Got Nature? Blog

Purdue Extension’s annual report showcases the accomplishments, outcomes and activities that highlight the impact of Purdue Extension across Indiana. Extension specialists and educators provide educational programs and research-based knowledge to help families, individuals, and communities prosper and thrive.

The Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources specialists featured:

Private Woodland Owners Make Decisions and Take Actions to Improve Acreage Value – project specialist include Lenny Farlee, Ron Rathfon, Don Carlson, and Jarred Brooke, along with county extension educators Dave Osborne, and Phil Woolery. Indiana has 20% forest lands, most privately owned. Forests are important habitats for wildlife and provide environmental and social benefits. Purdue Extension offers Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner, in-person and virtually. The in-person program has eight 2.75-hour evening sessions and two Saturday three-hour field day tours. Purdue Extension and local forestry and natural resource professionals provide presentations and direct activities. Participants receive a tree measuring stick and a flash drive containing more than 100 publications and resources.

Participant forest management knowledge improved after the program. More than 90% found it useful for making decisions, and 80% plan to take actions in the next year. A participant said, “This course provided exactly the information I needed to understand the DNR forester’s report on my classified forest and to act on it. It will also help form a land management plan of my own (beyond what the forester provided), find programs to help manage and expand the forest, and earn a little money from the property in future years.”

Furniture Production Addresses Workforce Development and Rebuilds Lives in Indiana – project specialist include Dr. Eva Haviarova and Dr. Henry Quesada. Most U.S. school furniture is made overseas and from nonrenewable materials (steel, plastic, and composite). Increasingly, the product sustainability, the circular economy, and the benefits of natural materials are being shown to be important in learning environments.

To create a new market for low-value hardwoods, urban woods, and plantation resources by designing and producing innovative products, including wooden school furniture, Purdue’s Wood Research Lab has tested all strength and environmental attributes. At the same time, Purdue Extension is focusing on workforce development for Indiana’s wood products industry. An approach is to provide potential employment and entrepreneurial opportunities to residents with troubled pasts, underprivileged workers, and those needing a second chance in life by partnering with Purposeful Design, the Forest Service, Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association, Urban Forest Products and other industry players to train workers in furniture production and qualify for future work.

To view full report visit: Purdue Extension Showcase.
To learn more about Purdue Extension visit: About Us.
For all Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources publications, videos, webinars and initiatives view: Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources.

Resources:
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources Youtube Channel
Invasive Species, Playlist
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist
Invasive Plant Species Identification, Video
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Woodland Invaders, Got Nature? Blog
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
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Joint Design Manual for Furniture Frames Constructed of Plywood and Oriented Strand Board, The Education Store
The Shrinking and Swelling of Wood and Its Effect on Furniture, The Education Store
Performance Test Method for Intensive Use Chairs – FNEW 83-269: A Description of the Test Method with Drawings​, The Education Store
How Baby Bear’s Chair Was Made, The Education Store

Purdue Extension

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