encourage everyone to please burn any firewood where you buy it, and please don’t move it off your property if you chop it yourself- especially if you are burning tree of heaven.  Egg masses will stick to firewood and can survive our winters very well.

What can I do?
We are still learning about the spotted lanternfly’s distribution through Indiana, and we need the help of citizen scientists to effectively track the insect’s movement.  If you believe you’ve seen spotted lanternfly, please report it using any of the resources listed below.  You can also feel free to reach out to Bob Bruner, Exotic Forest Pest Educator, by emailing them at rfbruner@purdue.edu, or you can report sightings by calling 1-866-NOEXOTIC.

Original article posted: Spotted Lanternfly is on the Move!.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Spotted Lanternfly Resources:
Spotted Lanternfly Found in Indiana, Indiana Woodland Steward
Spotted Lanternfly Feeds on Over 70 Plus Plant Species, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Spotted Lanternfly – includes map with locations, Indiana Department of Natural Resources Entomology
Spotted Lanternfly is on the Move!, Purde Landscape Report
Spotted Lanternfly Egg Hatch is Here, Purdue Landscape Report
Report Spotted Lanternfly, Purdue College of Agriculture Invasive Species

Other Resources Available:
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
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Report Invasive, Purdue College of Agriculture – Entomology
ReportINvasive, Purdue Report Invasive Facebook posts include webinars and workshops

Bob Bruner, Exotic Forest Pest Educator
Purdue Entomology

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One of the best parts of spring is seeing all of the wildlife seemingly come to life around us. Unfortunately, that activity can also bring new challenges to homeowners. One of the most common and widespread problems is lawn damage caused by moles.

In Indiana, eastern moles cause significant lawn damage. Characteristic signs of damage are the raised surface tunnels (these make your lawn uneven and feel “spongy” when you walk across it) and the dirt mounds created when moles dig deeper tunnels. A single mole can dig many feet of tunnels; one study found a single mole constructed 31 m of surface tunnels in a day.

Biologists actually know very little about moles compared to many species. It is assumed they are territorial and solitary (except during the breeding season), but that has yet to be determined. The only home range study of eastern moles was published in 1976. That study found that the average home range size of male moles was just over 2.5 acres; females had an average home range size of two-thirds of an acre. In reality, there is likely much variation across habitat types and season. Clearly, small yards in urban areas are capable of sustaining many moles.

One of the most effective ways to control moles in the yard is by trapping. It just so happens that the best time to trap them is right now. In May, moles are actively looking for food (mostly earthworms and insects) in the top layer of the soil profile; however, they have not yet had their litter of up to four young. Thus, a little trapping effort now can save you more effort, and less damage, later.

There are a lot of different kinds of mole traps on the market. Which do you choose? Regardless of the type of trap, it should be in good working order. Poorly kept traps that are rusty with loose or broken parts are not worth setting out. In terms of the specific type of trap that you use, it’s really up to you. With types of traps, I use the analogy of computer programs. There are advantages and limitations to most computer programs, but they all get the job done they were intended to do. Different people seem to find different programs easier to work with than others. Perhaps most often, we simply use the first program we learned to use, and as long as it works, there’s not much point in learning another. I think the same is true of traps. We tend to have success with the ones that we first learned or have some experience with using.

The main point is to start trapping now – don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Select relatively straight surface tunnels for trap locations. If you only have one trap at your disposal, you may want to also mark a couple other potential trapping locations. Collapse these locations by stepping on them and marking them with a pin flag. If you aren’t having success catching a mole in your initial location, you can try moving to one of these if the tunnels are repaired. It may be that you initially chose a tunnel that was not a primary tunnel. However, it also may mean that your trap was not set properly.

Finally, you may come across some references that will direct you to check the traps frequently. While this is absolutely critical for live traps, it is not for mole traps since they are kill traps. There is no requirement to check them regularly other than to see if you have a mole. However, a trap with a dead mole won’t catch anything else. This is one reason why setting several traps is better if you have access to them. If you don’t catch a mole within two days, then you should consider moving locations or resetting the trap. When you catch a mole, keep setting traps until you don’t catch them. Most homeowners have problems with several moles and not simply one mole.

For more detailed information about controlling moles, see Wildlife Conflict Management – Moles, Purdue Department of Entomology.

Resources:
Moles, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Dealing With Mole Damage in Your Yard, Video, Purdue-Extension Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Adjuvants and the Power of the Spray Droplet: Improving the Performance of Pesticide Applications, The Education Store
Preventing Wildlife Damage – Do You Need a Permit?, The Education Store
Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard, Video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
How to Stop Woodland Animals from Digging in Your Flower Pots, Video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Ask an Expert: Wildlife Mythbusters, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Nature of Teaching, Purdue Extension

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

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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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Wild Bulletin, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fish and Wildlife: Spring is the time anglers return to fishing on Indiana’s lakes and rivers. Often that includes catching and using live bait. Remember to dispose of all unused bait fish properly in the trash, as invasive carp could be lurking in your bait bucket. Improperly disposing of unused bait fish in a lake or stream could potentially allow invasive species, like silver carp, to spread in Indiana waters.

Invasive carp are a select group of cyprinid fishes (minnow family) that are native to Asia. The term “invasive carp,” formerly known as “Asian carp,” collectively refers to bighead carp, silver carp, grass carp, and black carp. Each of these species was intentionally introduced into the United States for different purposes; however, all are now considered invasive nationally and in Indiana. Invasive carp compete with native species and pose a threat to Indiana’s aquatic ecosystems.

Find out more about how you can help in the fight against invasive carp at DNR: Fish & Wildlife Resources.

Subscribe to Wild Bulletin.

Resources:
Asian Carp | Purdue University Report Invasive Species
Question: Aren’t There Concerns About Consuming Asian Carp As A Food Source In Indiana Streams?
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
Walleye Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Yellow Perch Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
A Guide to Small-Scale Fish Processing Using Local Kitchen Facilities, The Education Store
Eat Midwest Fish, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant online resource hub

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

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Governor Eric Holcomb has proclaimed February 25th to March 2nd as 2024 Invasive Species Awareness Week in Indiana.

This serves as an important reminder for Hoosiers to be aware and report potentially devastating invasives.

This proclamation states “invasive aquatic, riparian and terrestrial species influence the productivity, value and management of land and water resources in Indiana and the cost to prevent, monitor and control invasive species costs Indiana millions annually and after habitat destruction, invasive species are a great threat to biodiversity and threaten the survival of native plants and animals and interfere with ecosystem functions by changing processes like fire, nutrient flow and flooding”.

It continues with “invasive species impede industry, threaten agriculture, endanger human health and are becoming increasingly harder to control as a result of rapid global commercialization and human travel; and invasive species are as significant threat to almost half of the native species currently listed as federally endangered.”

As Invasive Species Awareness Week starts Sunday, February 25th, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN DNR), Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources and the Indiana Invasive Species Council will answer any questions you may have.

For Questions:
Ask an Expert, Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources
Invasive Species – Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
Indiana Invasive Species Council – Includes: IDNR, Purdue Department of Entomology and Professional Partners
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)

Report and Learn More About Invasive Species –
Great Lakes Early Detection Network App (GLEDN) – The Center for Invasive Species & Ecosystem Health
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
Purdue University Report Invasive Species, College of Agriculture

Check Out Our Invasive Species Videos –
Subscribe: Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Invasive Species YouTube Video Playlist includes:

• Asian Bush Honeysuckle
• Burning Bush
• Callery Pear
• Multiflora Rose
• Invasive Plants Threaten Our Forests Part 1: Invasive Plant Species Identification
• Invasive Plants Threaten Our Forests Part 2: Control and Management

More Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Video Series –
Woodland Management Moment:

• Against Invasives
• Garlic Mustard
• Autumn Olive

Woodland Stewardship for Landowners:

• Common Buckthorn
• Japanese Barberry

ID That Tree:

• Invasive White Mulberry
• Invasive Siberian Elm
• Invasive Tree of Heaven

More Resources –
FNR Extension Publications, The Education Store:

• Invasive Plant Species: Tree of Heaven
• Invasive Plant Species: Oriental Bittersweet
• Invasive Plant Species: Wintercreeper
• Japanese Chaff Flower
• Kudzu in Indiana
• Mile-a-minute Vine

Purdue Landscape Report:

• Alternatives to Burning Bush for Fall Color
• Now is the Time to Identify Callery Pear

FNR Extension Got Nature? Blog:

• Woodland Invaders
• Invasive Species: the Good News and the Bad News

Don’t Miss These Resources:
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What Are Invasive Species and Why Should I Care?, Purdue Extension-FNR Got Nature? Blog
Emerald Ash Borer Information Network, Purdue University and Partners
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center

Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources

 

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Wild Bulletin, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fish and Wildlife: Indiana DNR has been working with neighboring states to address the invasive carp problem in our waters. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has been using contract fishers to harvest invasive carp from the middle Ohio River at the leading edge of invasive carp’s established population, and the Indiana Division of Fish & Wildlife provides support as needed. The contract fishing program will be operating through the winter and spring. Most fishing will occur from Leavenworth to Cannelton, Indiana, in small tributaries and backwaters off the Ohio River. Agency staff will ride along with contract fishers to collect data and ensure native fish populations are not negatively impacted.

Throughout the year, biologists are involved in several other collaborative research and monitoring projects to slow the spread of invasive carp within the Ohio River basin. If you encounter an invasive carp and are wondering what to do with it, try eating it! Our website includes information on how to clean and prepare silver carp for a tasty meal, as well as descriptions of other DNR projects that address invasive carp.

To learn more please visit DNR: Invasive Carp.

Subscribe to Wild Bulletin.

Resources:
Asian carp solutions: Take them to market, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant
Asian carp, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant
Asian carp, Purdue College of Agriculture
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
Walleye Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Pacific White Shrimp Farmed Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Yellow Perch Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Tilapia Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Rainbow Trout Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
American Paddlefish, The Education Store
A Guide to Small-Scale Fish Processing Using Local Kitchen Facilities, The Education Store
Eat Midwest Fish, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant online resource hub

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

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MyDNR, Indiana’s Outdoor Newsletter: Did you know that Indiana’s waterways can be altered by the presence of aquatic invasive species? Non-native plants, animals, and organisms can disrupt bodies of water and ecosystems, threatening sport fisheries and other commercial resources.

If you’re wondering what you can do to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, there are many easy steps that Hoosiers and out-of-state visitors can take to stop aquatic hitchhikers:

• Clean off any animals, plants, and mud from any angling or boating gear.
• Drain the water from watercrafts, bladder tanks, bilges, motors, livewells, and portable bait containers before leaving the water access area.
• Make sure everything air-dries for five days or longer or is dried with a towel.
• Dispose of any unwanted or unused bait, fish parts, and packing materials in the trash, rather than on the ground or in water. Remember, littering harms the environment.

DNR is counting on you to help protect Indiana’s waterways and species.

Newsletter can be found online: MyDNR Email Newsletter

For more information please visit DNR: Fish & Wildlife: Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS).

Resources:
Invasive Mussels, IN DNR Fish and Wildlife
Aquatic Invasive Species in the Great Lakes: The Quagga Mussel, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) Got Nature? Blog
Aquatic Invaders in the Marketplace, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Great Lakes Sea Grant Network (GLERL), NOAA – Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory
A Field Guide to Fish Invaders of the Great Lake Regions, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Purdue Researchers Get to the Bottom of Another Quagga Mussel Impact, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Invasive plants: Impact on Environment and People, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Protect Your Waters, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service & U.S. Coast Guard
Nongame and Endangered Wildlife, Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Department of Fish & Wildlife

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