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Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources’ ID That Tree video series was recently highlighted in the National Woodland Owners Association’s (NWOA) Woodland Word Newsletter, recognizing the value of this Purdue FNR extension resource for woodland owners nationwide.

Hosted by Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources Forester Lenny Farlee, ID That Tree is a video series created to help viewers identify forest trees, shrubs and invasive plants through short, easy-to-follow lessons. With more than 150 videos in the playlist, the series offers a practical resource for woodland owners, land managers, outdoor enthusiasts and natural resource professionals interested in learning more about the plants and trees in their woodlands and surrounding landscapes. The ID That Tree playlist can be viewed on the Purdue Extension Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube channel.

In the March 25, 2026 issue of Woodland Word, NWOA featured the playlist in its “Knowledge, Inspiration, and Humor” section, describing it as a helpful tool for woodland owners seeking tree identification assistance.

Connecting National Resources to Indiana Woodland Owners
The National Woodland Owners Association (NWOA) is a nonprofit organization supporting woodland owners through education, advocacy, and stewardship resources across the U.S. To learn more about the opportunities and resources available view Join NWOA.

Here in Indiana, that national mission is carried forward locally through the Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA), an official affiliate of NWOA.
IFWOA provides Indiana woodland owners with:

• Local networking and peer learning
• Educational programs and field tours
• Connections to Purdue Extension resources
• A voice for woodland owners at the state level

Resources:
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana, Purdue Extension – FNR
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
District Forester, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 10+ acres
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension

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

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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:

• President’s Message
  By Dan McGuckin
  “With each passing year, I find myself reflecting more often on the decisions I have made in my past…”
• 2025 Indiana Consulting Foresters Stumpage Timber Price Report
  “This report is provided annually and is intended to be used as a general indicator of timber stumpage prices and activity in Indiana…”
• Public Perceptions of Indiana’s Forests and Woodlands: Insights from a Statewide Survey
  By Erica Kronenberger, Zhao Ma, and Cynthia Longmire
  “Public opinion plays a critical role in natural resource management. Natural resource agencies and organizations increasingly recognize that achieving and maintaining public approval…”
• 2025 Tree Farm Breakfast Awards
  By Ken Day
  “Kline Contracting is the 2025 Indiana Logger of the Year. Mike Kline is third generation, and Miles Kline is a fourth generation Kline to operate the logging business…”
• Ask the Steward – Final Column
  by Dan Ernst
  “‘Ask the Steward’ began as a Q&A column in the very first issue of Woodland Steward in 1992, with goals of being both informative and entertaining…“
• Soil and Water Conservation District 2026
  “Thank you to all the supporting SWCD’s. Supporting the Woodland Steward Newsletter puts timely, relevant and science-based information…”

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 (HEE) website
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 (FNR)
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
Explore the Rich World of Oaks with Purdue FNR Extension & Partners, Purdue Extension – FNR
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

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In this episode of “A Woodland Management Moment”, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee discusses the influence of a topographic characteristic on the landscape and that is aspect: the direction that a slope faces. There are some significant implications on the moisture levels of a site and thus, the tree species that could thrive on that site. The video outlines how aspect can affect factors in an environment and how best to utilize this information as a landowner. Watch to learn about site growth and species information as a casual viewer or a landowner!

 

If you have any questions regarding trees, forests, wildlife, wood products, or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.

Resources:
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Explore the Rich World of Oaks with Purdue FNR Extension & Partners, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
It’s Not Too Late to Order Trees for Spring Planting, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners Video Series, Playlist, Indiana Department of Natural Resources YouTube Channel
District Forester, Indiana DNR Division of Forestry, for over 10 acres of woodlands
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Purdue Arboretum Explorer

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

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MyDNR, Indiana’s Outdoor Newsletter: While temperatures were frigid, conditions were perfect for DNR mammalogists to conduct surveys for rare and endangered bats. About half of the bat species found in Indiana avoid the cold by seeking out climate-controlled caves where they can hibernate.

During this time, biologists count bats to get a snapshot of roughly how many of each species are present. Conducting surveys regularly provides a better understanding of population trends over time and conducting them at the same time every other year helps to minimize disturbance. The surveys primarily target the Indiana bat, but also include counts for the gray bat, little brown bat, tricolored bat and big brown bat.

Donations to the Indiana Nongame Wildlife Fund help the DNR purchase equipment needed for surveys. One critical tool is digital cameras which enable biologists to spend less time in caves disturbing the bats and more time in the office viewing photos to obtain a more accurate count.

While the data is still being tallied for the 2026 winter bat count, the impression DNR mammalogists have from this winter’s surveys is that multiple bat species continue to show signs of population growth.

Want to help bats? You can give them the best chance to thrive by growing native plants, installing bat houses, protecting forested habitat and minimize disturbance to bats. 

To subscribe to the newsletter, visit MyDNR Email Newsletter.

Resources:
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE) Highlights: Bats, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Bats in the Belfry, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
Ask An Expert: Bats on the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE), Video, Purdue Extension – FNR Facebook
Bats in Indiana, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN DNR)
Bat Houses, Bat Conservation International
Creating a Wildlife Habitat Management Plan for Landowners, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
The Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE): Indiana Forestry and Wildlife, The Education Store
Subscribe to Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel
Unexpected Plants and Animals of Indiana: Indiana Bats, Purdue College of Agriculture News
Selecting a Nuisance Wildlife Control Professional, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
FAQs – How can I get rid of nuisance wildlife (bats, deer, racoons, etc.)?

Division of Fish and Wildlife
Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN DNR)

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Purdue Landscape Report: An unfortunate question I am sometimes asked is similar to this: “I lost my prized shade tree! What can I plant that will grow fast and give me shade?” While there is no instant fix to this scenario, let’s review a few trees that might be better choices here in northern Indiana.

One obstacle to consider is that many of the fast-growing trees are also fast-dying, meaning that, relatively speaking, they are not long-lived for trees. We’re already behind the 8-ball in our highly manipulated landscapes because we know that trees in landscapes tend to live much shorter lives than trees in their unmanipulated natural habitats.

That said, here are a few trees to consider. I would still encourage homeowners to invest some time in researching the trees that they are considering. There are pros and cons to almost every tree, and there isn’t room in this article to fully explore all the advantages and disadvantages of each tree. Additionally, I will not be getting into detail about all the cultivars available.

Let’s start with our state tree, the Tuliptree (a.k.a Tulip-poplar or Yellow-poplar). Tuliptrees can become quite large and offer a pretty yellow fall color. They prefer deep, rich, well-drained soils.

If maples are on your mind, a couple of options would be Red maple and Freeman maple (a hybrid cross of Silver maple and Red maple). Red maple has more moderate growth. The Freeman maple is a faster grower and has stronger wood than one of its parents, the Silver maple. These maples do best in well-drained, slightly acid soils, but will tolerate a variety of soil conditions.

Northern catalpa is a fast grower, but dealing with the fruit litter, a long seed pod, may be a deterrent for some locations. It has large, heart-shaped leaves. It would grow well in moist sites.

Common hackberry is a fast grower, but it is susceptible to galls on the leaves (from a n insect), and limbs can become susceptible to wind and ice damage. It tolerates a wide variety of soil conditions. Thornless honeylocust is widely adapted to different soil types. Honeylocusts in the wild produce large thorns. The Thornless honeylocust is adapted to landscapes and allows dappled sunlight to reach turfgrass, so that it thrives more than it would under a tree that provides heavy shade.

Sweetgum is also a fast-growing shade tree with brilliant fall colors. It has a star-shaped leaf. One drawback of sweetgum is the spiny seed capsule. This fallen fruit can make walking in the yard barefoot a painful experience.

Eastern cottonwood is the tree on record for the fastest growth rate of any tree native to the U.S. However, those with cottonwoods in their yard can tell you that the cottony seed mass shed in the spring sticks everywhere. It can be a mess. Plus, cottonwood can shed limbs frequently, especially after storms. This tree is commonly found along rivers and streams, so it not surprisingly prefers moist soils.

Also found along rivers and streams, American sycamore is a fast-growing tree in some landscapes. However, it can be a messy landscape tree, shedding bark, leaves, limbs, and fruit nearly year-round. The large fallen leaves can smother grass if not mowed or raked. It is also sensitive to a spring disease called anthracnose, which can cause defoliation and twig death.

Wild black cherry may be another good choice. Although it may not be available in some nurseries, it can be grown from seed. It prefers rich, moist, well-drained soils.

A couple of faster-growing oaks to consider are Pin oak and Northern red oak. Pin oak would be better suited to slightly wetter spots, while Red oak would work on a wider variety of soils, preferring rich, moist, well-drained sites. Pin oak is susceptible to iron chlorosis (yellowing leaves) on alkaline soils.

Finally, American basswood also prefers rich, moist, well-drained soils and is somewhat shade-tolerant. This tree can grow quite tall and provide excellent shade.

In your research, find out how large the tree you will be purchasing will get. One common planting mistake is locating trees too close to structures. Consider the mature size when placing it in the landscape.

Time your spring planting near Arbor Day, the last Friday in April.

Original article posted: Fast-Growing Trees for the Landscape.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Resources:
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana
An Introduction to Trees of Indiana
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Tree Installation: Process and Practices, The Education Store
Wildlife Habitat Hint YouTube Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR
Invasive Species YouTube Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
Find an Arborist video, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube playlist
Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory
Trees and Storms – The Education Store, Purdue Education’s resource center
Planting Your Tree, video, Purdue Extension
Subscribe Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

John Woodmansee, Extension Educator, Whitely County
Purdue Extension

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Purdue Landscape Report: Spring is just around the corner, green spaces are beginning to wake from their winter slumber, Earth Day and Arbor Day are a little over a month away, and people are ready to get outside with planting on their minds. But before you go and get your tree(s) for planting, there is quite a lot to think about. Every tree is an investment, and if properly cared for, will outlast us and potentially future generations. So, what goes into planting trees, especially large trees?

One important note for successfully planting any tree is thinking about your goals, or what you want out of a new tree. In the case of large trees, the first thing that usually comes to mind is shade. Having a large shade tree to block the sun on your home in hot summers can significantly reduce power consumption from air conditioning. Large shade trees also give us great locations to play, picnic, or relax outside in our backyard, at local playgrounds, or parks. Given the space and care to grow, they can create wonderful local environments and beautiful aesthetics, driving down neighborhoods and city streets. The right species can benefit local wildlife with food production and habitat improvement.

When you know what you want, you can begin to assess your site to see if you have the right space for your future tree. Large trees require larger spaces. If your tree survives to a mature size, will it interfere with anything else around it? Are there utility lines above or below your planting site? What is the proximity to homes, buildings, or other structures? Will it obstruct road signs, lights, or line of sight? Will falling leaves, nuts, or fruits adversely affect anything around the tree? What is the quality of the soil: pH, well-drained, wet, clay, loam, or sand? A poorly assessed planting site could lead to a doomed planting project by placing the wrong tree in the wrong place.

Once you have your goals in mind and know what type of site you have, you can begin to consider what species you may want to plant. A couple of good resources for considering species selection in the Midwest include your local extension offices, reputable nurseries, and online resources like the Morton Arboretum. In the case of large shade trees, we all would like to have our shade now, but trees take time to reach mature heights. That being said, some species grow a little faster than others. Faster-growing trees that grow well in urban settings include:

1. Tuliptree or tulip-poplar, Liriodendron tulipifera, the state tree of Indiana, can withstand varying light exposure, acidic soil that is moist to well-drained, is moderately sensitive to drought, and can reach heights up to 70-90 feet. It is susceptible to ice damage and has weaker wood than other species.
2. Northern catalpa, Catalpa speciosa, is slightly smaller at about 60 feet in good conditions, thrives in full sun, and a little more alkaline soil that is moist to well-drained. Large leaves and long bean-like seed pods can be messy, and the wood and structure are on the weaker side.
3. Dawn redwood, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, is a deciduous conifer (drops its foliage every fall) that can reach heights of 70-100 feet. A non-native tree, it does very well in urban settings without competing with native trees, and can survive full sun in acidic, moist to well-drained soils. It is tolerant of some drought and flooding as well as road salt during the winter.

 

Next, we have some examples of trees slowing down to moderate growth:

1. Silver linden, Tilia tomentosa, another non-native, is a common street tree that can reach heights up to 70 feet. Surviving in full sun to shade, it does well in moist to well-drained soils and is tolerant of some drought, alkaline soils, and road salt. Leaves that are dark green on top and silvery on the bottom, and flowers that can benefit some pollinators.
2. Northern red oak, Quercus rubra, is one of my favorite native trees and reaches mature heights up to 75 feet. Preferring acidic, moist to well-drained soils, they can tolerate some drought as well as alkaline soils and clay soils. Leaves are dark green in summer and a beautiful red in the fall, with acorn production and interesting branch structure that benefits native birds and small mammals.
3. Bald-cypress, Taxodium distichum, is similar to the dawn redwood. A deciduous conifer that loses its needles after the fall and can grow up to 70 feet. It can survive many soil types, but thrives in acidic, wet soils. In wetter sites, one thing to take into consideration is that it can send up “knee-like” roots well above the soil line to improve structural support and gas exchange. If these appear in lawn situations, they can both damage and be damaged by mowing operations. Extending mulch beds can reduce these negative interactions.

 

These suggestions are a small sample of large shade trees that can grow well in different urban settings. Remember to think of what the overall goal is for your planting and to assess your site to make informed species choices. With proper forethought, you can make a resilient landscape that your trees will be able to survive in for years and years. If you still have questions, you can contact your local extension office or find an ISA Certified Arborist at Find an ISA-Credentialed Arborist.

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: Understanding Damage, Risk and Recovery – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Why Is My Tree Dying? – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Tree Risk Management – The Education Store
Tree Pruning Essentials, Publication & Video, The Education Store
Trees and Electric Lines – The Education Store
Southwest Damage, Scalding or Frost Cracking, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store
Planting Your Tree, video, Purdue Extension
Tree Risk Management – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Ben McCallister, Urban Forestry Specialist
Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources

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Purdue Landscape Report: We are often the bearers of bad news when a new exotic insect species is discovered in Indiana. This time, however, we have some good news to share. Agrilus smaragdifrons, a beetle that feeds exclusively on Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), was detected in Indiana last year in Allen County.

You might notice that this beetle belongs to the same genus as the infamous Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) (EAB). Indeed, the two species look quite similar, although there are subtle differences in their striking metallic coloration. While Emerald Ash Borer is a vibrant green from head to wing, A. smaragdifrons has a golden-red head and thorax with green to black-green wings (Fig. 1).

This beetle has been present in the United States for several years, with the earliest record dating back to 2011 from a photograph taken in New Jersey that was uploaded to BugGuide.net. Subsequent detections occurred in several neighboring eastern states, often as bycatch during Emerald Ash Borer surveys (Hoebeke et al. 2017).

The life cycle of A. smaragdifrons also shares many similarities with Emerald Ash Borer. Although its life cycle under North American conditions has not yet been formally described, Hoebeke et al. (2017) summarize the beetle’s biology in its native Asian range based on Chinese literature (Xu and Yang 2007).

Females lay eggs in bark crevices during mid- to late summer, and newly hatched larvae burrow into the tree. The larvae overwinter within galleries beneath the bark and resume feeding the following spring. Pupation occurs in early summer, around June, and adult mating flights take place from June through July. When adults emerge, they leave characteristic “D”-shaped exit holes in the bark (Fig. 2; Photograph by Patrick Perish, iNaturalist).

It is not yet known whether A. smaragdifrons will function as a biological control agent for Tree-of-Heaven. Additional research and field observations are needed to determine its impact on its host. However, reports from Beijing Forestry University indicate that attacks by A. smaragdifrons can lead to decline and eventual death of Tree-of-Heaven (Hoebeke et al. 2017).

Scientists with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Purdue University are interested in tracking the distribution of A. smaragdifrons across the state. The next time you encounter a Tree-of-Heaven, keep an eye out for the distinctive D-shaped exit holes. In late summer, you may also observe adults feeding on the leaves.

See something? Report it Identifying and Reporting Pests at just as you would any other invasive species!

Original article posted: Beetle that attacks Tree-of-Heaven found in Indiana.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Resources:
Ask the Expert: Pests in Your Woods, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Report Spotted Lanternfly, Purdue Landscape Report
Invasive Species Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Purdue Plant Doctor, Purdue Extension
An Introduction to Trees of Indiana, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana, Forestry & Natural Resources
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

Alicia Kelley, Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) Coordinator
Purdue Extension – Entomology

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In this edition of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension Forester Lenny Farlee introduces us to dwarf chinkapin oak, an uncommon oak species found in far northern Indiana. Unlike many oaks that grow into large forest trees, this species often takes on a different form. Learn about the types of sites where dwarf chinkapin oak is typically found, how it compares to its relative the chinkapin oak and why it plays an important role in supporting wildlife. Whether you’re a student, landowner or simply curious about Indiana’s native trees and shrubs, this video offers a quick introduction to this unique and lesser-known oak species.

 

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 – Video Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana, Purdue Extension – FNR
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Habitat University, Episode 12 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association
District Forester, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 10+ acres
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
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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Indiana’s weather can shift quickly, from calm spring and summer mornings to severe thunderstorms, damaging winds and flash floods by afternoon. These sudden changes make it essential for individuals, families and communities to stay informed and prepared.

INdiana PREPared and the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) have a wide range of resources and educational materials that can be used to help Extension professionals spread the word about preparing for and responding to severe spring and summer weather events.

Find a full collection of resources at these various webpages:

• Educator/Trainer Resources
• Spring and Summer Severe Weather Resources
• Tornado and Wind Damage Response and Recovery
• Flood Resources for Educators

Stock your Go-Bag!
We encourage everyone to be ready for severe weather events by preparing a Go-Bag of important supplies. Click the image on the right/below to access INPREP’s Go-Bag Checklist, and feel free to share with your local clients. Remember to take into account the needs of family members impacted by disabilities!

By incorporating these IN-PREPared materials into programs, outreach efforts and conversations with community members, we can make a meaningful difference in how our communities respond and recover. Together, we can ensure that Hoosiers have the knowledge, tools and confidence to face severe weather with greater safety and resilience.

Resources:
Purdue Extension: Empowering Indiana Through Innovation, Education and Community Impact, Purdue Extension
Avian Flu in Birds, IN-PREPared
Combine & Field Fires, IN-PREPared
Trees and Storms: Understanding Damage, Risk and Recovery – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Community Development, Purdue Extension
Contact Your County Extension Educator, Purdue Extension
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
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store

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

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

Michael Wilcox, Assistant Director and Program Leader for Community Development
EDEN State Point-of-Contact

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MyDNR, Indiana’s Outdoor Newsletter: The Division of Law Enforcement is looking for highly motivated, outdoor-centered individuals to fill Conservation Officer positions across the state.

Anyone interested should first read “Become a Conservation Officer” at on.IN.gov/ico-hiring and complete the pre-screening test under the “Apply” link. Successful completion of the pre-screening test will automatically enter you into the hiring process.

To be qualified to pass the pre-screening test, you must be a United States citizen and be 21 years old by Oct. 30. You also must be able to pass the new Physical Agility Test, which is the new fitness standard for all Law Enforcement in the state starting Aug. 1. The website listed above also contains a video demonstrating the Physical Agility Test, course diagram and testing protocols.

Conservation officers comprise Indiana’s oldest state law enforcement agency. ICOs are fully recognized Indiana police officers who enforce and uphold all DNR rules and regulations as well as all other Indiana state laws. ICOs spend most of their time on the job enforcing fishing and hunting regulations, conducting marine boat patrol on Indiana’s waterways, and patrolling DNR properties to keep them safe and family friendly.

In addition to traditional law enforcement work, ICOs also engage in specialty areas, including scuba, K-9, search and rescue, swift water rescue and many more.

For more information, visit the DNR hiring for Indiana Conservation Officer positions webpage.

More Resources:
Hunting Guide, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN DNR)
MyDNR Newsletter, IN DNR
Wild Bulletin Newsletter, IN DNR
Fishing Guide, IN DNR
Creating a Wildlife Habitat Management Plan for Landowners, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
A Template for Your Wildlife Habitat Management Plan, The Education Store
Wildlife Habitat Hint: Trail Camera Tips and Tricks, Got Nature? Blog
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Designing Hardwood Tree Plantings for Wildlife – The Education Store
ID That Tree – YouTube Playlist
How to Score Your White-tailed Deer, video, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
White-Tailed Deer Post Harvest Collection, video, The Education Store
Age Determination in White-tailed Deer, video, The Education Store
How to Build a Plastic Mesh Deer Exclusion Fence, The Education Store
Forest Management for Reptiles and Amphibians: A Technical Guide for the Midwest, The Education Store
Ask the Expert: Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Birds and Salamander Research, Purdue Extension – FNR
A Template for Your Wildlife Habitat Management Plan, The Education Store
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store

Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN DNR)

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