Aerial Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) treatments conducted by Indiana DNR divisions of Forestry and Entomology & Plant Pathology to slow the spread of gypsy moth, now called spongy moth, have been completed for 2022. Spongy moth is one of North America's most devastating invasive forest pests and has caused thousands of acres of defoliation across the eastern … [Read more...] about Indiana: Aerial Btk Treatments Completed for Spongy Moth
Gardening
Forest Service: Urban Environments “Hotspots” for Invasive Insects
About 82% of the U.S. population lives in urban areas, and that number is growing. People are drawn from near and far to cities for jobs, restaurants and entertainment. They also enjoy green spaces within a bustling cityscape. Parks, forests and tree-lined streets provide respite and recreation, places to pause and ponder. Trees in urban areas also benefit residents by lowering … [Read more...] about Forest Service: Urban Environments “Hotspots” for Invasive Insects
Oak Wilt and Pruning
If you live anywhere in the Midwestern or Eastern United States, its time to stop pruning your oak trees for the year. Why, you ask? With the onset of spring, the worry of oak wilt grows anew. Caused by a fungus, oak wilt has existed in the aforementioned regions of the United States for some time. Red, black and pin oak are most susceptible to oak wilt, though white and bur … [Read more...] about Oak Wilt and Pruning
Snow on the Fields
Chances are, if your homestead sits anywhere north of Texas this year, you have seen a fresh blanket of snow or two coat your land. If you live near where I do, that blanket didn't just fall, but has lasted for several weeks now (and counting). We all love the fluffy white stuff for our favorite wintertime traditions, such as snowman making, sledding and snowball fights, but … [Read more...] about Snow on the Fields
What Do You Do With Your Old Christmas Tree?
Christmas trees have a lot of uses once all the festivities are ended. Personally, I used to feed them to my sheep but now I just burn mine in a big New Year’s Eve bonfire. Whatever you decide to do just be sure to remember RULE NUMBER ONE – Make sure the tree is free from all tinsel, ornaments, fake snow and other artificial decorations. Fish Habitat: Toss the tree into … [Read more...] about What Do You Do With Your Old Christmas Tree?
