Got Nature? Blog

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

Purdue Landscape Report: The last week has caused many to struggle with whether to turn the heat on inside.  Mornings have been quite chilly, and I am guessing several readers may have also struggled with the decision to wear a jacket as they started their workday.  These are tough decisions, no doubt.  Several data sources have suggested we have had at least 2 weeks of consecutive below-average daily mean temperatures.  While not a record, this is certainly noticeable!  Perhaps we are hoping those tomato plants will produce just a few more tomatoes.  Is it mum season, already?  The good news – for those not quite ready to say goodbye to warm days, not needing coats, and garden delights – is warm temperatures are expected to return.  Daily high temperatures are already in the 80s and Indiana is likely to see temperatures in the mid-90s by next week.  There is significant confidence that this warmer-than-normal temperature trend is likely to continue through most of September.  Average high temperatures typically range from 75°F – 85°F in mid-September and 70°F – 75°F in late September, so keep in mind climate outlooks are all relative.  Indiana is not likely to experience triple-digit heat waves over the next few weeks, but nighttime low temperatures are likely to fight for temperatures warranting a sweater or jacket.

Figure 3. Average date of the first fall frost where temperature first reach or drop below 28°F. (Purdue Landscape Report)

Regarding first frost or even hard frost, we are still too early in the calendar year to worry about this being an extensive risk.  Very localized, low-lying areas may be susceptible, but the climatological average date of the first hard freeze (28°F) is often not until mid-to-late October (Figure 3). With temperatures expected to warm again, widespread hard frost is not anticipated prior to October.

Explore the latest Indiana climate and drought maps, including first freeze and frost probabilities, view the Purdue Indiana State Climate Office.

View the original article on the Purdue Landscape Report website: A False Sense of Autumn.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Resources:
Alert – Water Your Trees, Watch Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources Got Nature? Blog
Find an Arborist video, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Summer Tree Care, Purdue Landscape Report
Drought? Don’t Forget the Trees!, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Extreme Heat Including Fact Sheets, Purdue Extension – IN-PREPared
Extreme Heat – Resources, Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN)
Drought Information​, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store
Surface Root Syndrome, The Education Store
Submit Sample, Purdue Plant & Pest Diagnostic Lab
What Are Invasive Species and Why Should I Care?, Purdue Extension-FNR Got Nature? Blog
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Subscribe Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

Beth Hall, Indiana State Climate Office Director
Purdue University Department of Agronomy

It is natural to think of spring as the season of flowers in our woodlands, but summer can also provide some outstanding displays of native bloom. In addition, these flowers are often attracting some of our largest and showiest butterflies and bumblebees. Here are a few of the late summer flowers you may encounter in local woodlands. (Click on photos to enlarge.)

Wood Nettle is a look-but-don’t-touch type of plant. While I find the foamy white flowers attractive, the stinging hairs along the stems and under the leaves feel like instant poison ivy. This is one of the reasons Foresters don’t wear short pants in the woods! It is a good indicator of moist and fertile soils.

Wingstem is a large plant with thin ridges along the stems providing the name. These head-high and taller plants of edges, thin woodlands and fertile soils put on a great display. It seems to be a common plant in black walnut plantations as both the good soils and light shade favor its growth.

Tall Bellflower catches the eye as blues seem to stick out in the green and yellow dominated foliage. I see this attractive star-shaped flower on tall stalks at the edge of woodlands and in areas where more sunlight enters the forest understory.

Pale or Yellow Jewelweed is in the same genus as the impatiens found in the garden stores. The tube flowers turn into spring-loaded seed pods that pop with the least amount of pressure applied by a finger and thumb. It is hard not to be startled even if you have experienced this mini-explosion before. Spotted Jewelweed is very similar, but has orange flowers with dark dots.

White Snakeroot can be quite common in forest understories. The white flowers may be the dominant bloom in some woodlands, partly because of the toxic nature of the plant. It is toxic to both livestock and humans and is the source of the milk sickness that killed Abraham Lincolns mother. Cows grazing in woodlands would eat the white snakeroot, which tainted the milk consumed by the pioneer families.

Jack-in-the-Pulpit flowers in the spring, but the cluster of red berries which ripen in the late summer and fall are large and bright, so they draw attention. While toxic to humans some birds and other wildlife will consume the seeds. The less common, but related Green Dragon plant has similar berry clusters.

Great Blue Lobelia has a name that matches its visual impact. The tall spikes of brilliant blue flowers are excellent for pollinators and put on a great show. This is a plant of woodland edges and moist soils, but can get to be 4 feet tall, with large numbers of flowers, so it is hard to miss when present.

Resources:
Celebrate Pollinator Week with Flowers of June Tour, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Pollinator Conservation Education, Purdue Extension – Entomology
What’s buzzing in your backyard? Learn about protecting pollinators, beekeeping with Purdue Extension, Purdue Extension News
Indiana Monarch and Pollinator Conservation website
Protecting Pollinators: Protecting Pollinators in Home Lawns and Landscapes, publication, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Consider Pollinators When Planning Your Garden, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Tracking the Bloom, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Indiana’s Native Orchids, Indiana Forestry & Woodlands Association (IFWOA) Webinar
Landscape Uses of Native Plants, Indiana Native Plant Society
Find an Arborist video, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Tree Installation: Process and Practices, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Tree Planting Part 1: Choosing a Tree video, Purdue Extension
Wildflowers and Ferns of Indiana Forests: A Field Guide, Google Books
Intro to Trees of Indiana: Flowering Dogwood, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
ID That Tree Spring Bloom Edition: Bladdernut, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube playlist

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

This new publication Fish Muscle Hydrolysate introduces a novel method for producing high-quality protein for larval fish diets, targeting feed and ingredient manufacturers. It outlines the challenges of indoor fish rearing using recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), particularly the difficulty larvae have digesting traditional dry feeds. The proposed solution uses protein hydrolysates—pre-digested proteins made more accessible through hydrolysis with species-specific digestive enzymes. This approach improves nutrient absorption and growth performance. Notably, the method uses invasive fish species as a sustainable protein source and applies enzymes from the target species for precise, efficient hydrolysis.

This fact sheet is intended for feed ingredient and feed manufacturers interested in producing a species-specific protein source for starter feeds. The early growth and survival of many fish species depend on several factors, including food availability, ingredient digestibility, and environmental conditions.

To receive the free download, visit the Purdue Extension’s resource center: The Education Store – Fish Muscle Hydrolysate.

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
Handbook on Processing Fish for Small-Scale Fish Farmers, 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

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

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)

Discover effective strategies for controlling Johnsongrass, an invasive warm-season grass prevalent in Indiana. This guide explains several control options for johnsongrass issues in native conservation plantings. Essential reading for land managers and conservationists committed to maintaining healthy grassland ecosystems: Johnsongrass Control.

Check out the Managing Conservation Plantings Series which include details on how to control invasive species and other problematic plants in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) plantings and native warm-season grass and wildflower conservation plantings.

Publications in this series include:

• Golden Rod Control
• Thinning Native Warm-Season Grasses
• Sericea Lespedeza Control
• Woody Encroachment and Woody Invasives
• Johnsongrass Control
• Reed Canarygrass Control
• Teasel Control (Common and Cut Leaved)
• Controlling Introduced Cool-season Grasses
• Crownvetch, Sweetclover and Birdsfoot Trefoil Control

Resources:
Deer Impact Toolbox & Grassland Management, Purdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management
Pond and Wildlife Management, Purdue Extension
Forestry for the Birds Virtual Tour and Pocket Guide, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Frost Seeding to Establish Wildlife Food Plots and Native Grass and Forb Plantings – Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
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
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
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, 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
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Nature of Teaching Unit 1: Animal Diversity and Tracking, The Education Store
Nature of Teaching, Purdue College of Agriculture
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Subscribe Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

Jarred Brooke, Wildlife Extension Specialist
Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

Explore the impact of tree and shrub encroachment on conservation plantings. This guide highlights how native woody species like blackberry and sumac can benefit wildlife, while invasives species and excessive woody encroachment can degrade habitat for species like Henslow’s sparrows. Learn how to manage woody invasives to preserve native grasses and wildflowers. Essential reading for conservationists and land managers interested in grassland ecosystems: Woody Encroachment and Woody Invasives.

This publication is part of a seven publication series The Managing Conservation Plantings Series which include details on how to control invasive species and other problematic plants in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) plantings and native warm-season grass and wildflower conservation plantings.

Publications in this series include:

• Golden Rod Control
• Thinning Native Warm-Season Grasses
• Sericea Lespedeza Control
• Woody Encroachment and Woody Invasives
• Johnson Grass Control
• Reed Canarygrass Control
• Teasel Control (Common and Cut Leaved)
• Controlling Introduced Cool-season Grasses
• Crownvetch, Sweetclover and Birdsfoot Trefoil Control

Resources:
Deer Impact Toolbox & Grassland Management, Purdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management
Pond and Wildlife Management, Purdue Extension
Forestry for the Birds Virtual Tour and Pocket Guide, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Frost Seeding to Establish Wildlife Food Plots and Native Grass and Forb Plantings – Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
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
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
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, 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
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Nature of Teaching Unit 1: Animal Diversity and Tracking, The Education Store
Nature of Teaching, Purdue College of Agriculture
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Subscribe Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

Jarred Brooke, Wildlife Extension Specialist
Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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