Purdue University - Extension - Forestry and Natural Resources
Purdue Extension’s annual report showcases the accomplishments, outcomes and activities that highlight the impact of Purdue Extension across Indiana. Extension specialists and educators provide educational programs and research-based knowledge to help families, individuals, and communities prosper and thrive.
The Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources specialists featured:
Private Woodland Owners Make Decisions and Take Actions to Improve Acreage Value – project specialist include Lenny Farlee, Ron Rathfon, Don Carlson, and Jarred Brooke, along with county extension educators Dave Osborne, and Phil Woolery. Indiana has 20% forest lands, most privately owned. Forests are important habitats for wildlife and provide environmental and social benefits. Purdue Extension offers Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner, in-person and virtually. The in-person program has eight 2.75-hour evening sessions and two Saturday three-hour field day tours. Purdue Extension and local forestry and natural resource professionals provide presentations and direct activities. Participants receive a tree measuring stick and a flash drive containing more than 100 publications and resources.
Participant forest management knowledge improved after the program. More than 90% found it useful for making decisions, and 80% plan to take actions in the next year. A participant said, “This course provided exactly the information I needed to understand the DNR forester’s report on my classified forest and to act on it. It will also help form a land management plan of my own (beyond what the forester provided), find programs to help manage and expand the forest, and earn a little money from the property in future years.”
Furniture Production Addresses Workforce Development and Rebuilds Lives in Indiana – project specialist include Dr. Eva Haviarova and Dr. Henry Quesada. Most U.S. school furniture is made overseas and from nonrenewable materials (steel, plastic, and composite). Increasingly, the product sustainability, the circular economy, and the benefits of natural materials are being shown to be important in learning environments.
To create a new market for low-value hardwoods, urban woods, and plantation resources by designing and producing innovative products, including wooden school furniture, Purdue’s Wood Research Lab has tested all strength and environmental attributes. At the same time, Purdue Extension is focusing on workforce development for Indiana’s wood products industry. An approach is to provide potential employment and entrepreneurial opportunities to residents with troubled pasts, underprivileged workers, and those needing a second chance in life by partnering with Purposeful Design, the Forest Service, Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association, Urban Forest Products and other industry players to train workers in furniture production and qualify for future work.
To view full report visit: Purdue Extension Showcase.
To learn more about Purdue Extension visit: About Us.
For all Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources publications, videos, webinars and initiatives view: Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources.
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
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Woodland Invaders, Got Nature? Blog
District Forester, Indiana DNR Division of Forestry, for over 10 acres of woodlands
Directory of Professional Foresters, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
Indiana Woodland Steward E-newsletters, Eleven Member Organization
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Joint Design Manual for Furniture Frames Constructed of Plywood and Oriented Strand Board, The Education Store
The Shrinking and Swelling of Wood and Its Effect on Furniture, The Education Store
Performance Test Method for Intensive Use Chairs – FNEW 83-269: A Description of the Test Method with Drawings, The Education Store
How Baby Bear’s Chair Was Made, The Education Store
Diana Evans, Extension & Web Communications Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
Indiana Department of Natural Resources has all of your hunting resources for a fun season. The Wild Bulletin, Division of Fish and Wildlife, newsletter and the MyDNR – Enjoy the Outdoors newsletter brings you all the resources you need in one email. Check out the recent information shared in the newsletters below:
Wild Bulletin
IN DNR Newsletter: If you’ve been hunting for a license instead of deer, look no further: Buy your license now via our online license system. Get your firearms and muzzleloader licenses before the seasons begin.
Are you prepared for deer hunting? Make sure to bring and wear your blaze orange item of clothing, your firearm or bow, and a print or digital copy of your hunting license.
If you haven’t bought your deer license yet, consider buying DNR’s Deer License Bundle for the season. The Deer License Bundle includes privileges to harvest a total of two antlerless deer plus one antlered deer. It can be used in the special youth, archery, firearms, muzzleloader, and special antlerless deer seasons.
For younger hunters, 2024’s final free youth hunting days are Nov. 30 & Dec. 1. For more information on the online license system, visit Indiana Fish & Wildlife Online License System.
My DNR
Indiana’s Outdoor News: Hunting for answers or a new license? Search no more. For questions about equipment, regulations, or which license you need, use the Deer Hotline by calling 812-334-3795 or emailing indeerhotline@dnr.IN.gov.
For questions related to the CheckIN Game system, your online license system account, license-purchasing errors, or deer control permits, email inhuntfish@dnr.IN.gov or call 317-232-4082.
Remember to buy your deer license early. Find a list of license retailers online and be sure to check your license for accuracy before you leave the store. If you plan to purchase your license online, log into your Access Indiana account before the season begins—don’t risk delays.
To find out more view the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Hunting Deer in Indiana.
Resources:
Ask an Expert: Wildlife Food Plots, video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 1, Field Dressing, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 2, Hanging & Skinning, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 3, Deboning, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 4, Cutting, Grinding & Packaging, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Deer Harvest Data Collection, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
How to Score Your White-tailed Deer, video, Purdue Extension
White-Tailed Deer Post Harvest Collection, video, The Education Store
Age Determination in White-tailed Deer, video, Purdue Extension
Handling Harvested Deer Ask an Expert? video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
How to Build a Plastic Mesh Deer Exclusion Fence, The Education Store
Bovine Tuberculosis in Wild White-tailed Deer, The Education Store
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners: Managing Deer Damage to Young Trees, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Integrated Deer Management Project, Purdue FNR
New Deer Impact Toolbox, Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Division of Fish and Wildlife, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
In this edition of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee takes us through the different characteristics of Hoptree, a relatively common shrub here in Indiana. This is a unique native plant with three-part leaves and hop-like seed pods. Also called Wafer Ash due to its distinctive wafer-shaped seeds, this shrub can often be confused with Poison Ivy or Bladdernut, so be sure to pay attention to key differences in the video. Features include trifoliate leaves and the temperate areas in which it grows.
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: Firs and Spruces, Video Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
ID That Tree – Jack Pine, Scotch Pine, Red Pine, Virginia Pine, Eastern White Pine, Video Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Beat Back Borers Attacking Pines and Other Cone Bearing Trees, Purdue Landscape Report
Tree Diseases: White Pine Decline in Indiana, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources
The aquaculture industry in the Midwest region of the United States has limited or no access to economically feasible seafood processing infrastructure for farmed seafood products, leaving producers to rely on live ethnic fish and recreational markets. This handbook highlights the necessary elements of processing fish to guide any interested fish farmer or entrepreneur.
Local kitchens, such as shared-use commercial kitchens and licensed on-farm kitchens, can provide resources for fish farming entrepreneurs interested in adding some form of value to their fish, by allowing them to diversify their market. These shared-use commercial kitchens can be found in many communities and are rented by food producers, local food entrepreneurs, and caterers to prepare and process their food products for consumer markets. Using local facilities for processing fish and developing aquaculture products could diversify marketing opportunities for small-scale fish farmers and have a positive impact on farm profitability. A diversified market also reduces market risks for fish farmers. Embarking on processing is an additional investment for a fish farmer and requires resources.
This handbook provides some information and resources for fish farmers interested in using licensed kitchen facilities for fish processing or setting up their own on-farm processing kitchen. This handbook highlights the necessary elements of processing fish to guide any interested fish farmer or entrepreneur.
To receive the free download, visit the Purdue Extension’s resource center: The Education Store – Handbook on Processing Fish for Small-Scale Fish Farmers.
Resources:
Profitability of Hybrid Striped Bass Cage Aquaculture in the Midwest, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
A Guide to Marketing for Small-Scale Aquaculture Producers, The Education Store
A Guide to Small-Scale Fish Processing Using Local Kitchen Facilities, The Education Store
Marine Shrimp Biofloc Systems: Basic Management Practices, The Education Store
Aquaculture Industry in Indiana Growing, Purdue Today
Tilapia Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Rainbow Trout Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Pacific White Shrimp Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Walleye Farmed Fish Fact Sheet: A Guide for Seafood Consumers, The Education Store
Sustainable Aquaculture: What does it mean to you?, The Education Store
The Benefits of Seafood Consumption The Education Store
Walleye Farmed Fish Fact Sheet: A Guide for Seafood Consumers, The Education Store
Pond and Wildlife Management website, Purdue Extension
Fish Cleaning with Purdue Extension County Extension Director, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Aquaponics: What to consider before starting your business, YouTube, Purdue Ag Economics
Aquatics & Fisheries, Playlist, YouTube, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Eat Midwest Fish, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant online resource hub
Kwamena Quagrainie, Aquaculture Marketing Director/Clinical Engagement Full Professor
Purdue Agricultural Economics/Department of Forestry and Natural Resources/Illinois Indiana Sea Grant Program
Amy Shambach, Aquaculture Marketing Outreach Associate
Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources/Illinois Indiana Sea Grant Program
Wild Bulletin, IN DNR, Division of Fish & Wildlife: Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is a naturally occurring viral disease commonly seen in the Indiana deer herd. Each year, typically in late summer, Indiana DNR receives reports of deer displaying signs of EHD throughout the state.
This year, DNR confirmed a significant EHD outbreak that began in the northern region of the Hoosier State. In some years, EHD can affect a larger-than-normal portion of the deer and becomes widespread across a county. In those instances, DNR lowers the County Bonus Antlerless Quotas (CBAQs) in the impacted counties to offset the effect of the counties’ EHD outbreak on the deer herd in that region.
EHD is transmitted by biting midges, also known as sand gnats or “no-see-ums.” Deer infected with EHD may display unusual behaviors such as lethargy, excessive salivation, or disorientation. EHD also causes fever in deer, which can cause deer to seek water. As a result, many deer that die from EHD are found in or near open water sources like ponds and rivers. Anyone who finds a deer showing signs of EHD or dead in water is asked to report it at on.IN.gov/sickwildlife.
County bonus antlerless quotas reduced in three counties for 2024-25
Due to the number of reported deer mortalities and extent of EHD in the region, DNR has lowered the County Bonus Antlerless Quotas (CBAQs) in Wabash, Porter, and Allen counties from two bonus antlerless deer to one to help offset the effects of EHD on the deer herd in that region. During the winter, DNR biologists will fully evaluate the effects of EHD and will propose changes to bag limits as required. Hunters can stay informed about CBAQ changes at on.IN.gov/EHD-quotas.
To find out more view the Indiana Department of Natural Resources EHD Antlerless Bonus Quota Reductions.
Resources:
Be on the Watch for Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) in Deer, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Report a Sick or Dead Deer, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN-DNR)
EHD Virus in Deer: How to Detect and Report video, Quality Deer Management Association
Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (pdf), Cornell University
How to Score Your White-Tailed Deer video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Playlist
Deer Harvest Data Collection, Purdue FNR Got Nature? blog
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners: Managing Deer Damage to Young Trees, Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel
Introduction to White-tailed Deer Impacts on Indiana Woodlands, Deer Impact Toolbox, Got Nature? Blog & The Education Store
Purdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management
Managing White-tailed Deer Impacts on Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
How to Build a Plastic Mesh Deer Exclusion Fence, The Education Store
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Deer Harvest Data Collection, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Handling Harvested Deer Ask an Expert? video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Subscribe to Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources YouTube Channel, Wildlife Playlist
A Woodland Management Moment – Deer Fencing, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Video
Division of Fish and Wildlife, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Purdue Landscape Report: We have received a few elm tree samples this year with a disease we do not often see, but which is relatively common: black spot of elm. This disease, also called elm anthracnose, is caused by the fungus Stegophora ulmea and can affect most species of elm with American elm varieties being more susceptible.

Figure 1. Elm foliage with chlorotic spotting and black fungal structures caused by Stegophora ulmea.
The fungus becomes active in the spring at temperatures of 45 deg F or above. It can release spores that will infect newly unfolding leaves leading to chlorotic leaf spots or blotches on the upper leaf surface. Black fungal fruiting bodies will develop within the affected tissue, making it seem like the leaves have been dotted with tar. These fungal structures are raised and will give the leaf a bumpy texture. As more spots develop and coalesce, they will create white areas of dead tissue that can eventually turn brown.
The black fungal stromata can produce asexual spores (conidia) which can cause new infections during the growing season. Conidia are produced in a mucilage which becomes loose in humid conditions and can be spread by water splash (rain or irrigation). While leaf infections are the most commonly observed symptom, Stegophora can also infect leaf petioles and twigs. Premature leaf drop due to severe leaf spotting can occur, but significant defoliation may also develop when petioles are infected. Stem infections can lead to shoot blighting and small limb dieback.
Black spot is generally worse when the weather is cool and moist over an extended period of time. The fungus can reinfect the tree throughout the season during rainy. When the summer turns hot and dry, disease development will slow down and trees with twig blighting may show some recovery by pushing out new growth from dormant buds below affected shoots. Please note that twig blighting may look similar to flagging branches associated with Dutch elm disease (DED), so we recommend pruning off the branch and looking for internal vascular streaking to rule out DED.
Fungicides are not normally recommended to manage this disease for mature trees in landscapes since it is impractical to get full coverage of the foliage and damage is not usually severe. However, preventative applications may be warranted in nursery settings when the disease is severe to protect new growth and slow down disease spread until drier weather occurs, especially where overhead irrigation is used. Raking up leaf litter and pruning out infected stems will remove inoculum for the following season and help prevent existing infections from spreading.
Click here for more information on Dutch elm disease and view this original article here: A New Threat to Elms in North America
Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.
Resources:
Intro to Trees of Indiana: American Elm, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Intro to Trees of Indiana: Slippery Elm, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
ID That Tree, Playlist, Red Elm, Siberian Elm, Winged Elm, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
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
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
John Bonkowski, Lead Extension Administrator
Purdue Department of Botany and Plant Pathology
Purdue Landscape Report: The elm zigzag sawfly (EZS), Aproceros leucopoda, is a non-native insect recently detected in several midwestern states. Originally from eastern Asia, this insect is rarely considered a problem in its native range, having several natural enemies and environmental factors able to keep it in check.
However, when in new landscapes, aspects of this insect’s life cycle enhance its ability to spread across new habitats and do significant damage to its host plant, the elm tree. EZS was first detected outside of its native range in Europe in 2003. Then, in 2020, it was found in North America for the first time in Quebec. It has since been detected in several states in the US, spreading first through the Northeast before entering the Midwest. It has not yet been detected in Indiana, but has been in the surrounding area.
Elm zigzag sawfly is a member of the insect order Hymenoptera, which includes bees, ants, and wasps. More specifically, sawflies belong to a suborder known as Symphyta, whose members are noted for a broad-waisted appearance and a saw-shaped ovipositor. Sawflies are a fairly common group of insects, though observers will often overlook them or confuse them for other insects. Adult EZS are generally small, darkly-colored insects that are easy to write off as ‘just another black bug’ you see around the garden or yard (Fig. 1).

Figure 2. Elm zigzag sawfly larva feeding, Gyorgy Csoka, Hungary Forest Research Institute, Bugwood.org
They resemble wasps, but possess a broad waist with no narrowing of space between the thorax and abdomen, and they lack a stinger. EZS larvae closely resemble caterpillars in both form and feeding habits, with pale green coloration, a black stripe that runs down the length of the body, and dark T-shaped markings on the legs (Fig. 2). The larvae, like moth and butterfly caterpillars, will also possess six pairs of fleshy prolegs that are lost upon reaching maturity. While the larvae bear chewing mouthparts to consume the leaf material of many kinds of plants, the adults are nectar and pollen-feeding. It should be noted that EZS larvae chew zigzag patterns into elm leaves, thus the common name of the insect. Like bees and wasps, sawflies also possess wings, but are typically lazy fliers, choosing to fly only during warm, sunnier periods of the day.
View the rest of the article here: A New Threat to Elms in North America
Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.
Resources:
Intro to Trees of Indiana: American Elm, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Intro to Trees of Indiana: Slippery Elm, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
ID That Tree, Playlist, Red Elm, Siberian Elm, Winged Elm, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
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
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Bob Bruner, Exotic Forest Pest Educator
Purdue Entomology
Purdue Agriculture News: As autumn settles in, we eagerly await the transformation of leaves into vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow. However, this year might tell a different story due to prolonged periods of hot weather. Ben McCallister, urban forestry specialist in Purdue University’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, sheds light on what to expect this fall.
“Right now, we’re seeing a mix of fall coming in and shifting temperatures, which is causing trees to respond. This back-and-forth hot weather is creating some color changes related to drought and stress. This can be expressed as brown color where leaves are starting to wilt and look a little crunchy from exposure to heat and drought stress,” McCallister explains.
While the typical color change occurs from mid-September to early November, it’s not unusual for leaves to remain green at this point in the season. McCallister suggests that while the hot weather “most likely won’t affect anything visually, it could influence fall foliage over time as climate change progresses.”
He anticipates a more pronounced display of fall colors extending through October, with some species showing their colors into November. Ultimately, the vibrancy and timing of these changes will depend on daily temperature fluctuations and the amount of sunlight trees receive.
The environment also plays a significant role in how trees respond. For instance, urban areas with more concrete and buildings create a “urban heat island” effect, which can delay color changes compared to more rural settings.
The science of fall foliage is both fascinating and complex. McCallister explains that different tree species respond to autumn at varying times, with chlorophyll being a key player in this process.
“Changes in chlorophyll production leads to the color changes in leaves. Chlorophyll allows leaves to take up sunlight and convert it into energy, creating carbohydrates in the form of sugars – really anything that gives energy to the tree to help it grow, sustain itself and compartmentalize,” McCallister notes.
As temperatures cool and the sunlight diminishes, chlorophyll production declines, allowing the green hues of leaves to fade. This decline reveals carotenoids and anthocyanins – two chemicals essential to fall foliage. Carotenoids contribute to the yellow and orange shades, while anthocyanins produce reds and purples. As chlorophyll wanes, these vibrant colors emerge.
“It’s a very cool process,” McCallister adds. “Each color absorbs different spectrums of light, altering energy uptake and preparing trees for leaf drop and dormancy. As leaves in deciduous trees transition, trees store energy in their roots and wood so they can brave the winter.”
When it comes to enjoying fall foliage, McCallister emphasizes that Indiana offers many great viewing locations not far from Purdue’s campus.
Locally, Martell Forest, which is open to the public, is a great spot to check out the fall foliage and immerse yourself in the woods,” says McCallister.
Leaf drop is likely to occur anytime from mid-October into December, although this process may take longer than usual due to the milder winters we’ve been experiencing. Similar to color changing, the timing of leaf drop varies by tree species and their growth patterns, as well as the overall weather conditions.
“For instance, ginkgo trees turn this brilliant yellow and have a cool reaction to leaf drop. Typically, all their leaves fall within a day or so, creating a carpet of yellow. In contrast, trees like maples and oaks, which have a mix of yellow, orange and red leaves, tend to hold onto their foliage a bit longer,” McCallister recalls.
It’s also important to note that while coniferous trees, like pines, spruces and furs, retain their needles year-round, some conifers like bald-cypress trees drop theirs. This sometimes causes confusion for homeowners who mistake these deciduous conifers for dying trees.
To provide the best care for your trees during these changing weather patterns, McCallister advises familiarizing yourself with different tree species. Resources like Google and dichotomous keys in forestry books can help with species identification and lead to tips for care. Regularly checking your trees’ health is essential year-round. Specialists in your local county Extension offices and ISA Certified Arborists can be valuable resources for proper tree management.
To view the original article along with other news and stories posted on the Purdue Agriculture website see: Is fall foliage a sign of seasonal change or response to heat waves?
Resources:
Find an Arborist video, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Against Invasives, Garlic Mustard, Autumn Olive)
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
Invasive Plants of the Eastern U.S.: An Introduction to the Problematic Non-Native Species, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Why Fall Color is Sometimes a Dud, Purdue Landscape Report
\U.S. Forest Service Fall Colors, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
ID That Tree Fall Color: Sugar Maple, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel, ID That Tree Playlist
What Are Invasive Species and Why Should I Care?, Purdue Extension-FNR Got Nature? Blog
Emerald Ash Borer Information Network, Purdue University and Partners
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Subscribe Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Devyn Raver, Media Relations and Content Development Specialist
Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources
Ben McCallister, Urban Forestry Specialist
Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources
Lenny Farlee, sustaining hardwood Extension specialist for Purdue’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR), has been named a 2024 Fellow of the Society of American Foresters (SAF). The SAF Fellow Award, one of the highest honors bestowed on an SAF member by their peers, recognizes long-standing service to forestry at the local, state, regional and national levels.
Farlee was honored with the award during the 2024 SAF National Convention, which took place in Loveland, Colorado from Sept. 17-20.

Zhao Ma accepts the 2024 Family Forests Education Award on behalf of Lenny Farlee and the other project team members.
“Being named a Fellow of the Society of American Foresters is particularly meaningful to me since it originates from a nomination by my peers at the state level,” Farlee said. “I am very grateful that my colleagues in forestry here in Indiana considered my service worthy of recognition, and I owe much of the credit to them for their support of me through my career. It has been my privilege to serve the people and the profession as an Extension forester here at Purdue.”
Farlee educates people about forestry in many ways, including through the popular Extension YouTube series “ID That Tree,” which has over 100,000 views.
Farlee was also recognized at the convention with the 2024 Family Forests Education Award. The National Woodland Owners Association (NWOA) and the National Association of University Forestry Resources Programs (NAUFRP) gave an award to Farlee, project lead, and his team for their course “Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner.”
Farlee, Ronald Rathfon, Don Carlson, Jonathan Ferris, Dave Osborne and Phil Woolery worked together to develop the course. The course introduces forest landowners to the biology and management of forests and what resources and professional assistance are available. According to survey results from 2021 participants, “94.4% stated that the information was useful to help them make future decisions and 92.5% stated that the information was useful to help act to manage their property objectives.”
“We in FNR, along with forestry professionals in Indiana and the landowners who have communicated with Lenny and his colleagues through the ‘Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner’ course, know how valuable this program has been to sustainable forest management in Indiana,” said Zhao Ma, interim department head and professor of forestry and natural resources. “So it is absolutely wonderful when others outside of our FNR community and beyond Indiana also recognize the excellent work that Lenny and his colleagues have been doing…, I would also like to share one more note about Lenny – not only has Lenny been a highly valued and respected member of FNR and the forestry profession for many years, but he is also one of the nicest people I have met. He is knowledgeable yet humble, effective yet gentle, serious about his work yet able to have fun, very busy yet always willing to help others and try to be present. We are lucky to have Lenny as our colleague in FNR.”
To view this article along with other news and stories posted on the Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources website view: Purdue FNR Extension specialist receives national recognition for work in forestry
Resources:
ID That Tree – Video Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
Morning AgClips — Nestled within the cool, flowing waters of Indiana’s Blue River, the elusive hellbender thrives under big, flat rocks, seeking refuge from predators and finding the perfect conditions to lay their eggs. But in recent years, they have become increasingly difficult to find.
Morning AgClips interviews Purdue hellbender team for details regarding Farmers Helping Hellbenders Project, aimed at restoring Indiana’s endangered hellbender salamander population by improving water quality in the Blue River-Sinking watershed. Learn more about this initiative by hearing directly from the people involved, with the two overarching goals being about improving hellbender habitat and also enhancing local farming operations. Particularly, the project engages farmers in adopting sustainable practices as well, while strengthening conservation efforts for hellbenders.
Hellbenders used to have a much larger range, occurring in most of southeast Indiana’s tributaries to the Ohio River and in the Wabash River. Sadly, its population has dropped drastically due to modification of stream habitats including the accumulation of sediment, agricultural and industrial pollution, warming waters and the channelization of streams and rivers. Because of their decline, these endangered ancient amphibians, with their large, unique flat bodies, have become the focus of an ambitious conservation effort led by Purdue University.
“The significance of the hellbender and its conservation extends beyond the species itself,” Purdue Extension Wildlife Specialist, Nick Burgmeier explains. “Hellbenders are an indicator species; their presence reflects the health of the water quality. Historically common and a top predator in streams, their decline has ecological repercussions, particularly on crayfish populations, which can disrupt food webs.”
Read more on the Morning AgClips website at Rebuilding Indiana’s Hellbender Habitat.
Resources:
Farmers Helping Hellbenders RCPP Program Accepting Applications, Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources News
USDA Awards Farmers Helping Hellbenders Project in Funding, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) Got Nature? Blog
Improving Water Quality by Protecting Sinkholes on Your Property, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Improving Water Quality Around Your Farm video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Adaptations for Aquatic Amphibians, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Hellbenders Rock! Nature of Teaching Lesson Plan, The Education Store
Nature of Teaching – Hellbenders Rock Sneak Peek video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Nature of Teaching – Hellbenders Rock webinar video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Learn about hellbenders and take a tour of Purdue’s hellbender rearing facility video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Learn about the hellbender work at Mesker Park Zoo video, Purdue FNR Facebook
Learn about hellbender work at The Wilds video, Purdue FNR Facebook
Dr. Rod Williams’ 2017 TEDx Talk Help the Hellbenders video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Moment in the Wild – Hellbender Hides video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Moment in the Wild – Hellbender Release video , Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel