Summary
The HTIRC annual report for 2025 is now available online, including reports on all seven of the Center's ongoing projects.
Over the past year, the Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (HTIRC) continued to deliver on its mission through strong partnerships, applied research and meaningful engagement with woodland owners, forestry professionals and stakeholders across Indiana and the region. This annual report details those collective efforts and reflects our shared commitment to advancing the science and application of forest improvement, management and protection.
Dr. Matt Ginzel shares more in his Director’s Report and 2025 highlights below.
In March 2025, HTIRC held its annual meeting, bringing together researchers, staff, student, partners and stakeholders to review progress, share research updates and discuss priorities for the coming year. The meeting provided an important opportunity to highlight ongoing projects, strengthen collaboration across disciplines and ensure that HTIRC’s research and outreach activities remain aligned with stakeholder needs and emerging forest management challenges.
HTIRC staff were actively engaged in professional development and outreach throughout the year. This included participation in the Walnut Council annual meeting in Rockford, Illinois, where more than 100 forestry professionals gathered to explore hardwood management, regeneration strategies and technological innovations. HTIRC contributions included field demonstrations and applied learning sessions focused on forest measurement, management and regeneration practices. In September, HTIRC co-hosted the North Central Forest Pest Workshop in collaboration with Purdue’s Institute for Digital Forestry and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. This event brought together forest health specialists, researchers and students to explore the application of digital technologies in forest health, resistance breeding, oak management and pest monitoring.
We also strengthened partnerships with organizations such as Let the Sun Shine In — Indiana and the White Oak Initiative. These collaborations align closely with HTIRC’s mission by supporting science-based management, education and stakeholder engagement focused on sustaining oak-hickory and white oak ecosystems.
HTIRC continues to support stakeholder-driven research, and the executive committee selected two new projects for funding
in 2025.
• 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)
The HTIRC remains committed to educating future leaders in hardwood tree improvement, management and protection. We currently support eight master’s students, seven PhD students and eight postdoctoral researchers. In 2025, Scott Gula, co-advised by John Couture and myself, earned his PhD. His dissertation evaluated resistance to thousand cankers disease in black walnut, providing critical insights for breeding and conservation efforts. On the tree improvement front, progress continues in seed production and availability. Notably, early and abundant nut crops reported in the 2025 Harvest Outlook point toward strong seedling availability in the years ahead, supporting both research and reforestation efforts.
On the tree improvement front, progress continues in seed production and availability. Notably, early and abundant nut crops reported in the 2025 Harvest Outlook point toward strong seedling availability in the years ahead, supporting both research and reforestation efforts.
A key development this year was the transition in our engagement team. We were pleased to welcome Phil Woolery as the new engagement specialist supporting HTIRC, the Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA) and the Walnut Council. Phil brings a strong academic foundation in forestry, extensive experience in Purdue Extension and expertise in outreach, arboriculture and emerging technologies. Phil’s addition to the team also strengthens our capacity to connect research with on-the-ground application and to serve landowners and practitioners statewide.
This year also marked the retirement of Liz Jackson, whose career represents an extraordinary legacy of service to HTIRC and the hardwood forestry community. As engagement specialist, Liz was instrumental in connecting HTIRC research to landowners, practitioners, students and partners. Her ability to translate complex science into practical, accessible information significantly expanded the reach and impact of the center’s work.
Beyond HTIRC, Liz’s leadership with IFWOA and the Walnut Council strengthened these organizations and enhanced their capacity to support woodland owners across Indiana, the Midwest and beyond. Her professionalism, dedication and commitment to collaborative forestry have left a lasting imprint on our programs, partnerships and people. We extend our sincere gratitude to Liz for her outstanding service and wish her the very best in her well-earned retirement.
Together, our accomplishments in 2025 reflect the strength of HTIRC’s partnerships and the growing impact of our applied research and outreach. We are grateful for the continued support of our stakeholders and look forward to building on this momentum in the coming year.
Best,
Matt Ginzel,
Director, HTIRC