Got Nature? Blog

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:

• 2024 Indiana Consulting Foresters Stumpage Timber Price Report
  By Dan Shaver
  “This report is provided annually and is intended to be used as a general indicator of timber stumpage prices and activity in Indiana…”
• The Birders’ Dozen Profile 11: Eastern Towhee
  By Dr. Jessica Outcalt
  “Welcome to the Birders’ Dozen! Over the next two issues we are going to wrap up introducing the last pair of birds from Forestry for the Birds…“
• Cucumber Magnolia – Indiana Woodland Steward
  By Megan Crecelius
  “Most of the time when we hear people talk about magnolias, we think of southern states and the brilliant flowers of the southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora, a fitting species name…”
• Be on the Lookout for Spotted Lanternfly!
  By Robert Bruner
  “Spotted lanternfly (SLF) has been the subject of a lot of media attention in the last few years. States like Pennsylvania and New York have been dealing…”
• New Foresters Directory Available
  By Dan Ernst
  “A new Directory of Professional Foresters, listing Indiana foresters who provide private woodland services and advice, has been published…”
• Ask The Steward
  By Dan Ernst
  “Question: I have large poison ivy vines in some of my trees. Are they damaging and should I cut them out…”

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 – 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
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
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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Welcome to ID That Tree! In this edition, Purdue Extension Forester Lenny Farlee highlights a native bramble species—black raspberry. A member of the Rubus family, black raspberry is commonly found throughout Indiana, making it useful to recognize its key features. Tune in to learn how to identify this plant by its unique leaf pattern (and how it’s different from autumn olive), understand its role in wildlife habitats and explore its many uses and benefits!

 

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
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
101 Trees in Indiana, Amazon
Habitat University, Episode 12 – 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
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture

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

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Explore the dual nature of goldenrods in conservation plantings. While goldenrods like tall and Canada goldenrod benefit pollinators and wildlife, their aggressive growth can outcompete other plants, reducing diversity. This guide offers insights into managing goldenrods to maintain a balanced and thriving ecosystem. Essential reading for land managers and conservationists committed to maintaining a diverse grassland ecosystem.

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.

Plant Facts

• Herbaceous broadleaf, typically 3-5 feet tall (can range from 1 to 7 feet)
• Perennial warm-season forb
• Growing period: April to October
• Flowering: late July through October
• Reproduction: by seed and rhizome

Whether you’re managing a pasture, wildlife area, or prairie restoration, this resource provides science-based strategies to control goldenrod effectively. Learn more about managing goldenrod species in grasslands and wildlife habitats, enhancing your land’s ecological health by reading the full publication: Managing Conservation Plantings: Goldenrod Control, (330kb, pdf).

This publication is part of a seven publication series The Managing Conservation Plantings Series. 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
What Are Invasive Species and Why Should I Care?, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
ReportINvasive, Purdue Extension & Indiana Invasive Species Council
Ask an Expert: Wildlife Food Plots, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
How to Build a Plastic Mesh Deer Exclusion Fence, The Education Store
Find an Indiana Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube playlist
Woodland Management Moment , Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube playlist
Bovine Tuberculosis in Wild White-tailed Deer, The Education Store
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 1, Field Dressing, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Subscribe to Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources YouTube Channel, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel

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

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The Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center (HTIRC) continues to share top forest research as scientists, experts and partners further the mission of tree improvement, management, and protection of hardwood forests. The most recent HTIRC Annual Report is now available and includes research, personnel and outreach news:

• NSF Center for Advanced Forestry System Updates, the only forestry-based National Science Foundation (NSF) Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC)
• Funded Research Grants which includes Backpack System for High Resolution Forest Inventory, Testing Efficacy of Enrichment Plantings for Stand Regeneration in Hardwood Forests, Better Black Walnut by Breeding Without Breeding and much more.
• Creating a Directory, Depository and Database for Historical Genetic and Tree Improvement Trials
• HTIRC Partners with Tree Pro to Distribute Hardwood Seedlings
• Institute of Digital Forestry
• 2024 Tree Improvement Report

If you would like to subscribe and receive the e-newsletter visit HTIRC e-Newsletter.

The mission of the HTIRC is to advance the science and application of tree improvement, management, and protection of hardwood forests, with emphasis in the Central Hardwood Forest Region (CHFR). They seek to develop research and technology-transfer programs that provide knowledge focused on the establishment and maintenance of sustainable, genetically diverse native forests and the development of highly productive woodlands that provide a wide array of products and services.

Other resources:
Forestry & Natural Resources
Tropical HTIRC
An Introduction to Trees of Indiana, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
ID That Tree, Playlist, Subscribe to Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
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
District Forester, Indiana DNR Division of Forestry, for over 10 acres of woodlands
Directory of Professional Foresters, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)

Matthew Ginzel, Professor and Director of HTIRC
Purdue Entomology
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (HTIRC)

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Congratulations to Liz Jackson, FNR Extension Specialist, on receiving the 2025 Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association (IHLA) President’s Award. This award is given for exceptional contribution to the forest products industry and to members of IHL. We are proud to celebrate her achievements along with seeing her featured in the April 2025 edition of the Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR) newsletter.

Agricultural & Natural Resources (ANR) Newsletter: Liz has worked as an Extension specialist associated with three forestry organizations since March 2004. Liz obtained her BS in forest products (’82) from Purdue’s Forestry & Natural Resources Department and MS in business management (’84) from Krannert School of Business under a special forestry/business master’s program.

Before coming to Purdue Extension, Liz spent 15 years in wood products manufacturing as a plant manager at Aristokraft cabinets (now MasterBrand) and purchasing and inventory control manager at Lafayette Venetian Blind.

Liz’s Extension role is to provide programs and products on sustainable forest management and forest stewardship to address woodland owners’ concerns and needs. While representing the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, she works on behalf of three organizations.

The Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (HTIRC) is a research partnership between Purdue FNR and the USDA Forest Service focusing on management, protection and improvement of fine hardwood species. For the HTIRC she coordinates annual meetings, research conferences and educational programs.

For the Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA) and National Walnut Council, she represents the interests of the members and manages all business of the associations, including board meetings, annual conferences and education programs, membership and finances, and communications, including newsletters, websites and social media.

Liz is involved in many partnerships around the state, including as a member of the Extension Invasive Species Working Group, on the editorial board for Indiana Woodland Steward newsletter, member of NRCS state technical committee, and advisory partner with Indiana DNR Division of Forestry Forest Stewardship Committee, Sentinel Landscapes, and Let the Sun Shine In Indiana programs.

A highlight of her career was traveling to Washington, D.C., in 2005 to see Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana and representatives from HTIRC and Indiana forestry plant an Indiana walnut tree on the U.S. Capitol grounds. Ten years later she returned to the site and was thrilled to find the tree and see it was thriving.

Resources:
Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA) YouTube Channel
Observing Seasonal Changes in Nature Webinar with Amanda Wanless, IFWOA YouTube Channel
Magnificent Trees of Indiana Webinar with Author Carroll Ritter, IFWOA YouTube Channel
Ask the FNR Expert: Pests in your Woods, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Directory of Professional Foresters, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
Indiana Woodland Steward E-newsletters, Eleven Member Organization
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Invasive Plant Species Identification, Video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Agricultural & Natural Resources (ANR), Purdue Extension

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Purdue Landscape Report: The bitter winter cold has finally passed us (or has it? It’s hard to tell in the Midwest)! The days are getting warmer and longer, and that means the insects are coming out of their overwintering stages. As you prepare for your landscaping and gardening this year, are you implementing preventative measures for pests? Now is the time to think about those strategies to minimize the damage to your plants.

Preventing pest issues is foundational to integrated pest management. The first step is always to start with healthy and clean plants. Don’t be afraid to bring a hand lens to the store and check for those hard-to-see pests! You don’t want to bring a problem home. Next, remember that many pests will thrive due to improper watering, light conditions, or fertilization. Avoid these issues by reviewing the recommendations for your plants and consulting a soil test. (Read more about why soil tests are essential!)

Finally, which pests/diseases do you anticipate? What are the most common pests on the plants in your landscape? Perhaps you have had issues in past years and know what to expect. Review the biology of these pests and consider implementing preventative measures now. Let’s look at a couple of examples of frequent landscape pests and some management options you can add to your list of spring preparations.

Spider Mites

Spider mites overwinter on the host plant or in leaf litter. Around this time of year, cool season mites such as spruce mites and boxwood mites are the dominant issue. Check your plants now for these spider mites, and scout regularly to make sure populations aren’t getting out of control. A rainy spring will help keep the pressure low. If you have to spray, avoid chemicals that will harm natural enemies, which are vital to spider mite management. (Learn more about spider mite management: Spider Mites on Ornamentals; and check out the Purdue Plant Doctor Quick Guide: Managing Spider Mite Mayhem)

Bagworms

Bagworms overwinter as eggs in the bags left on the tree. They’re frequent pests of arborvitae, junipers, and several other trees and shrubs. Take action now to prevent an infestation in the summer that requires costly pesticides. Manually remove the bags from your tree and drown them in soapy water. (Learn more about bagworm management: Bagworms).

Lace Bugs

Lace bugs may overwinter as eggs or adults, depending on the species. They become active again in the spring, so now is a good time to check for these pests. Focus on the undersides of the leaves where the pests are found. Lace bugs prefer hosts planted in sunny areas with a lack of plant diversity, so consider including some flowering plants in your landscape to provide pollen and nectar to beneficials. (Learn more about Lace bug management from the Purdue Plant Doctor Quick Guide: Managing Lace bugs).

What pests do you encounter in the landscape? Take a moment to review their biology and your options for preventative management. Be proactive now and reduce your pest problems for the season ahead. Read the original article, Insects are waking up – are you prepared?

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

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Welcome to “ID That Tree.” In this edition, Purdue Extension Forester Lenny Farlee introduces us to an autumn olive shrub found across Indiana. This dense shrub requires extensive control and management due to its effects on the habitat. Watch the video to learn about its aggressive growth, wildlife impact, leaf pattern, and other features!

 

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
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
101 Trees in Indiana, Amazon
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
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture

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

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The Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory (PPDL) proudly presents its latest Annual Report, offering a comprehensive overview of the year’s most significant insights, diagnostics, and trends. This essential document covers critical topics such as spruce-tordon uptake, hosta virus X, ophiostoma ulmi, diamond back moth, lettuce slime mold, and bentgrass dollar spot. As an indispensable resource for growers, researchers, and the public, PPDL remains at the forefront of providing expert analysis on plant diseases, insect identification, and environmental concerns throughout Indiana and beyond.

Visit the PPDL Annual Reports webpage to find the 2024 report and view past reports.

About PPDL:
The Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory (PPDL) remains dedicated to helping protect Indiana’s agriculture, the green industry, and individual landscapes, by providing rapid and reliable diagnostic services for plant disease and pest problems. PPDL also provides appropriate pest management strategies and diagnostics training. They are a participating member lab in the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN), a consortium of Land Grant University diagnostic laboratories established to help protect our nation’s plant biosecurity infrastructure.

Resources:
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
Diseases in Hardwood Tree Plantings, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana
An Introduction to Trees of Indiana
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Tree Installation: Process and Practices, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube playlist
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources

Purdue Plant & Pest Diagnostic Laboratory (PPDL)
Purdue Botany and Plant Pathology

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Join David and Mary Ray on a tour of their award winning forest in southwest Jackson County! The Rays are hands-on managers of their beautiful southern Indiana oak forest, and are excited to share the results of their management strategies with you!

Registration is required for this FREE EVENT. To register call or email Let the Sun Shine In – Indiana, Judi Brown, coordinator, 812-631-4904, JBrown@abcbirds.org. Registration is due April 3rd. Please share any dietary restrictions if needed.

Date: April 5, 2025
Time: 9:30am to 1:00pm EDT
Location: David & Mary Ray Property, Southwest Jackson County, 5 miles SW of Medora, event signs will be posted

Schedule:
Onsite Registration: 9:00 AM
Forestry Tour: 9:30 to Noon
Lunch: 12 to 1 PM, sponsored by Indiana Forestry and Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
Maple Sap Gathering 1 PM, optional

Speakers Include:
David Ray, Property Owner
Dan McGuckin, ACF, CF, CWB
Dan Shaver, NRCS State Forester
Judi Brown, LSSI IN

Take note: This is a walking tour in a hilly forest. Be prepared for rough terrain; please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Limited on-site transportation assistance available, if needed. In the event of storm rain date is April 12, 2025.

To print flyer and view large map visit: Indiana Forestry & Woodlands Owners Association (IFWOA): Oak Management Forestry Field Day: Jackson County flyer (pdf).

For all IFWOA events and woodland resources view Indiana Forestry & Woodlands Owners Association (IFWOA) website.

Resources:
Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA) YouTube Channel
Deer Impact Toolbox, 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, IFWOA engagement specialist & Walnut Council Manager
Indiana Forestry & Woodlands Owners Association (IFWOA)

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A Directory of Professional Foresters is now available, listing Indiana foresters who provide private woodland services and advice. Foresters are located throughout the state and provide assistance such as management plans, timber sales, tree planting, invasive species control, and many other services.

“Finding the resources to help you meet your woodland management objectives is important to successful stewardship,” says Liz Jackson, Purdue Extension and manager of Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association. “Professional foresters can provide expert assistance to meet your property management goals.”

The Directory is available online via interactive map at www.findindianaforester.org to find foresters by location, or as a downloadable document. Printed copies of the booklet are available at County Extension and Soil & Water Conservation District offices or through a state Division of Forestry district forester.

Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association promotes the wise use of Indiana’s forest resource for today and future generations. Learn more at www.ifwoa.org.

Resources:
Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA) YouTube Channel
Deer Impact Toolbox, 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, IFWOA engagement specialist & Walnut Council Manager
Indiana Forestry & Woodlands Owners Association (IFWOA)

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