September 7, 2005

Indiana to host Tri-State Woodland and Wildlife Workshop

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service will help sponsor the Tri-State Woodland and Wildlife Workshop beginning at 8:15 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. The workshop will be held at the Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park located in Angola, Ind., and will conclude with a general session at 4 p.m.

The workshop offers many sessions to help improve woodland, pond and timber management.

"The overall theme is for people to learn more about what their land can provide to them," said Brian McGowan, Purdue Extension wildlife specialist. He is one of the many Purdue experts who are helping with this year's workshop. Other experts include Bill Hoover, professor of forestry, Zach Lowe, a doctoral candidate in forestry, and Doug Jacobs, assistant professor of forestry.

McGowan said wildlife ecology, a new concept that will be captured at this year's workshop, plays a big role in woodlands.

"Many people know there is wildlife but may not know the importance of their existence in managing their land," he said.

One animal to be discussed at the workshop is the white-footed mouse. This small member of the forest is a consumer of acorns, which can help prevent the seeding of oak trees. White-footed mice also protect plant life from gypsy moth larvae, which is a known predator that feeds on hundreds of species of plants. There are many other species including birds, turtles, snakes and frogs that will serve as learning tools at the workshop.

Along with Purdue Extension, other workshop sponsors include Ohio State University Extension; Michigan State University; Maumee, Potawatomi, Wood-Land-Lakes and Sauk Trails Resource Conservation and Development Councils; Natural Resources Conservation Service; and the Williams County Ohio Soil and Water Conservation District.

Registration is $20 per person if received by Oct. 1 and $25 if received after that date. Pre-registration is requested. More information can be found online.

Writer: Chelsea Carter, (765) 494-8402, carterc@purdue.edu

Source: Brian MacGowan, (765) 647-3538, macgowan@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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