Learn to Steward Healthy Woodlands

Above: Spotted lanternfly (SLF) adult on tree-of-heaven. SLF can affect black walnut and other species of trees, although the economic impact beyond the effects on grapes is not yet clearly understood.

Invasive species are a major threat to Indiana's ecosystems and economy, causing significant harm to native plants, animals, and habitats. These non-native species often outcompete and displace native species, leading to a loss of biodiversity and increased costs for management and control.

Purdue Extension in Whitley and Wabash Counties will host a 3-session series on May 4, 11, and 18, 2026, titled "Stewarding Healthy Woodlands – Controlling Invasive Species."

On May 4, the first class session will cover an introduction to invasive species, plus reporting, recording, and tracking invasive species. We’ll be at the Whitley County Ag Museum on the Whitley County 4-H Fairgrounds, 680 W. Squawbuck Road, Columbia City, IN.

The second session on May 11 will cover forest insects and pathogens. We’ll be at the Beacon Credit Union Heritage Hall on the Huntington County Fairgrounds, 631 E. Taylor St., Huntington, IN.

On May 18, we'll cover the identification and management of invasive forest plants, and emerging invasive forest plant species at Salamonie Lake Nature/Interpretive Center, 3691 New Holland Road, Andrews, IN.

All sessions will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Eastern. The modest class fee of $45 will cover handouts, extra resources, and light refreshments. Commercial Applicator CCHs may be available. Register at https://cvent.me/AyzLBa by April 27.

Should you have further questions, feel free to contact Geoff Schortgen, gschortg@purdue.edu or 260-563-0661 (x1408); or John Woodmansee, jwoodman@purdue.edu or 260-244-7615. Geoff is in Wabash County; John is in Whitley County.