Got Nature? Blog

Purdue Landscape Report: By now, the emerald ash borer (EAB) invasion is an old story for landscapes and forests in the Midwest. Since EAB was first found in North America in 2002 more millions of ash trees than we can know have died and this tiny insect continues to kill ash in an ever widening zone that currently includes 37 US states and 6 Canadian provinces. Arborists and landscape managers continue to protect valuable ash trees by use of systemic insecticides, typically applied via trunk injection every 2-3 years.

While EAB is the overarching threat, ash survival may also be threatened by wood decay fungi, which may colonize insect exit holes, injections sites and other wounds. The most common decay fungi we see in the lab are Perenniporia and Fomitopsis.

Perenniporia fraxinophila is the most frequently reported wood decay fungus on ash and causes a heart rot that contributes to loss of structural integrity of the tree. Infection sites tend to be high on the tree and may be easily overlooked until decay is advanced. The fungal structure is perennial, expanding each year, and may be confused with Ganoderma applanatum, the artist’s conk. The upper surface turns black or brown with age and the underside is white with pores instead of gills.

In the last few years, we have had a few samples of a similar fungus colonizing the trunk and base of ash trees, often near injection sites. Initially we were unable to identify the fungus, but DNA analysis revealed the fungus was a Fomitopsis species. This fungus develops a shallow shelf structure with white top and tan underside.

Fungal decay presents a greater risk to ash because it lacks the preservative enriched heartwood found in oak, walnut and other hardwoods that tends to slow down internal spread of fungi. Even fungi that initially invade dead areas of ash may rapidly colonize and degrade stem and trunk tissue.

Fungal decay also disrupts vascular tissues in the stems and trunk, which further limits the movement and effectiveness of insecticide injections, so that infected trees may face greater damage from EAB. When found on small side branches the infection might be successfully pruned out, but in most cases the decay is in major branches or the trunk, which means the tree will need to be removed. If your ash trees that are being regularly treated for EAB but continue to show thinning and decline, check for these fungal invaders, they may be partly responsible.

View the original article on the Purdue Landscape Report website: Fungal Decay of Ash Trees.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Resources:
Diplodia Tip Blight of Two-Needle Pines, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Boxwood Blight, The Education Store
Disease of Landscape Plants: Cedar Apple and Related Rusts on Landscape Plants, The Education Store
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Tree Planting Part 2: Planting a Tree, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Find a Certified Arborist, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Video: Step by Step to Find an Arborist, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association
District Forester, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 10+ acres
Trees and Storms – The Education Store
Why Is My Tree Dying? – The Education Store
Tree Risk Management – The Education Store
Tree Pruning Essentials, Publication & Video, The Education Store
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
What are Invasives Species and Why Should I Care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Tom Creswell, Plant & Pest Diagnostic Laboratory Director
Purdue Botany and Plant Pathology

Purdue Landscape Report: It’s finally October, and we should be enjoying lovely fall temps and colors. While some of the trees are changing, it’s not necessarily due to the change in seasons. As I write this, the temperature is 84 F (29 C). I look out my window and see mostly green leaves with some colors from the short cold snap we had and some from heat and drought stress. Whether you are worried about the trees in your yard and community or not, there are some simple tasks that we can do to assist them as we await the cooler temperatures of Autumn.

A 3 foot radius mulch ring around a medium sized tree (Purdue Landscape Report)

Mulching: One simple task to better prepare your trees for winter is to add a new layer of mulch, which benefits your trees in multiple ways. Adding a 2-3 inch thick layer of mulch will better maintain moisture levels and buffer extreme temperature changes in the soil and will add some organic matter too. Mulching to the drip line will benefit the tree the most, but in the case of larger trees it’s not always feasible. Try for at least a 3-foot radius from the trunk and make sure to leave a 2 inch or so gap between the trunk and the mulch. Remember, no volcano mulching.

Fertilizing: That mulch you just added will add some organic material to your soil as it slowly breaks down, but an autumn fertilization can benefit your trees too. Unlike trees in the forest that have a natural supply of nutrients from fallen leaves and twigs, trees around our homes are usually deprived as we rake and clean up our yards. Adding a slow-release fertilizer in the fall helps provide a nutrient boost over the winter, can promote root growth, and better prepare your tree for Spring.

Watering: Water is still an essential part of your tree care plan, but as temperatures drop and trees begin to head into dormancy they don’t need as much water as is required in the hit summer months. If you have irrigation systems in your yard start to drop the frequency of watering. You can water up until the first freeze, but make sure soils are just a little damp and not soaked. Evergreens in particular will benefit from slow deep watering 1-2 times a week until the soil freezes. Winter winds and temperatures can desiccate the needles without an adequate supply of water.

Pruning: Now is a good time to prune out any dead, damaged, or diseased limbs in your trees. If you have access to hand saws and pole saws or pruners, you can remove smaller branches or those closer to the ground. Make sure you are making proper pruning cuts though, and if there are large limbs, those at heights, or you are just unsure of how to make a good cut enlist the help of a professional arborist.

Use of white tree guards can protect the trunk from temperature changes that cause damage (Joseph O’Brien, USDA Forest Service)

Trunk Damage: Sunscald or southwest damage occurs on young and/or thin barked trees in the winter. Wounds can occur between the south to southwest facing part of the trunk on sunny days in the winter as temperatures rise and suddenly drop. Over time these wounds can become quite large. Trees can also incur damage from deer during the rut. Bucks will scrape trees with their antlers, scraping off the bark and damaging the cambium. Both of these injuries can be reduced one younger trees by installing tree guards in the fall. Tree guards are plastic barriers you place around the main stem of the tree. I recommend using white corrugated drainage pipe that can be found at most home centers. You can make a cut lengthwise along the pipe for easy installation and make sure it has a large enough diameter to leave a space between it and the tree. Just remember to remove it come Spring.

Inspections: Visual inspections can be done year-round, but this time of the year it might be easier to see changes in your tree as leaves are falling and the canopy becomes more visible. From the ground up to the canopy, some of the things you’re looking for include fungal growth around the base of the tree, any sort of damage on the main stem or branches, premature leaf drop or color change, and branches that are dead, cracked, diseased, or seem weak. Any concerns you find are also great information to share with an ISA Certified arborist which can be found using the Trees Are Good website.

View the original article on the Purdue Landscape Report website: Help Your Trees Transition into Autumn.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Resources:
Re-mulch Your Trees, Purdue Landscape Report
Find an Arborist video, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Trees and Storms – The Education Store, Purdue Education’s resource center
Moist soil and rotten roots makes it easy for trees to come crashing down – Fox 59 News
Expert: Some storm damage can be easily prevented – Fox 59
Why Is My Tree Dying? – The Education Store
Tree Risk Management – The Education Store
Tree Pruning Essentials, Publication & Video, The Education Store
Mechanical Damage to Trees: Mowing and Maintenance Equipment – The Education Store
Trees and Electric Lines – The Education Store
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store
Planting Your Tree, video, Purdue Extension
Tree Installation, The Education Store
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Ben McCallister, Urban Forestry Specialist
Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources

Purdue Landscape Report: Aspen, cottonwood, and poplar are all names for the fast-growing Populus tree species. Used widely for building materials, these trees are often located around ponds, riverbanks, and sloping areas toward water bodies (especially cottonwood). Cottonwood flowers produce little white tufted seeds that float through the air which a lot of people love (my kids included), unless it lands in their mouth. These beautiful trees are susceptible to a fungus that can cause significant damage under the right conditions: Marssonina (newer name is Drepanopeziza).

There are three species of Marssonina that can infect Populus – different tree species may only be susceptible to one of the Marssonina species. The fungi cause the same kind of disease and develop similarly on the host. Marssonina can infect the leaves, stems and seeds of Populus, which can lead to large amounts of leaf loss during wet weather, girdled stems and dieback, and aborted seeds. Since seeds can carry the fungus, the seed will take it with it to where it lands and can become infected immediately after germinating. It is common to see high disease severity in the canopy, but unless there is significant leaf loss (up to 70% defoliation) it may not reduce plant vigor. Leaf lesions typically develop as small black to brown dots or flecks which expand in size as time goes one. As the disease progresses, large areas of the leaf will become necrotic, creating odd dead blotches, potentially killing the majority of the leaf blade.

The fungus produces asexual spores in a small black pustule on the upper surface of the leaf which will eventually burst and release the spores during humid weather early in the spring. Marssonina will continue to produce spores and cause disease the whole season, creating repeat infections on the same tree. Symptoms tend to start lower in the canopy and ascend up the tree as the season progresses. The spores are spread by water splash, so rainfall will help spread this fungus in the landscape.

For trees planted in native landscapes, this disease will likely be inevitable and may make the foliage look less than stellar. That being said, removing leaves that drop or at the end of fall will reduce total inoculum for future seasons and can reduce total disease long-term. Similarly, trees that are stressed will typically develop increased disease severity, so if you are seeing large amounts of leaf spots or leaf loss, I would recommend employing stress mitigation strategies to keep the tree happy and healthy (fertilizer, mulch, irrigation as needed, etc.). If a tree appears to develop significant disease every year and has reduced limb growth, you may consider removing the tree if you are concerned it may die early and replace with a resistant clone, as disease susceptibility can vary greatly between clones of the same species.

View the original article on the Purdue Landscape Report website: Marssonina leaf spot and blotch of Poplar.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Resources:
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Eastern Cottonwood, Article, Purdue Fort Wayne
Find a Certified Arborist, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Video: Step by Step to Find an Arborist, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association
District Forester, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 10+ acres
Trees and Storms – The Education Store, Purdue Education’s resource center
Why Is My Tree Dying? – The Education Store
Tree Risk Management – The Education Store
Tree Pruning Essentials, Publication & Video, The Education Store
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store
Planting Your Tree, video, Purdue Extension
Tree Installation, The Education Store
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)
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

John Bonkowski, Lead Extension Administrator
Purdue Department of Botany and Plant Pathology

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Explore Oak Resources webpage — a dynamic new hub created by Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources Extension to celebrate and support one of Indiana’s most iconic tree groups: the oaks.

Whether you’re a landowner, educator, natural resource professional or simply an oak enthusiast, this comprehensive collection of science-based resources is designed to deepen your understanding and enhance your stewardship of oak ecosystems.

What You’ll Find
The new oak resource page is packed with tools and insights, including:

• Expert-reviewed publications on forest stewardship, oak regeneration, and habitat management
• Engaging videos like the ID That Tree series, featuring 17 oak species native to Indiana
• Webinars and podcasts exploring topics from oak woodland restoration to wildlife-friendly forestry
• Practical guides on threats like oak wilt and invasive beetles
• Seedling purchasing info for select white and red oak varieties developed at Purdue

Why Oaks Matter
Oaks are more than just majestic trees — they’re keystone species that support biodiversity, provide critical wildlife habitat and contribute to Indiana’s ecological and cultural heritage. With challenges like invasive pests and regeneration difficulties, informed management is more important than ever.

Start Exploring
Ready to dive in? Visit the new Explore Oak Resources page and discover how you can help steward Indiana’s oak landscapes for generations to come.

Other Resources of Interest:
Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel:
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success
ID That Tree, Playlist
Ask an Expert: Tree Selection and Planting
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners Video Series, Playlist

The Education Store – Purdue Agriculture’s resource center:
Investing in Indiana Woodlands
Forest Improvement Handbook

Purdue University Press:
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest
Native Trees of the Midwest

Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog:
Learn How to Support Oak-Hickory Ecosystems
Inonotus Dryadeus, Butt and Root Rot of Oaks

Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center (HTIRC):
Predicting the Height Growth of Oak Species Reproduction Over a 23-year Period Following Clearcutting,

Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA):
Find an Indiana Professional Forester

Purdue Arboretum Explorer

District Foresters, Indiana Department of Natural Resources

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

IN-PREPared: As harvest 2025 continues across Indiana, unusually dry conditions have increased the risk of combine and field fires. Farmers and landowners are urged to take extra precautions: perform regular equipment maintenance, clean combines frequently to remove crop residue and keep fully charged fire extinguishers accessible at all times.

This season brings plenty of opportunities to enjoy campfires, cookouts and hayrides – but please enjoy these activities safely. Be mindful of fire safety, especially in dry areas, and always check for local burn bans before lighting any recreational fires.

Combine fires are a much too common sight throughout Indiana and the Midwestern corn belt during the fall harvest season. Sometimes these equipment fires spread to the surrounding fields and cause property damage and threaten or even take lives. Dry weather makes harvest-related fires even more likely. This site offers ready-to-use materials to help Extension staff, media outlets, emergency managers and agricultural organizations raise awareness about preventing combine and field fires — and responding safely if one occurs.

Click on the website to view more resources and information: Combine & Field Fires.

Resources:
FNR Ask The Expert: Prescribed Fire, Purdue Extension Forestry & Natural Resources
Wildlife Habitat Hints: Prescribed Fire Techniques, view – Point Source Fire, Ring Fire, Flanking Fire, Strip Head Fires, Backing Fire and Late Growing Season Prescribed Fire, Purdue Extension Forestry & Natural Resources YouTube Channel
October Is Firewood Month: Protect Indiana’s Forests by Making Smart Choices, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
100 Year Project Shares New Video, Prescribed Fire, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
Brooke’s Prescribed Fire Videos Utilized in Global USFS Efforts, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
Renovating Native Warm-Season Grass Stands for Wildlife: A Land Manager’s Guide, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Prescribed fire: 6 things to consider before you ignite, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – 4Forestry and Natural Resources
An Introduction to Trees of Indiana, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
ID That Tree, Playlist, Subscribe to Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Finding help from a professional forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association
District Foresters for 10 plus acres, Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Ed Sheldon, Farm/Veteran Job Coach and Engagement Coordinator
Department of Agriculture & Biological Engineering, Purdue University

Fig. 1. Yellowing mottling damage due to scale feeding. Image: Brian Kunkel, University of Delaware.

Purdue Landscape Report: Christmas tree growers have been struggling with an invasive scale pest called Cryptomeria scale (Aspidiotus cryptomeriae), which is a serious pest of conifers. The scales infest the undersides of the needles and extract plant juices with their piercing-sucking mouthparts. Economic losses are due to the unsightly yellow discoloration and needle drop that occurs from the insect feeding (Fig. 1).

Life cycle: Cryptomeria scale has two generations per year. It overwinters as second-instar nymphs on the undersides of the needles, and in spring (March-April) the nymphs begin feeding again and continue development. They reach maturity by late spring. The adult females are flightless and remain stationary. They have a “fried egg” appearance of a white oval shape with a yellow center (Fig. 2). The adult males are alate, meaning they have wings (Fig. 3). Males fly in the summer, typically in July. They will mate with the females and die shortly after. The females lay eggs in the weeks following the mating flight. Egg hatch occurs around late August. These newly-hatched nymphs are called “crawlers”, because they are mobile and will disperse across the plant to find a new spot to settle and feed. Cryptomeria scale nymphs may not move very far from the female; many settle close to the female. The crawler stage is over by early September, when most have established a feeding site. They will develop through the fall into second-instars and overwinter until the following spring.

Management: Scout for the scale in the late winter when the scales are overwintering and prune infested branches, or remove the entire tree if heavily infested. Lady beetles and parasitic wasps will feed on Cryptomeria scale, so use biorational insecticides to maintain populations of beneficial insects which help control Cryptomeria scale and other pests.

Since Cryptomeria scales are armored scales, horticultural oils are recommended instead of insecticidal soaps for effective management (Quesada et al. 2017). Apply oils before bud break to target overwintering scales. Make sure to saturate the needles fully, especially the undersides of the needles, to smother the scales. For a more aggressive solution, dinotefuran can be applied for control of Cryptomeria scale. Basal bark applications of dinotefuran applied just after bud break were shown to significantly reduce scale populations and actually improved the rate of parasitism from parasitic wasps (Cowles 2010).

Not sure if you Cryptomeria scale or something else? Reach out to the Plant Pest and Diagnostics Lab for identification services!

View the original article on the Purdue Landscape Report website: Cryptomeria scale on Christmas trees.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

The annual Indiana woodland owner conference this year will be held at Turkey Run State Park on November 1st. Hosted by the Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association, the event is expected draw 150 landowners from across the state who come to improve their knowledge of forest management and network with other woodland owners.

“If you have an interest in forestry – or just love the woods – you should attend,” said Lee Huss, IFWOA President. “We’re offering a program that’s relevant, informative, and fun.”

All are welcome to attend. For more information, visit www.ifwoa.org or call (765) 496-5013.

Conference Highlights
October 31st, Friday includes optional morning and afternoon field tours of woodlands in Putnam County to learn about forest and wildlife management.

November 1st, Saturday is the main event. It includes educational sessions at Turkey Run Inn on topics of interest to woodland owners, including American chestnut restoration, new prescribed fire legislation, and using phone apps in nature. These sessions aim to support landowners in managing and appreciating their woodlands.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and network with other woodland owners from across Indiana. The Charles Deam Forestry Stewardship Award will be presented to honor exemplary forest stewardship. Additionally, the John F. Datena Distinguished Forester Service Award will be awarded to foresters for their service to Indiana forestry throughout their careers.

Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA) promotes responsible stewardship of Indiana’s woodlands. With over 500 members statewide, IFWOA supports landowners who value conservation and sustainable forest management.

Resources:
Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA) YouTube Channel
Magnificent Trees of Indiana, video, IFWOA YouTube Channel
The Nature of Oaks, video, IFWOA, Purdue Extension Forestry & Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Grassland Management, Purdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management
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
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Invasive Plant Species Identification, Video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
ID That Tree – Video Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Liz Jackson, Engagement Lead
Indiana Forestry & Woodland Association (IFWOA)

Phil Woolery, IFWOA & HTIRC Engagement Specialist
Indiana Forestry & Woodland Association (IFWOA)
Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center (HTIRC)

The Natural Resources Teacher Institute (NRTI) is a weeklong, immersive professional development workshop designed to provide teachers with the knowledge, skills, and tools to effectively teach their students about forest ecology and forest management in Indiana. The program is normally based at the Morgan Monroe State Forest near Martinsville, Indiana, but every five years a reunion program is held in Tippecanoe County for past participants. The second reunion program was held on July 9th and 10th providing participants opportunities to learn more about wildlife, forest products, habitat restoration and tree identification.

Past and present Purdue FNR staff members provided instruction for two of the programs. Participants were treated to an introduction to bird biology and population monitoring through a bird banding demonstration at the Purdue Wildlife Area by Patrick Ruhl, Clinical Assistant Professor, and Jessica Outcalt, Natural Resources Training Specialist. Bird netting and banding requires special licensing and fortunately for us, Patrick Ruhl holds those credentials, allowing participants to measure, place a leg band, and release several species of birds.

Participants were also lead on a hike at Martell Forest by retired faculty members Harmon and Sally Weeks, highlighting ID of several native trees and plants and their importance to a variety of wildlife. Copies of tree and shrub ID books authored by the Weeks were also provided to participants.

We had an introduction to making maple syrup and collecting honey on a property that is also integrating the Forestry for the Birds management recommendations into their property activities. A tour of the Springboro Tree Farm, managed by Rich Hines and family, introduced the maple syrup production process and provided a tour of their property demonstrating bird- friendly habitat management in conjunction with maple syrup and honey production.

Restoration of rare habitats was the topic for our tour of the Granville Sand Barrens and neighboring properties managed by Bob Easter, Stewardship Director for NICHES, lead us on a tour of the Granville Sand Barrens and Roy Whistler Wildlife Area. Bob provided a background on the history of the area and the efforts to restore the rare sand barrens community, home to several plant NICHES Land Trust. and animal species with threatened or rare designations in Indiana.

The Natural Resources Teacher Institute is coordinated by Lexi Eiler Alwine, IN DNR Forestry Education Specialist, Donna Rogler, retired IN Project Learning Tree Coordinator and originator of NRTI, Mary Cutler, Naturalist for Tippecanoe County Parks and Recreation, and Lenny Farlee, Purdue FNR Extension Forester. All of these folks also happen to be Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources Alumni as well! NRTI is made possible by support from a host of individuals and organizations sponsoring teacher participation.

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

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

The Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE) just updated their newsletter for the 2025 spring/summer season. The HEE is a long-term research initiative dedicated to understanding the ecological and social impacts of forest management in Indiana’s Central Hardwood Region. Launched in 2006, the HEE is one of the most ambitious forest ecology studies in the United States, designed to span 100 years across over 9,000 acres of state forest land. The HEE studies the effectiveness of different forest management methods in promoting successful oak and hickory regeneration and the effects of these management practices on plant and animal species. With nine partnering universities and agencies conducting research on the ecological and social impacts of long-term forest management, HEE has been an integral part of completed research for over 30 plus M.S. and Ph.D. level graduate students. The project has also employed more than 250 undergraduate and post-graduate students to conduct summer field work.

Highlights from the new Newsletter include:

• 2025 Field Season Round-Up
  By Kat Shay
  “The crew has been hard at work this field season—they finished all the Yellowwood State Forest plots and are in the last unit of Morgan Monroe State Forest now…”
• Breeding Bird Surveys
  By Rae Garrett
  “Breeding bird surveys were completed this field season, despite the weather doing its best to thwart our plans!…”
• Nightjars/ARUs
  By Haley Holiman (SIU)
  “Southern Illinois University’s nightjars crew deployed ARUs all across the HEE and conducted point count surveys…”
• Bats
  By Dr. Joy O’Keefe and Team
  “The bat crew monitored roost trees, conducted mist-netting, and performed radio-telemetry surveys…”
• Digital Forestry
  By Purdue University Digital Forestry
  “During leaf-off this winter we began backpack and UAV LiDAR mapping the inaugural HEE Unit 3 for our long-term project…”
• Botany News
  By Megan Crecelius
  “Southern Illinois University’s nightjars crew deployed ARUs all across the HEE and conducted point count surveys…”
• Out and About: HEE Outreach
  By Kat Shay and Rae Garrett
  “From radio interviews to presentations on fire ecology, the HEE team has been actively sharing research and connecting with partners across the state…”
• HEE Proposal Request
  By Mike Saunders
  “Proposal requests for the 2026–2028 HEE budget will be sent out in the next few weeks… “

To view the full newsletter visit: HEE Newsletter.

Resources:
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Wildlife Responses to Timber Harvesting, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
The Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment: Indiana Forestry and Wildlife, The Education Store
Breeding Birds and Forest Management: the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment and the Central Hardwoods Region, The Education Store
The Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment: 2006-2016, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment Playlist, Subscribe to Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Prescribed Fire, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Finding help from a professional forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association

Explore the latest newsletter updates on the Indiana Woodland Steward website. Stay up-to-date with forestry news and receive their free e-newsletter by subscribing at IWS Subscribe.

Highlights from the new Newsletter include:

• Storm Damaged Timber: Steps to Consider When a Weather-related Event Strikes Your Woodland
  By John P. Stambaugh, ACF
  “Severe weather has moved through the area that includes your woodlands. Accounts on the news outlets are reporting that there is widespread damage in the area…”
• Log prices and Markets Based on IDNR
  By Christopher Gonso
  “So far in fiscal year 2024-2025, Indiana Division of Forestry (DoF) has sold about 1.21 million board feet in 44 unique, merchandised log sales grossing about $845,600...“
• 2024 Indiana Logger of the Year
  By Ken Day
  “Loggers Inc. of Clay City Indiana is the 2024 Indiana Logger of the Year. Bill and Kyle Booe are the owners and operate both a logging crew and sawmill…”
• 2024 Indiana Tree Farmer of the Year
  By Ken Day
  “Tom and Lynn Webb of Greencastle, Indiana are the 2024 Indiana Tree Farmers of the Year…”
• 2024 Outdoor Laboratory of the Year
  By Ken Day
  “McCutcheon High School of Lafayette, Indiana was selected as the 2024 Outdoor Laboratory of the Year…”
• 5-Acre Plainfield Sand Forest Management Demonstration Area 1999 to 2024
  By Bruce Wakeland
  “The most common soil types in Starke County Indiana are Plainfield Sand and Brems Sand….”
• The Birders’ Dozen Profile 12: Cerulean Warbler
  By Dr. Jessica Outcalt
  “Welcome to the Birders’ Dozen! We’ve reached the last article in this series from Forestry for the Birds…“

The Indiana Woodland Steward Newsletter is a resource offering a wealth of valuable information for foresters, woodland owners, timber marketing specialists, woodland and wildlife enthusiasts. The Indiana Woodland Steward Institute (IWS) is an entity made from 11 organizations within the state including Purdue University, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association (IHLA), that works to promote best usage practices of Indiana’s woodland resources through their Woodland Steward publication.

Resources
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Wildlife Responses to Timber Harvesting, Purdue Extension
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Virtual Tour Brings Forest Management for Birds to Life, Got Nature? Blog Post, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Breeding Birds and Forest Management: the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment and the Central Hardwoods Region, The Education Store
Deer Impact Toolbox, Purdue Extension
Grassland Management Series, Purdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management
Birdfeeder tips, The National Audubon Society
Managing Woodlands for Birds Video, Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Subscribe: Deer, Forest Management, ID That Tree, Woodland Management Moment, Invasive Species and many other topic video playlists Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

Dan McGuckin, President
Indiana Woodland Steward

Dr. Brian MacGowan, Extension Wildlife Specialist
Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, Purdue University