Got Nature? Blog

Purdue Landscape Report: We are often the bearers of bad news when a new exotic insect species is discovered in Indiana. This time, however, we have some good news to share. Agrilus smaragdifrons, a beetle that feeds exclusively on Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), was detected in Indiana last year in Allen County.

Figure 1. Agrilus smaragdifrons adult (Photograph by Dave Eib, iNaturalist)

You might notice that this beetle belongs to the same genus as the infamous Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) (EAB). Indeed, the two species look quite similar, although there are subtle differences in their striking metallic coloration. While Emerald Ash Borer is a vibrant green from head to wing, A. smaragdifrons has a golden-red head and thorax with green to black-green wings (Fig. 1).

This beetle has been present in the United States for several years, with the earliest record dating back to 2011 from a photograph taken in New Jersey that was uploaded to BugGuide.net. Subsequent detections occurred in several neighboring eastern states, often as bycatch during Emerald Ash Borer surveys (Hoebeke et al. 2017).

The life cycle of A. smaragdifrons also shares many similarities with Emerald Ash Borer. Although its life cycle under North American conditions has not yet been formally described, Hoebeke et al. (2017) summarize the beetle’s biology in its native Asian range based on Chinese literature (Xu and Yang 2007).

Figure 2. Agrilus smaragdifrons exit holes in Ailanthus altissima (Photograph by Patrick Perish, iNaturalist)

Females lay eggs in bark crevices during mid- to late summer, and newly hatched larvae burrow into the tree. The larvae overwinter within galleries beneath the bark and resume feeding the following spring. Pupation occurs in early summer, around June, and adult mating flights take place from June through July. When adults emerge, they leave characteristic “D”-shaped exit holes in the bark (Fig. 2; Photograph by Patrick Perish, iNaturalist).

It is not yet known whether A. smaragdifrons will function as a biological control agent for Tree-of-Heaven. Additional research and field observations are needed to determine its impact on its host. However, reports from Beijing Forestry University indicate that attacks by A. smaragdifrons can lead to decline and eventual death of Tree-of-Heaven (Hoebeke et al. 2017).

Scientists with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Purdue University are interested in tracking the distribution of A. smaragdifrons across the state. The next time you encounter a Tree-of-Heaven, keep an eye out for the distinctive D-shaped exit holes. In late summer, you may also observe adults feeding on the leaves.

See something? Report it Identifying and Reporting Pests at just as you would any other invasive species!

Original article posted: Beetle that attacks Tree-of-Heaven found in Indiana.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

In this edition of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension Forester Lenny Farlee introduces us to dwarf chinkapin oak, an uncommon oak species found in far northern Indiana. Unlike many oaks that grow into large forest trees, this species often takes on a different form. Learn about the types of sites where dwarf chinkapin oak is typically found, how it compares to its relative the chinkapin oak and why it plays an important role in supporting wildlife. Whether you’re a student, landowner or simply curious about Indiana’s native trees and shrubs, this video offers a quick introduction to this unique and lesser-known oak species.

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

MyDNR, Indiana’s Outdoor Newsletter: The Division of Law Enforcement is looking for highly motivated, outdoor-centered individuals to fill Conservation Officer positions across the state.

DNR’s Law Enforcment officers in training. Photo by: Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Anyone interested should first read “Become a Conservation Officer” at on.IN.gov/ico-hiring and complete the pre-screening test under the “Apply” link. Successful completion of the pre-screening test will automatically enter you into the hiring process.

To be qualified to pass the pre-screening test, you must be a United States citizen and be 21 years old by Oct. 30. You also must be able to pass the new Physical Agility Test, which is the new fitness standard for all Law Enforcement in the state starting Aug. 1. The website listed above also contains a video demonstrating the Physical Agility Test, course diagram and testing protocols.

Conservation officers comprise Indiana’s oldest state law enforcement agency. ICOs are fully recognized Indiana police officers who enforce and uphold all DNR rules and regulations as well as all other Indiana state laws. ICOs spend most of their time on the job enforcing fishing and hunting regulations, conducting marine boat patrol on Indiana’s waterways, and patrolling DNR properties to keep them safe and family friendly.

In addition to traditional law enforcement work, ICOs also engage in specialty areas, including scuba, K-9, search and rescue, swift water rescue and many more.

For more information, visit the DNR hiring for Indiana Conservation Officer positions webpage.

More Resources:
Hunting Guide, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN DNR)
MyDNR Newsletter, IN DNR
Wild Bulletin Newsletter, IN DNR
Fishing Guide, IN DNR
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
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 DNR)

In this edition of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension Forester Lenny Farlee introduces us to Shumard oak, a native oak species found in parts of Indiana. While it is sometimes confused with other oaks, including northern red oak, this species has key characteristics that set it apart. Learn where Shumard oak is typically found, how it fits into Indiana’s woodland landscapes and what to look for when distinguishing it from similar plants. This video provides a helpful introduction to identifying Shumard oak whether you’re a student, landowner or just interested in better understanding the trees around you.

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

Purdue Extension has helped subdue invasive species ranging from kudzu and emerald ash borer to thousand canker disease and spongy moth. The work continues against new waves of invaders, such as tree of heaven and spotted lanternfly.

Aside from pushing out native species, spotted lanternfly presents an economic threat to Indiana’s forests, which annually provide $3.5 billion in value-added and $7.9 billion in value of shipments to Indiana’s economy (data from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources) and its commercial vineyards, which contribute $2.4 billion annually (data from the Indiana Wine Grape Council). Nationally, invasive species cost the U.S. an estimated $138 billion per year in damages, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Spotted lanternfly is an imminent risk to Monroe County. That’s largely because of the tree of heaven, which has established scattered populations throughout Indiana.

“The spotted lanternfly has arrived in Indiana, and the tree of heaven is its preferred food source,” says Ellen Jacquart, president of Monroe County Identify and Reduce Invasive Species. “Indeed, some recent research shows that spotted lanternflies may not be able to complete their metamorphosis into an adult if they don’t feed on the tree of heaven. So now we have this push to get rid of tree of heaven because the spotted lanternfly was just found two counties east of us.”

Jacquart has worked with Extension’s Robert Bruner, exotic forest pest specialist, and Lenny Farlee, sustaining hardwood specialist, to combat the pest and other invasives.

“Bob Bruner and his updates on spotted lanternfly have been awesome,” Jacquart says. “Lenny has become one of the highlight speakers at many of the invasive species conferences that I go to because he is so good at explaining control techniques. He brings in a lot of experience and knowledge, whether you’re working at the scale of a small yard or 40 acres.”

The Forest Pest Outreach and Survey Project (FPOSP) — a joint effort between Purdue Extension Entomology and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) — has long addressed the growing problem of exotic pests through detection, education and reporting. FPOSP’s outreach includes educational and professional development programming. The project also seeks to create a group of citizen scientists motivated to help report and manage invasive species.

Bruner expanded this effort in 2023 by launching a series of live webinars called ReportINvasive. He also began providing in-person presentations at events such as the Indiana Green Expo, Indiana Invasive Species Conference and Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas meetings.

The bulk of invasive plant work in forestry involves herbicide applications to control the intruders, says Philip Marshall, forest health specialist at the Indiana DNR. Extension specialists are among the speakers at the annual Forest Pesticide Training Program, which provides approved continuing education credits from the Office of the Indiana State Chemist. Extension presenters regularly share best practices and research with attendees, who often engage in invasive species management in various capacities.

“I rely on Purdue and the Extension people for technical expertise.” – Philip Marshall, forest health specialist, Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Marshall cites the value of the training program, as well as the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab, which helps county extension educators and other Indiana stakeholders identify invasive species and other plant and pest problems. An insect, a virus, a fungus or a plant can become an invasive pest or pathogen.

Marshall, Farlee and other experts from Purdue, Indiana DNR and elsewhere spoke in September at the 2025 Indiana Invasive Species Conference. Hosted by Extension and the Indiana Invasive Species Council, the conference catered to scientists, researchers, landscapers, landowners and concerned citizens alike.

Henry Quesada, Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources program leader, delivered the keynote address. His topic: Ecological, social and economic consequences of invasive species on forests and forest products, the same reasons that drive Extension’s work forward.

To view this article along with other news and stories posted on the Purdue Extension website view: Uniting Indiana Residents Against Invasive Species.

Purdue University Extension

Morning AgClips: Have you seen a bald eagle recently? I still marvel when I see one soaring in flight. It’s exciting to see them swoop down near the surface of a river and snatch a fish. You may have even taken advantage of watching “eagle cams,” 24-hour video feeds of an eagle’s nest. You may have participated in an “Eagle Watch” event, hosted by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Or, perhaps you have seen and kept an eye on an eagle’s nest near you!

Mathew Schwartz, Unsplash

The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) has been the national bird of the United States since 1782, when it was adopted as a core element in the Great Seal of the United States.

Apparently, a long-standing and frequently perpetuated myth in American history is that Benjamin Franklin preferred the turkey to the eagle as a national symbol. According to Harvard University, his tongue-in-cheek comments berating the eagle while extolling the turkey were taken out of context. Evidently, they were meant as a joke regarding the insignia of the Society of the Cincinnati, in which Franklin thought the bird depicted looked more like a turkey than an eagle. (I’m not a historian; you can do your own research and decide for yourself.)

Once a federal- and state-endangered species, due to hunting and use of certain pesticides (now banned), the bald eagle has recovered quite well.

Brian MacGowan, Purdue Extension wildlife specialist, said that bald eagles were once listed under the Endangered Species Act. “However, their populations recovered to a level where they were delisted,” he said. “Even so, Bald Eagles are still offered some level of protection under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act.”

Indiana DNR reported that in 2020, there were more than 350 nesting territories in Indiana. Bald eagles have been sighted in almost every Indiana county.

You might assume that springtime is bald eagle breeding season, but bald eagles breed in the winter. “Winter is a time when Bald Eagles build nests in large trees or snags near sources of food – rivers, streams, and lakes,” said MacGowan. “The nests they construct are very large (4-6 feet in diameter) and can weigh more than 1,000 pounds.” He said they also construct alternate nests within their territory and will usually return to the same nesting territory year after year.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website offers more facts on bald eagles and their young. They write that wintering eagles prefer mature trees along large, open bodies of water for daytime perches. At night, large trees in sheltered valleys and ravines are preferred for roosting, and it is common for eagles to roost in small groups during winter.

Indiana DNR further states that eagle eggs have a 35-day incubation period and that young eagles leave the nest or “fledge” at 11-12 weeks old. Adult eagles do not begin to nest until they are 4 or 5 years old. Eagles mate for life and return each year to the same location to nest and breed, selecting nest sites close to where they were raised as young.

View Morning AgClips full article for more interesting facts of bald eagles: Have You Seen A Soaring Eagle Lately?

To subscribe and receive the Morning AgClips Newsletter by email view, Subscribe to Our Daily Newsletter.

Resources:
Bald Eagle Breeding Season is Upon Us, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) Got Nature? Blog
Indiana Department of Natural Resources Shares Bald Eagle Successfully Recovered, MyDNR, Indiana’s Outdoor News
Bald Eagle, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN DNR)
Forestry for the Birds Virtual Tour, Purdue Extension – Pond and Wildlife
Breeding Birds and Forest Management: the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment and the Central Hardwoods Region, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Forest Birds, The Education Store
Managing Woodlands for Birds, The Education Store
Managing Woodlands for Birds Video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Breeding Birds and Forest Management: the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment and the Central Hardwoods Region, The Education Store
The Birders’ Dozen, Profile: Baltimore Oriole, Indiana Woodland Steward
Ask An Expert: Birdwatching, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Birds and Residential Window Strikes: Tips for Prevention, The Education Store
No Room at the Inn: Suburban Backyards and Migratory Birds, The Education Store

Morning AgClips

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

Attention teachers! If you’re interested in bringing real-world natural resources learning into their classrooms, you now have the opportunity to apply for the 2026 Indiana Natural Resources Teacher Institute (NRTI). Registration is officially open and applications are due March 31, 2026. The NRTI is a week-long, immersive professional development workshop designed to equip teachers with the knowledge, skills, and tools to effectively teach forest ecology, forest management, and natural resource science. Cohosted by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Purdue University Forestry and Natural Resources Extension, the institute blends classroom-ready training with hands-on field experiences.

The 2026 institute will take place June 15–19, beginning at 1 p.m. on Monday and concluding at noon on Friday. Participants will stay at the Forestry Training Center at Morgan-Monroe State Forest near Martinsville, where meals and lodging are provided.

Throughout the week, educators will:

• Tour public and private forest lands, forest industry facilities, and forestry research sites
• Learn from natural resource professionals, researchers, and industry leaders
• Explore how sustainable forestry supports Indiana’s environment, economy, and quality of life
• Develop a curriculum project to implement with their students

There is no cost to attend. Accepted applicants (up to 18 educators) pay a refundable $50 deposit, returned at the end of the program.

To explore program details, visit the Indiana Natural Resources Teacher Institute webpage.

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

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

In this edition of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension Forester Lenny Farlee introduces us to a native Indiana shrub that’s seen less often than some of its relatives. While it’s related to other sumac species, fragrant sumac has its own place in Indiana’s landscapes. Learn where it grows, how it fits into woodland and edge environment along with what makes it distinct from other sumacs you might recognize. Whether you’re a student, landowner or even just simply curious about native shrubs, this video offers a quick overview of this interesting bush in Indiana.

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

USDA – U.S. Forest Service: There’s a new resource for teachers and kids in this month’s National Research Digest from USDA Forest Service Research. Read how Woodsy Owl and agency scientists lend a hand and care for the land with a journal for learners of all ages.

Photo from USDA Forest Service

The Woodsy Owl edition examines research on a variety of topics including how climate change affects owls in the Southwest, research on visitors to natural and landscaped areas in urban parks, how scientists identify characteristics of fisher habitats, and how forest planting decisions affect wildlife habitat for certain species. This journal also features sections where Woodsy Owl will share some ways that you can “Lend a Hand” and “Care for the Land.” You and your students can be a part of conserving our natural resources, protecting our environment, and enjoying all that nature has to offer!

This is a valuable educational tool that’s an engaging way for educators to use in teaching, making environmental research accessible to all ages and learning practical ways to make a difference.

Keep up with more research and news by subscribing to the USDA Forest Service National Research Digest.

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
What a Waste of Food!, lesson plans, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Common Indiana Mammals: Natural History and Identification Sneak Peak Video, Nature of Teaching
Food Waste Lesson Plans, Nature of Teaching
The Nature of Teaching, YouTube channel
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success – webinar, Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
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
Managing Woodlands for Birds Video, Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Developing a Wildlife Habitat Management Plan, The Education Store
Subscribe to Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources YouTube Channel, Wildlife Playlist

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

U.S. Department of Agriculture – Forest Service Research & Development

MyDNR, Indiana’s Outdoor Newsletter: Each year, Indiana DNR invites the public to provide feedback on the management of white-tailed deer via the Deer Management Survey.

Picture from MyDNR Newsletter

This electronic survey gathers opinions on deer management at both the county and state levels, covering deer population management, trends in deer populations, and other relevant topics.

The survey will include questions about this past year’s epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) event in southern Indiana, as well as questions regarding Indiana DNR’s approach to managing EHD outbreaks.

Anyone can sign up to receive the survey by visiting the Deer Management Survey webpage. If you have previously filled out the survey, you will automatically receive one in future years.

Resources:
Purdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management
Introduction to White-tailed Deer Impacts on Indiana Woodlands
Understanding White-tailed Deer and Their Impact on Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Monitoring White-tailed Deer and Their Impact on Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Managing White-tailed Deer Impacts on Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Ask an Expert: Wildlife Food Plots, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
How to Build a Plastic Mesh Deer Exclusion Fence, The Education Store
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Bovine Tuberculosis in Wild White-tailed Deer, The Education Store
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 1, Field Dressing, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Deer Harvest Data Collection, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
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
Handling Harvested Deer Ask an Expert? video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Subscribe to Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources YouTube Channel, Wildlife Playlist

Division of Fish and Wildlife
Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN DNR)