Got Nature? Blog

Wild Bulletin, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fish and Wildlife: IN DNR providing public online forms to submit your comments regarding proposed changes on two regulations for the state.

Public Comment Period Open for Proposed Changes to Deer Hunting Rules:deer
Indiana’s Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has opened a public comment period for proposed changes to Indiana’s deer hunting rules before they vote on the proposed changes. Most proposed changes intend to simplify Indiana’s deer hunting rules so they are easier to understand.

Public comments can be submitted online. Locate the “Submit Comments Here” link in the Rules Docket for the Deer Hunting Rule Amendments Proposal. The deadline for public comments is March 20. The public hearing will be held on Wednesday, March 20, from 4–8 p.m. ET both online and in person at the Fort Harrison State Park Inn’s Roosevelt Ballroom. To attend the public hearing online, go to Microsoft Teams and enter Meeting ID: 296 491 887 327, Passcode: xTCuyW starting at 4 p.m. ET on March 20.

For more information on the proposed rule changes, visit the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ rule and regulations changes web page. Questions about the proposed deer hunting rule changes should be directed to 812-334-3795 or indeerhotline@dnr.IN.gov.

Public Comment Period Open for Proposed Changes to River Otter Trapping Rules:River Otter sticking her tongue out.
The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has opened a public comment period for proposed changes to Indiana’s river otter trapping rule before they vote on final adoption of the proposed changes.

Indiana DNR is proposing to open otter trapping statewide but keep all other otter regulations the same. The proposed changes will allow otters to be trapped statewide, allowing people to handle emerging wildlife conflicts in all counties and simplify the otter regulations. The DNR is confident the change will not negatively affect river otter populations, which staff will continue to monitor.

Public comments can be submitted online. Locate the “Comment on this rule” link in the Rule Docket for the River Otter Trapping Rule. The deadline for public comments is April 11.

Questions about the proposed otter trapping rule changes should be directed to Geriann Albers at 812-822-3304 or galbers@dnr.IN.gov. Visit the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website for more information on the proposed rule changes.

To learn more please visit Indiana Natural Resources Commission – Rulemaking Docket.

Subscribe to Wild Bulletin.

Resources:
Creating a Wildlife Habitat Management Plan for Landowners, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
A Template for Your Wildlife Habitat Management Plan, The Education Store
Wildlife Habitat Hint: Trail Camera Tips and Tricks, Got Nature? Blog
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Designing Hardwood Tree Plantings for Wildlife – The Education Store
ID That Tree – YouTube Playlist
Hunting Guide for 2023-2024, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
How to Score Your White-tailed Deer, video, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
White-Tailed Deer Post Harvest Collection, video, The Education Store
Age Determination in White-tailed Deer, video, The Education Store
How to Build a Plastic Mesh Deer Exclusion Fence, The Education Store
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
A Template for Your Wildlife Habitat Management Plan, The Education Store
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store

Indiana Department of Natural Resources


In this edition of ID That Tree, we’re going to introduce you to yet another southern Indiana oak species. This one is a member of the broad white oak group and it’s called post oak. It’s called that because it’s a very rot resistant and hard wood that used to be used for fence posts. It has rounded lobes, no bristle tips, and typified by a cruciform shape of leaf.

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:
Post Oak, Native Trees of Indiana River Walk, Purdue Fort Wayne
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Burning Bush, Callery Pear, Multiflora rose)
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Against Invasives, Garlic Mustard, Autumn Olive)
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Common Buckthorn, Japanese Barberry)
How long do seeds of the invasive tree, Ailanthus altissima remain viable? (Invasive Tree of Heaven), USDA Forest Service
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association
District Forester 10+acres of woodlands, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

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


Do you want to learn how to get the most out of your property? Make plans to attend the 2024 Ohio River Valley Woodlands and Wildlife Workshop on March 23 and learn best practices directly from extension specialists from Purdue University, Ohio State University and the University of Kentucky.
ohio river valley logo
The event, set to take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Clifty Inn at Clifty Falls State Park (1650 Clifty Hollow Rd., Madison, IN 47250), will offer educational sessions ranging from managing invasive plants to managing woodlands for birds, the use of prescribed fire and more.

“The workshop is an excellent opportunity to learn many aspects of managing the wildlife, forest and aquatic resources on your property,” Purdue extension wildlife specialist Brian MacGowan said. “Attendees will also be able to meet other woodland owners and share ideas.”

Sessions will begin at 9 a.m. with concurrent talks on:

  • Learning about Growing Christmas Trees
  • Tree Identificationasian bush honey suckle
  • Deer Impact Toolbox

At 10 a.m. attendees will choose from sessions on:

  • Managing Woodland Invasive Plants
  • Forest Soils 101
  • Capturing Clear Images Using Simple Techniques

At 11 a.m., you can learn about:

  • Intro to Honey Bees and Beekeeping
  • White Oak Initiative
  • Forestry for the Birds

After a buffet lunch, which is included in the registration fee, wrap up the day with two more educational sessions.hellbender lab photo

At 1 p.m., select from:

  • Spotted Lanternfly: Where is it now?
  • Prescribed Fire and Oak Management
  • The Eastern Hellbender

At 2 p.m., sessions include:

  • Rain Gardens – Planting Our Way to Water Quality
  • Ohio Maple Toolbox
  • Owls of the Tristate

Early registration is available through March 4 at the rate of $47 per person. Beginning on March 5, the registration rate increases to $65 per person. Event registration is available online.

Lodging is available for March 22 and 23 at the Clifty Inn for a special rate of $107 plus tax per night until Feb. 23. Ask for group code 0323WO. Contact the Inn at 1-877-563-4371 or book your room online at www.indianainns.com using the group name “0323WO.”

The Ohio Valley Woodlands and Wildlife Workshop is co-hosted by the Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural ResourcesPurdue FNR Extension and the Indiana Forestry and Woodland Owners Association. Additional support is provided by the University of Kentucky Extension and Ohio State University Extension.

To see full article, please visit 2024 FNR News & Stories.

Resources:
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Agricultural Plant Pest Control, The Education Store
Snakes and Lizards of Indiana, The Education Store
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Wildlife Responses to Timber Harvesting, Purdue Extension The Education Store
Wildlife Habitat Education Program: Wildlife Identification Guide, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Developing a Wildlife Habitat Management Plan, The Education Store
Woodland Wildlife Management, The Education Store
Purdue Integrated Deer Management Project, Purdue College of Agriculture
Woodland Management Moment YouTube Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR
Finding help from a professional forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association
Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) Publications

Brian MacGowan, Wildlife Extension Specialist
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources


In this edition of ID That Tree, we’re going to introduce you to a southern oak found in Indiana, cherrybark oak. This species can typically be found in bottomland areas in extreme southern Indiana. It’s a member of the broad red oak group. It has hairlike bristle tips, relatively large leaves, a waxy coating on the top, and lobes that have one or tow hair-like spines on the end.

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:
Cherrybark Oak, Native Trees of Indiana River Walk, Purdue Fort Wayne
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Burning Bush, Callery Pear, Multiflora rose)
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Against Invasives, Garlic Mustard, Autumn Olive)
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Common Buckthorn, Japanese Barberry)
How long do seeds of the invasive tree, Ailanthus altissima remain viable? (Invasive Tree of Heaven), USDA Forest Service
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association
District Forester 10+acres of woodlands, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

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


Posted on February 19th, 2024 in Forestry, Plants, Wildlife, Woodlands | No Comments »

IN DNR-Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology Report: Jarred Spokowsky, Nursery Inspector & Compliance Officer, encourages professionals and enthusiast beekeepers to check out the new Honey Bee Nutrition-A Review and Guide to Supplemental Feeding which he shared in theHoney Bee Nutrition Guide Cover February 2024 Report. The guide lists useful information and an interesting summary of research as it relates to current supplements. “You will also find real-world feedback from multiple migratory operations from around the country and what their nutritional supplement routines are,” states Jarred Spokowsky.

This guide is presented by the Honey Bee Health Coalition which brings together beekeepers, growers, researchers, government agencies, agribusinesses, conservation groups, manufacturers, and consumer brands to improve the health of honey bees.

Jarred also shared the upcoming seminar that many will want to attend March 6, 2024, presented by the Project Apis m. The seminar title is From Forage to Feeding, Honey Bee Health Seminar.

You will be able to listen to the following professionals:

  • Dr. Priyadarshini Chakrabarti Basu
    Mississippi State University
  • Dr. Diana Cox-Foster
    USDA-ARS Pollinating Insect Research Unit, Logan Utah
  • Dr. Vanessa Corby-Harris
    USDA-ARS Carl Hayden Bee Research Center in Tucson. AZ

If you would like to subscribe to the informal report by the Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology view the Entomology Weekly Review web page.

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

Jarred Spokowsky, Nursery Inspector & Compliance Officer
Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology

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

Indiana Department of Natural Resources


Are you an Indiana teacher who is looking to incorporate natural resources, forest ecology and forest management into your curriculum?

Apply now for the Indiana Natural Resources Teacher Institute, an immersive multi-day professional development workshop that will bring 18 teachers from across the state to Morgan-Monroe State Forest to see firsthand how forestry works in Indiana.  Sessions from June 24 to 28 will include tours of public and private forest lands, forest industry facilities, and information about forestry research in Indiana.Photo from HEENewsletter

The goal of the institute, which is co-hosted by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources Extension, is to provide Indiana teachers with knowledge, skills and tools to effectively teach their students about forest ecology and forest management practices.  The forest environment becomes the basis for integrating the learning of many subject areas, including environmental science, biology, natural resources, and social science.  The NRTI incorporates STEM concepts and principles throughout the sessions and empowers educators to foster conceptual learning, critical thinking and decision-making skills in their classrooms.

The Natural Resources Teacher Institute emphasizes the importance of conservation of natural resources with special attention given to Indiana’s forests and forest products.  The project-based approach integrates hands-on study of the natural and cultural resources of the local community, addresses concepts in ecology, sense of place, civics, economics and forest land management and stewardship.

Participants will develop a curriculum project about forests or forestry for their classrooms.  Participants will earn 30+ Professional Growth Points and receive a stipend upon documentation of implementing curriculum project. Concepts are linked to the Indiana Learning Standards and participants are provided resources and training from Project Learning Tree as well as forestry equipment kits.

The 2024 edition of the NRTI will begin on Monday, June 24 at 1:00 pm and conclude on Friday, June 28 at noon. The base of operations will be the Forestry Training Center at Morgan-Monroe State Forest near Martinsville. Teachers will stay in the Training Center, sharing one of the 10 sleeping rooms.  Meals will be provided.

Interested educators must complete an application and submit it by the deadline of March 22, 2024.  Successful applicants will be notified by April 1, 2022. The institute is limited to 18 participants per session. There is no cost for participants. Those accepted will be required to pay a $50 deposit, which will be refunded at the end of the program. Participants will receive a stipend when documentation is provided that they have implemented their curriculum project with their students.

  • Attendees must be available to participate in all days of the institute. (Individual participation only – spouses and/or children, etc., are not permitted.)
  • Participants must be able to actively participate in all activities, which will include walking, hiking, summer temperatures, insects, etc. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities who may need assistance.
  • Participants must have the ability to implement a curriculum project in their educational setting.

For more information and to request an application for the NRTI, contact Project Learning Tree Coordinator Lexi Eiler via email at leiler@dnr.in.gov or via phone at 463-253-8835.

To get a glimpse at the curriculum and also feedback from past participants, read NRTI Takes Forestry to the Classroom.

To register, please fill out the NRTI Application.

Resources:
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources Facebook Page
Project Learning Tree
Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry
The Nature of Teaching, Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
The Nature of Teaching: Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
The Nature of Teaching: Adaptations for Aquatic Amphibians, The Education Store
Trees of the Midwest Webinar, Nature of Teaching YouTube channel

Indiana Forestry Educational Foundation, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association
Forest/Timber, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Natural Resources Teacher Institute Takes Forestry to the Classroom, Purdue FNR News
Purdue Extension

Lexi Eiler, Coordinator
Indiana Project Learning Tree

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


scent station photo

During K-12 Educator workshops, participants learn how to implement TNT curriculum such as building scent stations (pictured above). Photo by Jarred Brooke.

Agricultural & Natural Resources: Richard Louv’s words, “Time in nature is not leisure time, it’s an essential investment in our children’s health (and also, by the way, in our own),” underscores the critical role of nature in children’s well-being. Inspired by Louv’s concept of “nature deficit disorder,” The Nature of Teaching (TNT) was established in 2009 to connect youth to nature. The Nature of Teaching became an ANR signature program in 2019.

The primary focus of TNT is to engage K-12 youth with nature to foster environmental awareness and reap the positive health benefits of outdoor experiences. The program achieves this by integrating nature-based education into the school environment through standards-based curriculum. Through this, TNT not only connects students with nature but also provides lessons that align with Common Core and Next Generation Science standards.

The curriculum of The Nature of Teaching is divided into three key areas: Wildlife, Health and Wellness, and Food Waste. The Wildlife curriculum enhances students’ understanding of the natural world, while the Health and Wellness curriculum emphasizes the health benefits of connecting with nature. The Food Waste curriculum explores the environmental impact of food waste. Educators have access to more than 60 free standards-based lesson plans suitable for K-12 classrooms. In addition, TNT includes five informal curriculum units that are not standards-based and are more activity-focused. These informal lessons are great for field days and after-school type programs.

tnt union county hellbender adaptations

Veronica Bullock teaching a TNT lesson, Adaptations for Aquatic Amphibians, in a Union County classroom. Photo by Jennifer Logue.

Extension educators around the state have delivered TNT lessons to K-12 students since TNT became a signature program in 2019. In 2022 alone, 2,424 K-12 students benefited from TNT instruction, highlighting an impressive average knowledge increase of 16-31% in natural resources topics. The Nature of Teaching further supports K-12 educators through teacher workshops, with 17 teachers attending a workshop at Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge in 2022. Attendees reported a significant boost in knowledge and confidence in connecting youth with nature.

As part of the signature program, Extension educators deliver three educational sessions using TNT formal curriculum to at least 15 students. Educators are also asked to provide students with pre- and post-tests to better understand student learning outcomes. Most educators deliver TNT in their local school system over several weeks. However, others deliver TNT through school clubs, after-school programs, or other avenues. The signature program requirements for Nature of Teaching are on the ANR Intranet. Educators are encouraged to work across program areas to deliver TNT.

Starting this year, The Nature of Teaching will be co-led by Jarred Brooke, Extension wildlife specialist, and Veronica Bullock, ANR educator, Franklin County. Jarred and Veronica have a long history with the TNT program and are excited to lead TNT into the future.

For educators who are interested in TNT, we will host a webinar on April 2 at 10 a.m. EDT to discuss future changes to the Nature of Teaching Signature program. You can register for the webinar here.

To see this article and others, please visit ANR Newsletter-February 2024.

Visit Nature of Teaching to learn more and explore the different lessons.

Resources:
Virtual Workshops, Nature of Teaching
Nature of Teaching, Website, Purdue College of Agriculture
The Nature of Teaching, YouTube channel
Transporting Food Waste, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Benefits of Connecting with Nature, The Education Store
Nature of Teaching: Common Mammals of Indiana, The Education Store
The Nature of Teaching: Food Waste Solutions, The Education Store
The Nature of Teaching: Food Waste and the Environment, The Education Store
The Nature of Teaching: Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
The Nature of Teaching: Adaptations for Aquatic Amphibians, The Education Store
Trees of the Midwest Webinar, Nature of Teaching YouTube channel
Adaptations For Aquatic Amphibians Webinar, Nature of Teaching YouTube channel

Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR)

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

Veronica Bullock, ANR Extension Educator
Purdue Extension Franklin County


Posted on February 6th, 2024 in Forestry, Land Use, Plants, Publication, Wildlife, Woodlands | No Comments »

Purdue Extension: This Purdue Extension 2023 Impact Report features stories that highlight partnerships that have served our state’s producers, supported residents in becoming healthier, built more resilient communities and prepared Indiana’s youth to take that first step to their giant leap. We will continue to bring the science, technology and resources to all 92 counties as Indiana’s educational partner for life and as an extension of the world class institution we represent: Purdue University.2023 Impact Report Cover

Check out the Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resource highlights on the following programs:

  • Todays Teens Lead the Way in Sharing Love of STEM
  • Guiding Farm Families Down the Road of Succession Planning
  • Providing Support for Families Through Seasons of Change
  • Addressing Substance Use Recovery Together
  • Workforce Development Efforts Target a Broad Range of Users
  • Training International Farmers in Food Preservation and Processing
  • Farmer-Driven Research Creates Solutions

Resources:
Nature of Teaching, Purdue College of Agriculture
Community Development, Purdue Extension
Purdue Extension
Family Programs, Purdue Extension – Health and Human Sciences
Taking Action to Address Substance Use in Communities (TASC), Purdue Extension
Diversified Farming and Food Systems, Purdue Extension
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube channel
A Woodland Management Moment, FNR – Ext Playlist
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Wildlife Responses to Timber Harvesting, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Community Planning, FNR -Ext Playlist

Purdue Extension


Wild Bulletin, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fish and Wildlife: Looking to build habitat that benefits wildlife species near you? February is a great time to complete winter habitat improvement projects, such as frost seeding native forbs, edge feathering forestsnow covered milkweed crop boundaries, prescribe-burning warm-season grass, and removing invasive species.

DNR’s wildlife habitat fact sheets can teach you the best techniques for your desired management practices. Need more information for your unique property? Contact your district’s Wildlife Biologist, who can meet with you to provide suggestions on wildlife habitat improvements based on your specific goals.

To learn more please visit DNR: Wildlife Habitat Fact Sheets.

Subscribe to Wild Bulletin.

Resources:
Frost Seeding to Establish Wildlife Food Plots and Native Grass and Forb Plantings – The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Tips for Evaluating a First Year Native Grass and Forb Planting, Got Nature? – Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR)
Wildlife Habitat Hint: Tips for Evaluating a First Year Native Grass and Forb Plantings, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Calibrating a No-Till Drill for Conservation Plantings and Wildlife Food Plots – The Education Store
Drone Seeding Native Grasses and Forbs: Project Overview & Drone Setup, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Drone Seeding Native Grasses and Forbs: Seed Mixing, Loading the Hopper, Programming the Route, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Drone Seeding Native Grasses and Forbs: Recapping the Project, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Renovating Native Warm-season Grass Stands for Wildlife, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Ordering Seedlings from the State Forest Nursery System, Got Nature? – Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR)
Designing Hardwood Tree Plantings for Wildlife – The Education Store
ID That Tree – YouTube Playlist
Forest Management for Reptiles and Amphibians: A Technical Guide for the Midwest, The Education Store
Ask the Expert: Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Birds and Salamander Research, Purdue Extension – FNR
A Template for Your Wildlife Habitat Management Plan, The Education Store
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Winter Weather Tree Tips, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR

Indiana Department of Natural Resources


In 2023, our FNR Extension website featured stories on topics ranging from wildlife identification, concerns in forestry, urban forestry issues and aquaculture how-to guides. Here are the top stories our FNR Extension readers were interested in last year from archival favorites to new publications on our Got Nature! blog.

FROM THE ARCHIVES – ARTICLES ORIGINALLY POSTED PRIOR TO 2023tree trunk damage wounds and healing

1 – Tree Wounds and Healing — Trees are incredible survivors in spite of the challenges from pests of all kinds, including us! They are vulnerable to injuries such as mechanical wounds from lawn equipment, vehicles and ice. Pruning results in an intentional wound which is of importance to consider. Tree owners and managers need to prune trees to maintain aesthetic characteristics, remove infected limbs, reduce risk, or improve structural stability. Proper pruning practice and understanding tree wounds can minimize the impact of creating wounds on trees.

2 – Question: Can Tree Roots Cause Damage to a Home’s Foundation? — A reader asked this question regarding a pin oak tree that is within 10 feet of their house after receiving  A certified arborist took a look at it and said that he would like to use an Air Knife to expose the roots near the foundation (a walkout basement) to determine if the roots are causing damage and/or need to be pruned, or whether the tree needs to be removed since it is situated too close to the house.squirrel

3 – Question: I Saw A Squirrel with No Fur on Its Neck, Both Backside and Underneath. What Is This? — People can be taken aback by the sight of squirrels missing hair. Sightings of partially furred squirrels is not unusual with warmer temperatures experienced through the winter. Like many wildlife issues, the cause of hair loss in squirrels is not easy to answer and often results in more questions than answers. In most situations, hair loss does not impact populations of squirrels.

4 – Be on the Watch for EHD in Deer — In August 2019, residents were warned to be on the watch for Epizootic Hemorrhagic Diseases (EHD) in deer after a white-tailed deer in Clarke County, Indiana tested positive for Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), and potential EHD cases had been reported in 26 other Indiana counties. Here are a few things you should know about how EHD, how to spot it, and how to report it.tiger salamander

5 – Question: Are Carpenter Ants Harmful to My Tree? — Carpenter ants are very common inside trees, especially on larger, mature trees that are hollow with cavities. They nest in rotted, decayed wood, although some nests may extend into sound heartwood in the center of the tree. Carpenter ant presence is an indication of rotting wood, and infested trees should be checked to determine whether the rot has weakened the tree enough that it has become a risk of failure.

6 – Question: Why Are There So Many Acorns This Year? — If you have ever noticed acorns so numerous that you could not take a step without crushing several, you may be asking the question, “why are there so many acorns?” Some answers to this question can be found in the physiology and ecology of trees and their relationship to wildlife.

7 – It Is A Salamander. No, It Is a Lizard. Are They Different? — Salamanders are often mistaken for lizards, but the two groups are very different. Learn the differences between lizards and salamanders, how to identify each and more.slime flux silver maple

8 – Question: Blue Spruce is Dying, What Can I Do? — A reader sent in a question asking about a 40-year old spruce which is dying in the middle. There was a concern about Rhizosphaera needle cast as well as questions about fungus control sprays or alternative fungicide treatments.

9 – Slime Flux of Trees — Slime flux (also known as wet wood) is a dark, foul-smelling and unsightly seepage of sap from tree trunks. The disease is not usually a serious problem but the appearance can be alarming. Learn about the symptoms of slime flux, diagnosis and prevention measure.

10 – What Do Trees Do In the Winter? — Do they freeze up like unprotected water pipes? Or burst when it gets below freezing? Yes, the below-ground parts of a tree are kept insulated by mulch, soil and a layer of snow, and that is important to survival, but the exposed parts of a tree are not protected.

To see the full article, please visit FNR News & Stories.

Resources
Tree Pruning: What Do Trees Think?, The Education Store
Mechanical Damage to Trees: Mowing and Maintenance Equipment, The Education Store
Surface Root Syndrome, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
The Nature of Teaching: Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Diseases in Hardwood Tree Plantings , The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Iron Chlorosis of Trees and Shrubs, The Education Store
Purdue Landscape Report, Website
Winterize Your Trees, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store
Forest/Timber, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube channel
Urban Forestry, Purdue Extension – FNR playlist

Wendy Mayer, FNR Communications Coordinator
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources


Got Nature?

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