Purdue University - Extension - Forestry and Natural Resources
Got Nature? Blog
The display of color we enjoy each fall is explained by understanding plant pigments, the physiology and anatomy of leaves, and the influence of climate and seasonal weather conditions. Fall weather conditions favoring formation of bright red autumn color are warm sunny days followed by cool but not freezing nights. As days get shorter and temperatures cooler in the autumn, important physiological processes are triggered that make conditions for chlorophyll production less favorable.
Resources:
Intro to Trees of Indiana videos, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
An Introduction to Trees of Indiana, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Trees and Storms: Understanding Damage, Risk and Recovery – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Tree Risk Management – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Planting Problems: Trees Planted Too Deep, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Why Leaves Change Color, USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Area
Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Improvement Regeneration Center (HTIRC)
Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
Determining what causes holes in lawn and landscaping can be a challenging endeavor for any homeowner. The size of the hole, the presence of excavated dirt and the timing of activity are all good clues to consider. Recently, I had several holes along my driveway and sidewalk that perplexed me. I’m no stranger to holes in my yard. I’ve been combating moles in my yard (we will save that for another post) and had recently observed dead mice and shrews in my driveway. I also have many chipmunks and gray squirrels around the yard.
All of these can make holes of one type or another. However, these new holes looked different. They were clearly a tunnel/burrow with an entrance of 1.5 inches. Squirrels dig holes to bury/dig nuts or to feed on small plants. Chipmunks make 1.5 inch holes, but they carry the cast soil away in their mouths which results in a less conspicuous hole. Shrews and voles will excavate holes and tunnels, but these looked different. Voles usually are found in areas with overhead cover such as densely planted landscaping beds, areas with ground ivy or similar plants and beds with think mulch. These holes were exposed far from cover. So what were they?
It just so happens I was at a colleague’s house recently, and he mentioned all the cicada killers he has around the house. He literally had dozens of holes in areas with exposed soil just like the ones I observed at home. To my delight, I finally had the answer to my question.
Cicada killers are large wasps but unlikely to sting. Purdue’s Department of Entomology has more on cicada killers free downloadable pdf, Household and Structural, Cicada Killers.
Other resources:
Cicada killers: a nuisance or a danger?, Turfgrass Science at Purdue University
Cicada Killers, Plant & Pest Diagnostic Lab
Great Lakes Early Detection Network App (GLEDN) – The Center for Invasive Species & Ecosystem Health
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
Report Invasives, College of Agriculture
Subscribe Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel, Playlists include wildlife, Nature of Teaching, Moments in the Wild and much more.
Brian MacGowan, Wildlife Extension Specialist
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
Purdue University
Wildlife identification guides are useful tools that help you figure out what kind of animal you may be looking at. However, they don’t always tell the complete story. Some animals such as garter snakes can have varied appearances which makes identification difficult. Some mammals have varied pelage such as striped skunks with some being almost completely black, white or some combination in between. A very small percentage of animals within a species may look dramatically different due to differences in pigment.
Albinos lack the ability to produce color pigment in their skin, hair, feathers, scales or eyes. Animals with this condition have a white appearance with red or pink eyes. The latter is the result of tiny blood vessels that are now visible. They are typically hidden by the colored iris which is transparent in albinos.
In wildlife, albinism is a rare occurrence at birth caused by a recessive gene. The rate in wildlife is estimated from 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 1 million. Their solid white coat of fur makes them more susceptible to predation, or conversely, would make it difficult for an albino predator to stalk its prey. Albinos also have poor vision or may even be blind. The combination of these factors results in low survival of albinos, further decreasing their proportion in the population.
Partial albinism occurs in some animals and is much more common than true albinism. In white-tailed deer, this is sometimes referred to as ‘piebald’ where their fur has a blotchy, white appearance, but they lack the pink eyes found in albinos. Piebald deer occur at a frequency of less than 1 percent in hunted populations. A greater incidence of physical deformities have been reported for piebald deer.
*View in photo the piebald deer on the far left side.
Resources:
Ask an Expert: Wildlife Food Plots, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 1, Field Dressing, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Deer Harvest Data Collection, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
How to Score Your White-tailed Deer, video, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Age Determination in White-tailed Deer, video, The Education Store
Handling Harvested Deer Ask an Expert? video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners: Managing Deer Damage to Young Trees, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Deer Impact Toolbox, Pond and Wildlife Management, Purdue Extension
Snakes and Lizards of Indiana, The Education Store
Subscribe Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel, Playlists include wildlife, Nature of Teaching, Moments in the Wild and much more.
Brian MacGowan, Extension Wildlife Specialist
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University
Carpenter ants are very common inside trees, especially on larger, mature trees that are hollow with cavities. They nest in rotted, decayed wood, although some nests may extend into sound heartwood in the center of the tree. Carpenter ant presence is an indication of rotting wood, and infested trees should be checked to determine whether the rot has weakened the tree enough that it has become a risk of failure.
Carpenter ants in trees are not directly harmful to the tree. Control is not necessary for the tree’s health; their presence indicates decay in the tree, and they only feed on dead wood fiber. Wood decay can set in if moisture is present; it is the wood decay that gives the carpenter ants the opportunity to colonize the tree. Carpenter ants use knots, cracks, holes and old insect tunnels to gain access to these areas.
Control of carpenter ants inside trees is difficult but can be done as a way to reduce invasion of the ants into adjacent structures and places where they are unwelcome. It is also possible for ant colonies located inside trees to form satellite colonies inside a nearby home wall. Available controls are not likely to permanently rid a tree of carpenter ants, so retreatment every year or so may be necessary. Dust insecticides (such as Sevin or Abamectin) labeled for use on trees in the landscape are suggested for control. Apply the dust directly into the nest cavity.
Sealing tree cavities or treating tree wounds with wound dressings is not advised. Such treatments are unnecessary and will not eliminate nor prevent decay or carpenter ant activity. Also cutting down otherwise viable trees that happen to be infested with carpenter ants is generally not necessary unless the tree poses a risk.
Resources:
Household & Structural, Department of Entomology, Purdue University
Who Let the Bugs Out?, 4-H Purdue Extension – Entomology
The Space Invaders of Summer, Purdue Agriculture News
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (Report Invasives)
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel, find videos for wildlife, forestry, urban forestry, community development and more.
Lindsey Purcell, Chapter Administrator & Master Arborist
Indiana Arborist Association
This time of year, sightings of white-tailed deer fawns, fledgling birds and other young critters becomes common. In most cases, the young animal is simply “spreading its wings” and exploring, or mom simply left it to get something to eat. Fawn deer are programmed to hide and remain motionless while mom is away. The fact is wildlife rarely abandons their young. They may leave briefly only to return.
Remember that you should never handle wild animals unless absolutely necessary. Any animal can bite you, and many harbor diseases and pests that can be transmitted to people.
In Indiana, wildlife rehabilitators have necessary state and federal permits to house and care for sick or injured wild animals. If you think you have found a sick or injured animal, you can find a list of licensed Wild Animal Rehabilitators in your area on the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife’s website.
Resources
Mammals of Indiana, J.O. Whitker and R.E. Mumford
Common Indiana Mammals, R.N. Chapman and R.N. Williams, publication number FNR-413-W
Indiana DNR Orphaned and Injured Animals
Wildlife Habitat Hint: Tips for Evaluating a First Year Native Grass and Forb Plantings, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Drone Seeding Native Grasses and Forbs: Project Overview & Drone Setup, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Designing Hardwood Tree Plantings for Wildlife – The Education Store
Forest Management for Reptiles and Amphibians: A Technical Guide for the Midwest, The Education Store
A Template for Your Wildlife Habitat Management Plan, The Education Store
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Nature of Teaching Unit 1: Animal Diversity and Tracking, The Education Store
Subscribe Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel, Playlists include wildlife, Nature of Teaching, Moments in the Wild and much more.
Brian MacGowan, Extension Wildlife Specialist
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University
Buying locally, particularly food products from local growers, has become a popular way to support local community business and live an environmentally responsible lifestyle. In Indiana, there is another product that is renewable, recyclable, sustainable and grown locally in abundant supply and high quality – hardwood timber. Indiana is approximately 20-21 percent forestland and is home to over 100 species of native trees, most of which are deciduous hardwoods.
Our hardwood forests and tree plantings provide habitat for wildlife; protection for soil and water resources; recreational opportunities for hikers, campers, birdwatchers and hunters; and beautiful landscape scenes every season of the year. They also provide us with a renewable and sustainable supply of fine hardwood forest products, many of which are harvested, processed and turned into consumer products by companies here in Indiana.
The forests of Indiana are owned primarily by its private citizens; about 84% of the forest is held by individuals as part of a farm or personal woodland. Many of these owners use income from selling trees to maintain their woodlands, pay property taxes and support their families. Wages paid by loggers, lumber mills and wood product companies like flooring, furniture and cabinet manufacturers support thousands of families and add billions of dollars to the Indiana economy. The wood products manufacturing industry is the leading employer in the agriculture sector in Indiana.
Diversity seems to be the theme for Indiana wood products. We have many tree species that enter the marketplace in one form or another, including oak, ash, maple, walnut, cherry, tulip tree, hickory and even sassafras and sycamore. The products produced run the range of our interests and lifespans, from cradles to caskets and all the floors, furniture, cabinets and doors we use in between.
If you are concerned about responsible use of our natural resources, you can feel pretty good about Indiana wood as well. Extensive forest inventories administered by the U.S. Forest Service and Indiana DNR indicate annual growth of wood volume exceeds harvest and natural mortality by over three times. DNR Division of Forestry state forestlands, the privately held Classified Forest and Wildlands properties and privately held Tree Farm properties are certified as meeting sustainable forest management criteria as determined by internationally recognized forest sustainability certifying organizations.
Many landowners recognize the value of using a professional forester to help them meet their property management goals in a renewable, responsible, sustainable way. They are also helping us all enjoy the opportunity to own another great locally grown product – Indiana hardwoods.
If you are looking for a forester to assist you with management on your property, visit Indiana Forestry and Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA) – Directory of Professional Foresters.
To find out more about the forest products of Indiana, visit Indiana Forest Products Community.
To learn more about the extent and sustainability of Indiana forests, visit A Landowner’s Guide to Sustainable Forestry.
Resources:
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources Publication List
The Education Store, Purdue Extension (place in search field: “timber”)
Find an Indiana Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
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
Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University
As teachers prepare their lessons for the fall, The Nature of Teaching is a great website to visit for science-based resources. Teachers can find free lesson plans, printable, posters, a photo library, information on upcoming workshops and more. You will find on the website tabs titled “Formal Curriculum” and “Informal Curriculum.” The Nature of Teaching also offers professional development workshops for teachers focused on science, the environment, and getting students connected with nature.
These organized lesson plans meet several K-5 Science and Math Academic Standards along with three 9-12 Natural Resource Management Academic Standards.
Wildlife curriculum include:
- Animal Diversity and Tracking
- Discovering the Watershed: Effects on Water Quality
- Common Indiana Mammals: Natural History and Identification
- Invasive Plants: Impact on Environment and People
- Hellbenders Rock! Natural History and Conservation of the Eastern Hellbender
Food Waste curriculum include:
- Food Waste and Natural Resources
- What a Waste of Food!
- Food Waste and The Environment
- Food Waste Solutions
- Transporting Food Waste
Health & Wellness curriculum include:
- Unit 1 Benefits of Connecting with Nature
- Unit 2 Gardening Station
- Unit 3 Tree Talk Station
Other resources:
- Help the Hellbender, Purdue Extension
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources (INDNR): For Kids
- 4-H, Purdue Extension
- National FFA Organization
- Indiana FFA
- Flying Wild, Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies
- Project Learning Tree, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
- Project Wet
- Project Wild
- Indiana Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program (WHEP)
Contact The Nature of Teaching team if you have any questions regarding workshops, certifications and curriculum.
The Nature of Teaching, Purdue Extension
Tree roots wrapped around tree trunks or the lower stem can be very troublesome for tree health and safety. Stem Girdling Roots (SGR) are very common in maple trees and can eventually compress the stem so greatly that it creates a situation where the tree can be more prone to windthrow or blowing over. Additionally, it reduces the flow of water and nutrition to the tree, causing a slow decline and eventual death if not corrected or unable to be treated.
Roots that are not directed away from the trunk causes serious issues, and oftentimes, there is no good rescue treatment or mitigation of the issue. If the tree is small or juvenile and the roots have NOT compressed the stem, careful pruning of the circling roots can be accomplished. If these circling roots are less than one-third the trunk diameter and they can be removed without damaging the trunk, then carefully cut and remove them. This will stop the circling habit and allow roots and trunk under the girdling root to develop in the proper way. Some arborists have removed larger girdling roots with no adverse effects on the tree, and they often respond to removing girdling roots with increased vigor. However, roots that have embedded themselves into the trunk or stem should be left alone. There are no guarantees with this risky process. Any time roots are removed, there is a danger for reducing stability and health.
I would suggest contacting an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist to complete the task and ensure the best possible results.
For resources on tree care, view FNR Extension Publications.
Resources:
Stem Girdling Roots, Purdue Landscape Report
Trees and Storms: Understanding Damage, Risk and Recovery – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Tree Risk Management – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Planting Problems: Trees Planted Too Deep, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, Video, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Tree Planting Part 2: Planting a Tree, Video, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Tree Appraisal and the Value of Trees, The Educational Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Surface Root Syndrome, The Education Store
Iron Chlorosis of Trees and Shrubs, The Education Store
Tree Pruning Essentials, Publication & Video, The Education Store
Cold Injury to Trees, Got Nature? Post, Purdue FNR Extension
Lindsey Purcell, Executive Director
Indiana Arborist Association
Indiana Conservation Officers and the DNR Division of Forestry are providing useful tips to landowners that can assist in protecting their valuable timber resources. To protect forestry resources, landowners should follow these steps:
- Hire a consultant forester to represent you and to mark and advertise your timber sale.
- Always get several bids from different timber buyers.
- Ask questions and get references from the timber buyer.
- Mark the trees to be cut with a paint mark on the stem and at ground level.
- Know and understand the fine details of the contract.
- Never make an oral agreement.
- Know how much you will be paid and the method of payment.
- Be a good neighbor and work out any property line disputes prior to harvesting.
The DNR offers a free information packet titled “callb4ucut” to those who may be considering harvesting their timber. See www.callb4ucut.com for further information.
For workshops on timber harvesting, check out the FNR Calendar and IN DNR Calendar.
For a list of consulting foresters, see The Indiana Forestry and Woodland Owners Association‘s (IFWOA) Directory of Professional Foresters.
Resources:
The Education Store, Purdue Extension (place in search field: “timber”)
Find an Indiana Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
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
As the snow finally melts, we are approaching the prime time for planting bare-root trees and shrubs in Indiana. Planting bare-root seedlings is a proven, cost-efficient method to establish trees and shrubs on your property for a variety of purposes, as long as some basic steps are followed.
Prior to planting, prepare your site by eliminating competing vegetation where the seedlings will be planted. This can be done with tillage or herbicides. Areas with heavy sod or perennial weed growth are very difficult sites for small seedlings to survive and thrive. Clear all the competing vegetation in the planting area or create circles or bands two to three feet wide where the seedlings can grow. Be sure your site is suited to the species you want to plant. Soil survey and tree planting information from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is available for every county in the state, either at NRCS offices or on the Web Soil Survey website: http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov.
When you receive your seedlings, keep them cool and moist until you can plant them. Plant them as soon as possible since the best place to store a seedling is in the soil! If you can’t plant them within a few days of their arrival, you can dig a trench and “heel in” the seedlings by planting them very close together and covering the roots with soil and/or moist mulch. This is still a short-term storage solution. You want to have your trees planted in their final locations before buds start to open.
When planting, keep seedlings stored in the shade, and roots should be kept moist until placed in the ground. A five gallon bucket with wet peat or sphagnum moss will work just fine for transporting seedlings to their planting locations. You can use several tools for planting, including shovels and commercial tree planting bars. The critical factors are planting the seedling at the correct depth and getting the root system in the ground such that it has good contact with the soil and is ready to grow. Seedlings should be planted with the root collar at or slightly below ground line. The root collar is where the stem changes to the root and is recognized by a color and texture change on the seedling stem. Be sure the soil is firmed around the seedling to close any air pockets that can dry out roots. Get your planting done as early in the spring as you can to take advantage of spring rains and a longer growing season for the seedling.
There are many more considerations for planning and implementing a successful tree planting that you can review in extension publications. See resources below for publications and videos.
To view the large photo used in this posting, visit How To Plant Seedlings.
Resources:
Planting Forest Trees and Shrubs in Indiana, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
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 Stewardship for Landowners Purdue Extension – FNR Extension YouTube Playlist
Woodland Management Moment, Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube playlist
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University
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