Got Nature? Blog

Dr. Henry QuesadaHenry Quesada, FNR professor, assistant director of Extension and Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR) Program Leader, obtained a BS in Industrial Production Engineering from the Costa Rica Institute of Technology (Costa Rica TEC). He worked for a commercial printing company before coming to Purdue as MS and PhD student in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources. After completing his graduate education, Henry worked as a faculty member for Costa Rica TEC where he focused on undergraduate teaching and engagement with industry and communities. In 2008 Henry joined the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials at Virginia Tech as an extension specialist. At Virginia Tech, Henry developed a national extension program to increase the utilization of renewable materials to mitigate climate change, improve industry competitiveness and enhance livelihoods in rural communities. At Purdue, Henry is the ANR Program Leader where his main responsibilities are to provide leadership, strengthen and build on and off-campus relationships, articulate and communicate the ARN program’s vision, and to create a collaborative environment that fosters a culture of innovation.

“At Virginia Tech, I was able to connect with the forestry industry and communities and helped support initiatives locally, regionally and nationally. In my new position at Purdue, I am excited to continue to explore innovations and partnerships in Indiana, a state with a diverse agriculture and lumber industry from row crops to local foods to livestock to hardwoods. I am an entrepreneur at heart and believe we have many opportunities to work with Indiana farmers to identify and reach new markets with existing and new products.”

View more about Dr. Henry Quesada: Purdue Extension News-New ANR Program Leader joins Purdue Extension.

Resources:
Agriculture & Natural Resources, Purdue Extension
Wood Products, Area of Interest, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Subscribe: Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Hardwood & Woodland Upcoming Events, Purdue Extension FNR

Henry Quesada, FNR Professor, Assistant Directory of Extension and ANR Program Leader
Purdue Extension

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


Posted on March 3rd, 2022 in How To, Wildlife | No Comments »
Turkey

Source: USFWS

MyDNR Newsletter, Indiana Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (IDNR): Spring turkey season starts in April. Are you ready? If you’re interested in hunting turkey, but not sure how to do it, join us for a free workshop:

March 19th – Learn to Hunt: Turkey
Glenns Valley Conservation Club
7100 Waverly Road
Martinsville, IN 46151

Topics will include:

  • Hunter and Gun Safety
  • Hunting Rules and regulations
  • Introduction to the National Wild Turkey Federation
  • Turkey hunting equipment
  • Methods and strategies for Turkey hunting
  • Turkey calling
  • Where to hunt

For other hunting and trapping dates view the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife Department website and view the Hunting & Trapping Guide.

For the latest news and events happening at your favorite state park, subscribe to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources-MyDNR newsletter or receive the Wild Bulletin newsletter from the Division of Fish & Wildlife.

Other Resources:
Ask an Expert: Wildlife Food Plots, video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Wildlife Habitat Hint, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
How to Construct a Scent Station, The Education Store
Wildlife, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube channel

Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)


On this edition of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee introduces you to the willow family, especially the black willow. The black willow is the only tree sized willow in Indiana. This species features a single scale covering the bud and thin flexible twigs, and is often found near wetland sites.

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 YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

Lenny Farlee, Sustaining Hardwood Extension Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources


This week on ID That Tree, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee introduces you to another Indiana conifer, one that is found natively on dry hillsides in two southern counties near the Ohio River, the Virginia Pine. The Virginia pine is easily identified by its needle clusters that feature twisted two-needle groupings and its cones, which feature spikes at the end of the scales. Learn more about this tree often used for reforestation inside.

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 YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
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
Virginia Pine, Native Trees of IN River Walk, Purdue University Fort Wayne

Lenny Farlee, Sustaining Hardwood Extension Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources


Young forest growth, Young Forest video series, U.S. Forest Service.What do whip-poor-wills, woodcock, bobcats, and box turtles have in common? All these species make their home in young forests. But, what is a young forest? And what do young forests look like?

This new video series from the Hoosier National Forest helps shed some light on these questions and more.

Specialists representing a diversity of organizations (American Bird Conservancy, Purdue Extension, National Wild Turkey Federation, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service) discuss the importance of young forest as habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, managing young forests and misconceptions about young forest.

Student walking through new young forest, Young Forest video series, U.S. Forest Service.U.S. Forest Service Vimeo Young Forest Videos:

Other resources:
Harvesting our forests, the wildlife debate, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) Got Nature? Blog
Wildlife Responses to Timber Harvesting, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Breeding Birds and Forest Management: the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment and the Central Hardwoods Region, The Education Store
Young Forest Video series, U.S. Forest Service.Forest Management for Reptiles and Amphibians: A Technical Guide for the Midwest, The Education Store
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Forest Birds , Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Managing Woodlands for Birds , Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Sustaining Our Oak-Hickory Forests , Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Ask the Expert: Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Birds and Salamander Research, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment Highlights: Breeding Birds, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment Highlights: Small Mammals, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment Highlights: Salamanders, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment Highlights: Moths, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment Highlights: Bats, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment: How the HEE Came to Be, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment publications , Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE) website
New Videos Stress Importance of Young Forests, Purdue News – Forestry and Natural Resources

Jarred Brooke, Wildlife Extension Specialist
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources


In this episode of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee introduces you to a native Indiana conifer typically found in sandy soils near Lake Michigan, the Jack pine. This tree is differentiated from other Indiana conifers by its short two-needle clusters often found in a V formation, as well its closed cones, and open crown.

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 YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
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
Jack Pine, Native Trees of Indiana River Walk, Fort Wayne, Purdue University

Lenny Farlee, Sustaining Hardwood Extension Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources


Purdue Landscape Report sharing resources on spotted lanternfly.The interdisciplinary faculty and staff behind the Purdue Landscape Report, which provides science-based, timely information regarding Midwest landscapes to commercial growers, garden centers, landscapers, arborists and the general public, has been named as the recipient of the Purdue Agriculture TEAM Award, which was created in 1995 to recognize interdisciplinary team achievements of faculty and staff.
Teams must consist of three or more Purdue faculty and administrative/professional staff members. Team projects should include activities in one or more of the College mission areas of teaching, research and extension, and must have made demonstrable impact.

Led by Kyle Daniel, nursery and landscape outreach specialist in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, the Purdue Landscape Report is a collaborative effort between Purdue Extension specialists and diagnosticians in the departments of Botany and Plant Pathology, Entomology, Forestry and Natural Resources, and Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Articles cover everything from urban forestry and tree maintenance to pest and disease problems and management to plant selection and turf science. In addition to an email newsletter and online blog, PLR staff also provide live interactive webinars in order to highlight content and respond to questions from the audience.

“I believe this team embodies the spirit of this award – working together across department in the College,” said Dr. Linda Prokopy, Department Head in Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. “This team has indeed achieved more and is a consistent source of reliable, science-based information for homeowners and the green industry. The PLR team is doing a phenomenal job meeting the needs of an important industry in the state and they are very deserving of being recognized for this work.”
In the nomination for the TEAM Award, the impact of the Purdue Landscape Report team was described as:
“The quality of life and livelihood of many Hoosiers is greatly improved when cities and towns have healthy trees, shrubs, and flower beds. The task of growing and maintaining these plants is complicated by conflicting, incomplete or inaccurate media reports about the arrival of new pests and diseases; or how landscape choices, or use of certain management practices can have a negative impact on the environment and public health. Tree owners, landscapers and the professional workforce need timely science-based information to keep plants healthy in an environmentally sustainable manner.”
Since launching in February 2018, the Purdue Landscape Report has included more than 200 articles. PLR is sent out in a bi-weekly email newsletter to more than 4,000 subscribers nationwide. The online blog brought in 180,376 unique visitors in 2020.

In response to the pandemic, the Purdue Landscape Report staff also began a live, to addresses articles and hot topics. That series garnered more than 2,000 views.
In a January 2021 survey sent to PLR subscribers, 88% of respondents said they believed that the newsletter improved their ability to diagnose a problem, while 76% said that PLR has had a positive economic impact on their business.

A local professional shared that “Sometimes when I open up the PLR, it is like you have been reading my mind. The problem I have been seeing or thinking about is there in your headlines.”

Lindsey Purcell sharing tree planting tips at outside workshop. Purdue Landscape Report receives TEAM award.One PLR subscriber said “The Purdue Landscape Report is a great resource for myself and my team members. Within each issue is one or more topics that our team has encountered or discussed recently and the information provided by a very reputable source gives us the material needed to provide the best service to our clients and increase our knowledge base. The virtual sessions are another great resource provided that give an opportunity to have specific questions answered by experts.”

The impact extends from landowners to industry professionals and beyond.

“Often we take for granted the information produced in the PLR and we forget the countless dollars we have saved from information in the PLR,” said Rick Haggard, Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association Executive Director.

“The Purdue Landscape Report provides timely information to the Indiana Arborist Association members and associated parties in a format that is easily accessed and understood,” Associate Executive Director of IAA Ashley Mulis said. “The collaboration that goes into providing this product demonstrates the cohesive nature of several departments within Purdue University and the open sharing and comparison of information. The Purdue Landscape Report is an excellent addition to the many publications offered within Purdue Extension  in helping resource professionals manage the ever-changing landscape of pests, diseases and best management practices.”

In 2020, the PLR received the Extension Division Education Materials Award for Outstanding Blog presented by the American Society of Horticultural Science and received also earned the Team Award from the Purdue Cooperative Extension Specialists’ Association (PUCESA).
For team list and full article view: Purdue Landscape Report Selected for TEAM Award.

 

Wendy Mayer, FNR Communications Coordinator
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

 

Lindsey Purcell, Chapter Executive Director
Indiana Arborist Association

Posted on February 1st, 2022 in Forestry, Woodlands | No Comments »

The Society of Wood Science and Technology (SWST), an international association of over 500 wood science professionals from 44 countries, is committed to the field of wood science for the future. The association is pleased to acknowledge “Women Ambassadors Creating the Future of Wood Science,” a SWST-sponsored traveling exhibition designed to celebrate women ambassadors over time.

Eva HaviarovaDr. Eva Haviarova, professor of wood products in the Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, is among 16 ambassadors that were announced on February 11, 2022, as part of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebration.

The first exhibition of Women Ambassadors will take place during the 2022 SWST International Convention in Kingscliff, Australia, July 10-16. The display will be unveiled at the convention’s opening ceremony and reception and will continue to be highlighted during the week. The exhibition will then travel around the world, including a stop at the 2023 SWST International Convention in Asheville, North Carolina. Information from the display also will be available for downloading and printing at individual institutions.

“Being recognized and selected as an ambassador for the wood science field among other very accomplished women on a global scale is a great honor,” Haviarova said. “I am at a point in my career where I feel that I can inspire others and fulfill an important mentor role. A career in wood science was a great choice I made and I wish that more women/girls would see the same potential as I did when I chose to dedicate my life to work with wood, one of the most versatile, inspiring, and sustainable materials out there.”

Full article . . .

Resources:
How to Build a Simple Chair for Schools or Homes in Disadvantaged Areas of the World Using Local Resources and Low-End Technology, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Light-Timber Frames for Transitional Disaster-Relief Housing, The Education Store
Who Does That Job?: A Forestry and Natural Resources Coloring Book, The Education Store
How Baby Bear’s Chair Was Made, The Education Store
Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources Undergraduate Degrees and Minors
Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources Area/Wood Products

Wendy Mayer, FNR Communications Coordinator
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources


In this edition of ID That Tree, meet a rarely found native tree that is closely related to the black walnut, the butternut. The butternut has been plagued by fungal disease, but can be identified by large lemon-shaped nuts, very sharp ridges on the nut inside the husk, a “hairy eyebrow” above the leaf scar/below the buds, and long compound leaves with a terminal leaflet intact.

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 YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
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
Butternut, Native Trees of Indiana River Walk, Purdue Fort Wayne
Indiana Walnut Council, Industry Representatives include 45 states and 3 foreign countries

Lenny Farlee, Sustaining Hardwood Extension Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources


Posted on January 31st, 2022 in How To, Ponds, Wildlife | No Comments »

Geese at side of pond, MyDNR newsletter, Indiana's Outdoor News.My DNR-Indiana’s Outdoor News: Make preparations now to keep geese off your land. Our friends at Indiana Department of Natural Resources remind us that Canada geese begin scouting for nesting areas in February. If you want to keep geese off your property, now is the time to start preparing. Geese prefer to nest near water surrounded by short, mowed grass and often return to where they have had previous nesting success. Well-kept lawns provide geese with food and a clear line-of-sight to see predators.

For more information and resources view the Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Fish and Wildlife – Canada Geese Management web page. You will find regulations, common goose conflicts, Canada Goose Biology, hunting information and more.

Other Resources:
Selecting a Nuisance Wildlife Control Professional, Got Nature? blog, Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources
Nuisance Canada Goose Management – Indiana Department of Natural Resources (INDNR)
Caution: Feeding Waterfowl May Be Harmful, U.S. fish & Wildlife Service

Indiana Department of Natural Resources


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