Got Nature? Blog

Agricultural & Natural Resources (ANR) Newsletter: On May 5, Natural Resources professionals gathered at the Davis Purdue Agricultural Center (DPAC) in Farmland, Indiana, for a forestry and wildlife management training led by Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources’ Brian MacGowan, wildlife extension specialist and extension coordinator; Don Carlson, forester; Jarred Brooke, wildlife extension specialist; and Jessica Outcalt, natural resources training specialist. The program combined classroom updates with field-based learning focused on active land stewardship, habitat management and conservation planning.

Jarred Brooke provided an overview of prairie grass plantings, including seed mixes, establishment methods and species composition.

Don Carlson discussing the 2014 planting and the management goals involved at Herrmann Property.

During the field tour of DPAC and Herrmann Properties, participants explored topics including native warm-season grass management using prescribed fire, Sericea lespedeza control in native grass plantings, prairie restoration, young forest management, and oak forest management for multiple objectives. Don Carlson discussed the history and management goals of DPAC, emphasizing how tree spacing, mowing and the use of crop and nurse trees influence tree establishment and growth. Jarred Brooke highlighted challenges such as rabbit damage to young trees and invasive species management. Participants learned key wildlife habitat principles, including a practical guideline for quail habitat: If a baseball tossed into the grass rolls, the habitat structure is suitable for quail; if it does not roll, the vegetation is too dense. The day concluded with updates on the NR Training Hub, prescribed fire and evaluation efforts.

If you’re interested in bringing a program like this to your area, we’d love to hear from you, submit a request at fnrextension@purdue.edu.

Emily Kring, Extension Educator
Agriculture & Natural Resources, Purdue Extension Jay County

Jessica Outcalt, Natural Resources Training Specialist
Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources

Resources:
Natural Resources Training Hub
Explore the Rich World of Oaks with Purdue FNR Extension & Partners
Forestry for the Birds Pocket Guide, The Nature Conservancy
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Community Planning for Agriculture and Natural Resources: A Guide for Local Government, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s research center
The Nature of Teaching
Help the Hellbender
Let the Sun Shine in Indiana
Community Development, Purdue Extension
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel, find natural resources and much more in playlists.