Got Nature? Blog

May IDNR Wildlife Bulletin Newsletter: Do you know what to do if you find an injured wild animal? The first step is determining if it is actually injured. Clear signs of distress include:

• Bleeding or clear signs of injuries such as bruises, cuts, punctures or broken bones
• Looks thin, weak, cold or soaking wet
• Signs of diarrhea
• Flies, fly eggs, maggots, ticks, lice or fleas have infested the animal

If a wild animal shows any of these signs and is unable to move or run away effectively, it may be time to call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for help. You can find a list of wildlife rehabilitators on IDNR Orphaned & Injured Animals website.

Please note that the Indiana DNR does not provide services for injured or orphaned wildlife. We rely on licensed wildlife rehabilitators to assist with these situations.

Resources
Orphaned & Injured Animals, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN DNR)
Resourceful Animal Relationships, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Wildlife, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube channel
How to Stop Woodland Animals from Digging in Your Flower Pots, Got Nature? Blog with video, Purdue Extension FNR
Considerations for Trapping Nuisance Wildlife with Box Traps, The Education Store

Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN DNR)

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Across the globe, most vulture species are declining dramatically. This is concerning because vultures provide valuable ecosystem service by cleaning the environment of carrion, thereby reducing disease risk for humans and livestock. In contrast to most other vulture species, populations of the American black vulture have grown and expanded into new areas during the past several decades. This has created the potential for conflict because black vultures have been documented to kill weak or newborn livestock.

The Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources’ research team seeks to better understand vulture ecology to inform conservation of other vulture species, as well as to understand how best to minimize conflict between vultures and producers by investigating what factors place some farms at greater risk.

What to do if you lose an animal:
• Take lots of pictures from every angle.
• If scavengers are around, move the carcass somewhere they cannot access.
• Call or text Marian Wahl at (317) 647-5294 as soon as you can. Marian is a graduate research assistant working with Pat Zollner, professor of wildlife science.

Thank you for your help as we gather livestock loss due to vultures in the states of Indiana and Kentucky.

To view, print and share flyer: Loss of Livestock to Vultures.

Resources
Livestock, Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Dr. Pat Zollner Research, Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources
Wildlife Research, Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources

Marian Wahl, Graduate Research Assistant
Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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In this “A Moment in the Wild” episode, Nick Burgmeier, Purdue Extension wildlife specialist, talks about the practice of rock stacking and how it affects the habitat of stream-dwelling 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
A Moment in the Wild, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Help the Hellbender, Playlist & Website
The Nature of Teaching: Adaptations for Aquatic Amphibians, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
How Our Zoos Help Hellbenders, The Education Store
Help the Hellbender, North America’s Giant Salamander, The Education Store

Nick Burgmeier, Research Biologist and Wildlife Extension Specialist
Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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In a previous job, I helped landowners enroll in and implement private land conservation programs like the Conservation Reserve Program. Much of my job centered around talking with landowners about how to establish and manage native grass and forb (wildflower) plantings for wildlife. Even in my job today, I provide educational opportunities including seminars, field days, and workshops centered on this topic.

One of the most common emails, phone calls, and questions I get when talking about establishing these plantings revolves around evaluating the planting during the first year.

Typically, the inquires go like this “I planted native grasses and wildflowers for wildlife this spring, and now I just have a field of weeds! Did the planting fail?” or “Nothing I planted this spring is growing!”

Following these flustered phone calls and frantic emails, I usually do a site visit with the landowner to help them evaluate their planting. Below are the four things I look for when evaluating a new native grass and wildflower planting.

Before we get into the things I look for during an evaluation, it’s important to note that native grass and wildflower plantings for wildlife typically take 2-3 years to establish. So, what you see in year one, may not be what you get in year two, three, or four. But, there are a few signs you can use to monitor your planting’s progress.

1. Weed pressure
Inevitably when you plant these diverse mixes of native grasses and wildflowers you will get weeds. Even if you control weeds before planting (which you should), some weeds will still show up, especially annual weeds like foxtail, ragweed, and horseweed. In the past, we used herbicides like imazapic (Plateau) to help control weeds during the first growing season after planting – which is still an option in native grass only stands or with certain wildflowers. But, with more diverse plantings we do not have any herbicide options to control weeds without harming what we planted. Therefore, weeds may be more of an issue in diverse plantings like pollinator plantings.

Controlling these weeds may require mowing during the growing season before they produce seed, which can help planting success. But this mowing can come at a cost. Many of these weeds like common ragweed, provide cover and food for wildlife. Mowing the field may temporarily reduce its value to many wildlife species. When evaluating weed pressure, we need to decide if weeds are dense or thick enough to reduce the germination and growth of what we planted. Generally, if the weed pressure in the field is high and it is shading out the ground, you should think about mowing to control weeds. If weed pressure is not high and sunlight is still reaching the ground, you may want to consider skipping or delaying the mowing until later in the summer.

 

2. Look for rows or drill marks
If you plant the field with a no-till drill, you may see rows of plants appear during the first growing season. This is a sure indication that what you planted has germinated and is growing. However, if you frost seeded the field by broadcasting the seed on top of the ground, you will not see rows. Sometimes the rows of plants will not be obvious at first, but will be very obvious later on.

 

3. Identify indicator plants
One the best ways I could calm the nerves of a landowner who thought they had a failed planting was by identifying species of wildflowers or grasses that they did indeed plant. Some of the annual or biennial wildflowers such as black-eyed susan or partridge pea will germinate quickly and may even flower during the first growing season. Learning how to identify some of the species you planted will help you determine if what you planted is indeed germinating and growing.

 

4. Scout for invasives
Another topic of discussion on a site visit is invasive plants. It is important to catch invasive early in a planting so they do not cause problems later on. Some of the common invasive plants that show up early in the life of native grass and wildflower planting are Canada thistle, sericea lespedeza, and johnsongrass. Control of these species often requires herbicide. Catching them early when they can be spot-sprayed will save you time, money, and headaches.

Looking for these four signs when evaluating your newly established planting can help you determine if it’s on the right track and help you keep it there. But, many of the species you planted are perennials, and will not be very obvious the first growing season. They are putting most of their energy towards below ground (roots), not above ground (stems) growth. So, if you don’t see them during the first growing season, it doesn’t mean they are not there. Establishing a native grass and wildflower planting for wildlife takes a bit of patience and persistence.

Video: Tips for Evaluating a First Year Native Grass and Forb Planting expands even further regarding the tips on how to evaluate your first-year planting.

Resources
Purdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management Website
Renovating Native Warm-Season Grass Stands for Wildlife: A Land Manager’s Guide, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Calibrating a No-Till Drill for Conservation Plantings and Wildlife Food Plots, Video
Habitat Help LIVE Q&A – Native Grasses and Forbs for Wildlife, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources Youtube channel

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

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In this “A Moment in the Wild” episode, Nick Burgmeier, Purdue Extension wildlife specialist, talks about the eastern hognose snake, which are often found in areas with sandy soil. They are named hognose, due to an upturned rostrum or nasal area.

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
A Moment in the Wild, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Snakes of Indiana, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Indiana Amphibian and Reptile ID Package (4 softcover books), The Education Store
When Juvenile Snakes Come Calling, Purdue Extension

Nick Burgmeier, Research Biologist and Wildlife Extension Specialist
Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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In this “A Moment in the Wild” episode, Nick Burgmeier, Purdue Extension wildlife specialist, talks about how building chutes and dams in rivers and streams affects wildlife habitat and water quality.

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
A Moment in the Wild, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Help the Hellbender, Playlist & Website
The Nature of Teaching: Adaptations for Aquatic Amphibians, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
How Our Zoos Help Hellbenders, The Education Store
Help the Hellbender, North America’s Giant Salamander, The Education Store

Nick Burgmeier, Research Biologist and Wildlife Extension Specialist
Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee talks about what woodland management means, defining your goals and objectives, invasive species control, timber stand improvement (TSI) and finding appropriate professional help in this webinar.

Note: evaluation slide at end is incorrect. Follow this link for proper evaluation: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3OQLWbE7gfMBjWl

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
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources Youtube Channel
Invasive Species, Playlist
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist
Invasive Plant Species Identification, Video
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
A Landowner’s Guide to Sustainable Forestry: Part 7: Managing for a Diversity of Value-Added Forest Products, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Woodland Invaders, Got Nature? Blog

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

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In this “A Moment in the Wild” episode, Nick Burgmeier, Purdue Extension wildlife specialist, talks about the eastern kingsnake, one of three large black snakes found in Indiana.

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

Resources
A Moment in the Wild, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Snakes of Indiana, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Indiana Amphibian and Reptile ID Package (4 softcover books), The Education Store
When Juvenile Snakes Come Calling, FNR Got Nature? blog

Nick Burgmeier, Research Biologist and Wildlife Extension Specialist
Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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Purdue Landscape Report: The Purdue Landscape Report Team will begin a new, free online series that will start every two weeks on Wednesdays at noon Eastern time zone. The topics and speakers will vary each session, so check out the newsletter every two weeks to find out what follows the next day. You’ll have three ways to attend each session, which you can find below.  During each session you’ll be able to ask questions to the speakers on Zoom and Facebook Live. Hope you will join us!

To join the chat on Zoom:
https://purdueextension.zoom.us/j/98937266342

To join the chat via telephone:
US: +1 312 626 6799

To join the chat on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/PurdueLandscapeReport

Resources
Purdue Landscape Report
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources Youtube Channel
Invasive Species, Playlist
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist
Ask The Expert, Playlist
Surface Root Syndrome, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Tree Pruning Essentials, The Education Store

Kyle M Daniel, Nursery & Landscape Outreach Specialist
Purdue Horticulture and Landscape Architecture

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Receive tips and tricks about establishing native grasses and forbs for wildlife. Don’t miss the question and answer time with our Purdue Extension Wildlife experts.

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

Resources
Natural Resources Conservation Service Indiana
Pheasant Forever
Quail Forever
Pure Live Seed: Calculations and Considerations for Wildlife Food Plots, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Seed Fillers and Carriers for Planting Native Warm-season Grasses and Forbs, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Calibrating a No-Till Drill for Conservation Plantings and Wildlife Food Plots, Purdue Extension
Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources Youtube channel

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

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