Purdue News

October 14, 2002 Purdue Extension offers materials for tree education WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Oak, maple, birch and sycamore are familiar tree names, but many people can't identify these trees while walking through a forest. To help residents learn about Indiana trees and why the leaves on many are beginning to radiate bright red and orange, Purdue University Extension has developed educational materials on trees. Download Photo Here Photo caption below The compact disc "Trees of Indiana" is a graphical identification guide designed for an expert or an amateur. Included on the CD are photographs and detailed descriptions of Indiana's native trees and 16 introduced species. In addition to the 1,000 photographs, information about the leaves, buds, twigs, flowers, fruit, bark, habitat and form for each tree is available. The CD was co-authored by Sally Weeks, Purdue dendrology laboratory manager, and George Parker, Purdue professor of forestry. "Fourth- and ninth-grade students across the state make leaf collections every fall, and this unique product will aid them in producing a leaf collection," Weeks said. The "Trees of Indiana" CD is available for $25; a 20 percent discount is available for purchases of 10 or more. The package "Why Leaves Change Color" is part of the 4-H Youth Science Series. It features a short video created by William Chaney, professor of tree physiology. Designed for teachers, other materials in the packet include an educational guide containing six student activities, a news release and fact sheet discussing color change in leaves, and a color transparency for classroom use. The cost is $9.95. Both packets are available from the Purdue Media Distribution Center by calling (888) 398-4636 or via e-mail at media.order@purdue.edu. "Trees of Indiana" is publication CD-FNR-1, and "Why Leaves Change Color" is publication YSS-1. Writer: Michelle Betz, (765) 494-8402, news_students@aes.purdue.edu Sources: Sally Weeks, (765) 494-3567, weeksss@purdue.edu George Parker, Ph.D., (765) 494-3602, grp@fnr.purdue.edu William Chaney, (765) 494-3576, bchaney@fnr.purdue.edu Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, bforbes@aes.purdue.edu; https://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/AgComm/public/agnews/ PHOTO CAPTION: The "Trees of Indiana" CD is an educational tool that provides information on Indiana trees. It can be purchased through the Purdue Media Distribution Center. (Purdue Agricultural Communications graphic) A publication-quality photograph is available at ftp://ftp.purdue.edu/pub/uns/.weeks.trees.jpeg. Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page