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In this edition of ID That Tree, we’re going to introduce you to a native Indiana species, and that’s grey birch. It can be found in the northern part of Indiana near Lake Michigan. It can be defined by its long and pointed triangular shape, and it toothed margins on the edges of the leaf. It has very limber twigs and the leaves are arranged alternately. Also the fruiting flower structure can be identified as a catkin.

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, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Burning Bush, Callery Pear, Multiflora rose)
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)
How long do seeds of the invasive tree, Ailanthus altissima remain viable? (Invasive Tree of Heaven), USDA Forest Service
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
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
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

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A real Christmas tree is an important part of a holiday celebration for many Hoosier households. Consumers have several choices for purchasing a real tree, including pre-cut trees at retail outlets or seasonal sales locations, choose-and-cut trees at Christmas tree farms, or even live trees that can be replanted after the holidays. Purdue Extension offers two publications that can help you select and care for your tree: Tips for First-Time Buyers of Christmas Trees provides advice and direction on how to set up and care for your tree to improve safety and enjoyment. Selecting an Indiana-Grown Christmas Tree provides details on the characteristics of different species of real Christmas trees available in Indiana, as well as care instructions for cut and live Christmas trees.

Pre-cut real Christmas trees are available at many retail outlets like garden centers, supermarkets, or seasonal sales locations. If you are looking for local choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms you can consult local media and advertising outlets or the Indiana Christmas Tree Growers Association. Some garden centers and Christmas tree farms may also offer live trees for sale.

If you are considering growing your own Christmas trees for personal use or sale, the Extension publications Growing Christmas Trees and A Choose-and-Cut Pine and Fir Christmas Tree Case Study outline economic and management considerations for growing Christmas trees.

Check out the recorded Facebook LIVE for Ask an Expert: Holidays in the Woods as the experts answer questions regarding Christmas trees along with wildlife you may see while you walk in the woods this winter.

Resources:
A Choose-and-Cut Pine and Fir Christmas Tree Case Study, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Living Christmas Trees For The Holidays and Beyond, The Education Store
Tips for First-Time Buyers of Real Christmas Trees, The Education Store
Growing Christmas Trees, The Education Store
Selecting an Indiana-Grown Christmas Tree, The Education Store
Forest/Timber Playlist, subscribe to Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

Lenny Farlee, Sustaining Hardwood Extension Specialist
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

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Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner is a Purdue University short course providing knowledge and resources to help landowners make informed decisions in the care and management of their forests.

Topics covered include tree identification, forest history and biology, forest management planning, forest management practices, considerations for selling timber, forest investment and taxation, wildlife habitat management, and resources and assistance for private woodland owners.

In addition to previously announced courses (virtual and in-person near Wabash, Indiana), a third offering will be available near the Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center (SIPAC) in Dubois, Indiana. (11371 E Purdue Farm Rd., Dubois, IN 47527)

This workshop, led by Purdue Extension forester Ron Rathfon, will be taught from Feb. 5 to March 25, 2024, at SIPAC on the north side of Patoka Lake near the dam entrance.

The course will include eight weekly meetings on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET, as well as two Saturday morning field tours, running from 9 a.m. to noon.

Class size is limited to 40 registrants on a first-come, first served basis. Register with easy printable, mail-in pdf, Forest Management of the Private Woodland Owner Course.

Registration cost is $50 per person and includes: in-person time with forestry specialists, all course materials, a thumb drive of all publications, a tree measuring stick and snacks. Guest registration (in addition to initial registration) is $30 and includes all learning sessions and handouts at the sessions.

Contact Ron Rathfon at ronr@purdue.edu or 812-678-5049 with any questions.

The Southern Indiana Purdue Ag Center is a 1,331 acre working farm and research and education facility designed to address practical farm and natural resource management problems providing practical solutions and education and training opportunities for farmers, landowners, foresters, and other natural resource professionals.

Purdue acquired the first piece of the property which became SIPAC in 1953 and additional forest acres were added in 1966 and 1967. Purdue FNR faculty and staff have taken an active role in management of the forest at SIPAC since 1953. The facility also has housed an extension forester since the mid-1960s.

Rathfon has served as a Purdue extension forester since 1992. He has taught the Forest Management for the Woodland Owners course since 1993.

Resources:
Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner Course Program Impacts, Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner In-Person Course, Purdue Extension-FNR Events
Cost Assistance for Landowners Planning Conservation Practices, Purdue Extension-FNR Got Nature? Blog
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners: EQUP, video, Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners YouTube Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR
Woodland Management Moment: Invasive Species Control Process, Purdue Extension – FNR Video
Woodland Management Moment YouTube Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR
Invasive Species YouTube Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment: Uneven-aged Management, Purdue Extension – FNR Video
Finding help from a professional forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center

Ron Rathfon, Regional Extension Forester, Southern Indiana Purdue Agriculture Center (SIPAC)
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources

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In this edition of ID That Tree, we’re going to introduce you to a native Indiana oak species, and that’s blackjack oak. It can be found in high, dry, rocky ridges where soil moister is limited. It can be defined by it’s bear paw shaped leaves that tend to be very shiny and waxy on top, and have a leathery texture. While on the underside it tends to have a rusty color.

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, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Burning Bush, Callery Pear, Multiflora rose)
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)
How long do seeds of the invasive tree, Ailanthus altissima remain viable? (Invasive Tree of Heaven), USDA Forest Service
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
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
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

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Wild Bulletin, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fish and Wildlife: Your contributions to the 2023 Turkey Brood Survey surpassed the goal of 3,000 observations. Between July 1-Aug. 31, you contributed a whopping 3,639 observations of wild turkey hens with or without poults. Thank you!

After DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife biologists removed duplicates and reports without exact locations, 2,203 brood observations are being factored into regional production estimates.

Because of your help, we can continue to track population trends and make important management decisions to foster healthy ecosystems in Indiana.

Why count turkeys?
Brood surveys provide useful estimates about annual production by wild turkey hens and the survival of poults (young turkeys) through the summer brood-rearing period. Summer brood survival is generally the primary factor influencing wild turkey population trends. Information on summer brood survival is essential for sound turkey management. Information gathered through the brood survey includes:

• Average brood sizes (hens + poults). For example, in the photo above there is one hen with seven poults, for a brood size of eight.
• Percentage of adult hens with poults.
• Production Index (PI) = total number of poults/total number of adult hens

What is a wild turkey brood?
A wild turkey brood is composed of at least one adult hen with young (poults). As the summer progresses, multiple broods may gather into what is termed a “gang” brood with several adult hens and multiple broods of poults of varied ages. During summer, adult gobblers (male turkeys) play no role in raising a brood and either form small male only “bachelor” flocks or are observed as a single gobbler.

To learn more please visit DNR: Turkey Brood Reporting.

Subscribe to Wild Bulletin.

Resources
Truths and Myths about Wild Turkey, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Wildlife, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Managing Your Property for Fish & Wildlife, Ask an Expert. FNR YouTube Channel
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Help With Wild Turkey Populations, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Turkey Brood Reporting, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN DNR)
Wild Turkey, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN DNR)
Wild Turkey Hunting Biology and Management, Indian Department of Natural Resources (IN DNR)
Subscribe to Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources YouTube Channel, Wildlife Playlist

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

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Wild Bulletin, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fish and Wildlife: Join the fun this fall and hunt one of Indiana’s gorgeous grassland birds. Quail hunting in Indiana starts on Nov. 10 and requires a Game Bird Habitat Stamp and a general hunting license. These species are present in grasslands across the state, such as Goose Pond FWA and Glendale FWA. There are no equipment restrictions for quail, but we recommend a 12- or 20-gauge shotgun with 6 to 9 shot. Remember to wear your hunter orange!

Some DNR properties may have additional regulations for quail hunting. Check with the property you’re planning to hunt for more details.

General Characteristics:
Northern bobwhites are a ground-dwelling species that only rely on flight on rare occasions. They rely on cryptic plumage color combinations and contrasts that provide excellent camouflage. They are minimally sexually dimorphic, meaning males and females have different physical characteristics. In the case of the Northern bobwhite, males have a white throat and chin, along with a white stripe above the eye extending to the back of the head. Those same areas on a female, are buffy brown in color. Underparts are tawny and white, blending with chestnut and gray. Each breast feather sports a black chevron. Upper parts of the shoulders, back, and rump, are a mixture of warm brown, cream, and shades of black. In Indiana, adult Northern bobwhites weigh an average of 180 grams (~6.5 ounces) and are about 10 inches long from bill tip to tail.

To identify and learn more about this species, please visit DNR: Fish and Wildlife: Northern Bobwhite.

Subscribe to Wild Bulletin.

Resources
Quail Habitat: Putting the Numbers in Perspective – The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Bobwhite Quail – Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Developing a Wildlife Habitat Management Plan – The Education Store
Breeding Birds and Forest Management: The Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment and the Central Hardwoods Region – The Education Store
Small Woodlots: Important Rest Stops for Migratory Songbirds – The Education Store
Subscribe to Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources YouTube Channel, Wildlife Playlist
Ask An Expert, Purdue Extension – FNR Playlist

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

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In this edition of ID That Tree, we’re going to introduce you to a native Indiana vine that has a strong association with fall decorations, and that’s American Bittersweet. Learn how to tell the difference between American Bittersweet and the lookalike invasive vine.

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, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Burning Bush, Callery Pear, Multiflora rose)
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)
How long do seeds of the invasive tree, Ailanthus altissima remain viable? (Invasive Tree of Heaven), USDA Forest Service
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
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
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

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Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Newsroom: The 2023 issue of Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant’s magazine, The Helm, is now available. This annual publication is a collection of program research, outreach and education success stories as well as ongoing activities to address coastal concerns. This issue is focused on stormwater management with green infrastructure, PFAS, and more, including how students are learning about water quality through hands-on opportunities.

Here are some headlines from this issue:

• Green infrastructure helps communities—large and small—be ready for the future
• With a Hydrolab, Students study their own environment
• Study finds PFAS in all tested Lake Michigan sportfish and their prey
• Aquaponics offers high schoolers a hands-on way to learn science, math, and more

For full article and videos please visit New issue of IISG’s The Helm highlights green infrastructure projects – IISG

To download this new issue please visit IISG’s Publications and Products.

Resources
Aquaculture Industry in Indiana Growing, Purdue Today
Walleye Farmed Fish Fact Sheet: A Guide for Seafood Consumers, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Sustainable Aquaculture: What does it mean to you?, The Education Store
Pond and Wildlife Management website, Purdue Extension
Fish University Podcasts, NR University, Collaboration with Mississippi, Florida, Iowa and Indiana Extension Services
Fish Cleaning with Purdue Extension County Extension Director, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Aquatics & Fisheries, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Eat Midwest Fish, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant online resource hub
Ask An Expert: Hot and Cold, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube channel
Informing the Development of the Great Lakes Region Decision Support System, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Improving Water Quality Around Your Farm, The Education Store
Scientists bring the Great Lakes to students learning from home, Got Nature? Blog
Adaptations for Aquatic Amphibians Activity 2: Water Quality Sneak Peak, Purdue Nature of Teaching

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)

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MyDNR, Indiana’s Outdoor Newsletter: When you purchase this limited edition shirt, you are helping reforest Indiana. For each shirt sold, the Natural Resources Foundation will partner with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources – Division of Forestry and plant one tree in an Indiana State Forest to celebrate Arbor Day and Earth Day.

Along with each shirt, you’ll receive an official tree certificate with a unique tree ID and the coordinates for the acre where the tree will be planted. If you are interested in participating in the next public tree planting, please e-mail Cheryl Hampton at champton@dnr.in.gov to receive updates.

The types of trees planted are native Indiana hardwoods and typically upland and bottomland oaks, walnut, black cherry and other species that are in need of restoration.

To buy a shirt and learn more please visit the store page.

For more information on the Indiana Tree Project please visit the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation.

Sign up to receive the MyDNR Newsletter by email: MyDNR Email Newsletter

Resources:
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube playlist
Woodland Management Moment , Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube playlist
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, 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

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

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Seafood is more than just fish caught in the ocean. It includes a wide variety of product types, forms, flavors, and textures. One of the great things about using seafood is its versatility—it can be served as a main course or be used as an ingredient for appetizers, salads, and soups. Packed with important nutrients the human body needs to maintain good health, it is an excellent source of protein to include on your shopping list. Being informed about both the benefits and potential concerns with different types of seafood can help you decide which products to add to your cart or order at a restaurant.

This toolkit, designed specifically for nutrition and wellness professionals and educators, will provide you with information and resources to help you talk to your clients about the complex food category known as seafood. You will learn about the basics of seafood, nutrition benefits of including seafood as part of a healthy eating pattern, concerns about safety, tips for purchasing seafood, and ideas for cooking demonstrations. We’ve included simple and tasty recipes that you can use to introduce your clients to the many flavors of fish and shellfish, links to downloadable and printable handouts, and sample social media posts that you can use to inform and inspire.

This toolkit is geared toward extension staff who teach nutrition and wellness. It includes both printable and digital elements that can be shared with clients based on interest and need.

To receive the free download and recipe visit the Purdue Extension’s resource center: The Education Store – Seafood Basics: A Toolkit for Understanding Seafood, Nutrition, Safety and Preparation, and Sourcing.

Resources:
Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources– Subscribe to the Youtube channel
Freshwater Prawn Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Ask An Expert: What is Aquaculture?, Purdue Extension FNR YouTube Channel
Largemouth Bass Market Trends, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Yellow Perch Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Tilapia Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Rainbow Trout Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
American Paddlefish, The Education Store
A Guide to Small-Scale Fish Processing Using Local Kitchen Facilities, The Education Store
Aquaculture Family Coloring Book Development, The Education Store
Channel Catfish, The Education Store
Eat Midwest Fish, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant online resource hub

Amy Shambach, Aquaculture Marketing Outreach Associate
Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources/Illinois Indiana Sea Grant Program

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