![\"Lenny](\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/farlee-tree-teaching-workshop-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nSpotted lanternfly is an imminent risk to Monroe County. That\u2019s largely because of the tree of heaven, which has established scattered populations throughout Indiana.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe spotted lanternfly has arrived in Indiana, and the tree of heaven is its preferred food source,\u201d says Ellen Jacquart, president of Monroe County Identify and Reduce Invasive Species<\/a>. \u201cIndeed, some recent research shows that spotted lanternflies may not be able to complete their metamorphosis into an adult if they don\u2019t feed on the tree of heaven. So now we have this push to get rid of tree of heaven because the spotted lanternfly was just found two counties east of us.\u201d<\/p>\n Jacquart has worked with Extension\u2019s Robert Bruner<\/a>, exotic forest pest specialist, and Lenny Farlee<\/a>, sustaining hardwood specialist, to combat the pest and other invasives.<\/p>\n \u201cBob Bruner and his updates on spotted lanternfly have been awesome,\u201d Jacquart says. \u201cLenny has become one of the highlight speakers at many of the invasive species conferences that I go to because he is so good at explaining control techniques. He brings in a lot of experience and knowledge, whether you\u2019re working at the scale of a small yard or 40 acres.\u201d<\/p>\n The Forest Pest Outreach and Survey Project (FPOSP) \u2014 a joint effort between Purdue Extension Entomology and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources<\/a> (DNR) \u2014 has long addressed the growing problem of exotic pests through detection, education and reporting. FPOSP\u2019s outreach includes educational and professional development programming. The project also seeks to create a group of citizen scientists motivated to help report and manage invasive species.<\/p>\n Bruner expanded this effort in 2023 by launching a series of live webinars called ReportINvasive<\/a>. He also began providing in-person presentations at events such as the Indiana Green Expo, Indiana Invasive Species Conference and Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas meetings.<\/p>\n The bulk of invasive plant work in forestry involves herbicide applications to control the intruders, says Philip Marshall, forest health specialist at the Indiana DNR. Extension specialists are among the speakers at the annual Forest Pesticide Training Program, which provides approved continuing education credits from the Office of the Indiana State Chemist. Extension presenters regularly share best practices and research with attendees, who often engage in invasive species management in various capacities.<\/p>\n “I rely on Purdue and the Extension people for technical expertise.<\/em>\u201d – Philip Marshall, forest health specialist, Indiana Department of Natural Resources.<\/p>\n Marshall cites the value of the training program, as well as the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab<\/a>, which helps county extension educators and other Indiana stakeholders identify invasive species and other plant and pest problems. An insect, a virus, a fungus or a plant can become an invasive pest or pathogen.<\/p>\n Marshall, Farlee and other experts from Purdue, Indiana DNR and elsewhere spoke in September at the 2025 Indiana Invasive Species Conference. Hosted by Extension and the Indiana Invasive Species Council, the conference catered to scientists, researchers, landscapers, landowners and concerned citizens alike.<\/p>\n Henry Quesada<\/a>, Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources program leader, delivered the keynote address. His topic: Ecological, social and economic consequences of invasive species on forests and forest products, the same reasons that drive Extension\u2019s work forward.<\/p>\n To view this article along with other news and stories posted on the Purdue Extension website view: Uniting Indiana Residents Against Invasive Species<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>ID That Tree<\/a>, Playlist, Purdue Extension \u2013 FNR YouTube Channel
\nA Woodland Management Moment<\/a>, Playlist, Purdue Extension \u2013 FNR YouTube Channel
\nWoodland Stewardship for Landowners<\/a>, Playlist, Purdue Extension \u2013 FNR YouTube Channel
\nNative Trees of the Midwest<\/a>, Purdue University Press
\nInvesting in Indiana Woodlands<\/a>, The Education Store<\/div>\n
\nIndiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species<\/a>
\nIndiana Invasive Species Council<\/a>
\nCooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)<\/a>
\nReport Invasive<\/a>, Purdue Extension
\nEpisode 11 \u2013 Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species<\/a>, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
\nWhat are invasive species and why should I care?<\/a>, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR<\/div>\n
\nSpotted Lanternfly Found in Indiana<\/a>, Purdue Landscape Report<\/div>\n