As autumn colors begin returning to Indiana’s forests, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the collaborations, research, and engagement activities that continue to advance the mission of the Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (HTIRC). From expanded partnerships to innovative research and hands-on education, our work so far this year underscores a shared commitment to sustaining healthy, diverse, and resilient hardwood forests.
We are delighted to welcome Phil Woolery as our new engagement specialist, supporting the HTIRC, the Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA) and the Walnut Council. Phil has degrees in forestry from Iowa State University (BS) and Purdue University (MS) and brings more than a decade of experience as a Purdue Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator. Phil also has been a certified arborist and FAA-licensed drone pilot. His strong background in forestry and outreach will help strengthen connections among researchers, landowners and forestry professionals statewide.
This summer, HTIRC staff participated in the 2025 Walnut Council annual meeting in Rockford, Illinois, which drew more than 100 forestry professionals from across the country. Field tours and demonstrations explored fine hardwood management, regeneration, and technology applications. Cameron Wingren from Purdue Digital Forestry showcased innovative forest measurement tools, while Lenny Farlee, Liz Jackson and Phil Woolery contributed to hands-on learning sessions and discussions.
In September, HTIRC co-hosted the North Central Forest Pest Workshop with Purdue’s Institute for Digital Forestry and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, highlighting the Application of Digital Technology for Forest Health. The workshop brought together over 70 forest health specialists, researchers and students for field tours and presentations on resistance breeding, oak management and digital forestry.
This summer, we also met with partners from Let the Sun Shine In – Indiana (LSSI) and the White Oak Initiative. Both groups share our goals of sustaining oak-hickory and white oak ecosystems through science-based management, education, and stakeholder engagement—efforts that closely align with HTIRC’s mission and values.
Looking ahead, Purdue staff will host the Indiana Woodland Owner Conference on October 31 at the Nelson-Stokes-Lewman Woodland in Putnam County. The event will feature field demonstrations on enrichment plantings, oak regeneration and woodland management strategies, including projects supported by HTIRC funding.
This summer, two new projects were funded as part of our stakeholder-driven funding model. They are as follows:
- Understanding the role of carbohydrate dynamics in white oak regeneration – Morgan Furze, $136,430
- Modeling tree neighborhood interactions and their effects on hardwood growth and regeneration in Indiana forests– Insu Jo, $149,403
On the tree improvement front, Caleb Kell continues to make great progress. I encourage you to read his 2025 Harvest Outlook, which brings encouraging news of early and abundant nut crops, setting the stage for strong seedling availability into the future.
Together, these activities showcase the strength of our partnerships and the growing impact of our applied forestry research and outreach. Thank you for your continued support of HTIRC.
Best,
Matt Ginzel,
Director, HTIRC