Tree Board of Middlebury

03/19/2026

05/02/2024

Flowering pear trees are a major environmental threat. They escape into natural areas, crowding out native plants. They provide almost zero benefits to native insects, birds, and other wildlife. Please - Don't plant more flowering pear trees. When yours split apart in a storm, replace them with a native species such as Florida dogwood, redbud, or serviceberry. If you can, remove the flowering pears currently on your property to help prevent the spread.

Callery pear trees disrupt nature and don't belong in Indiana, guest columnist Cliff Chapman writes.

04/08/2024

Please join the Middlebury Tree Board in celebrating Arbor Day on Saturday April 20 at 8:00 a.m. We will be meeting at the town hall for a brief presentation and then dividing into 2 groups to plant about 18 trees in several locations. Refreshments provided. Wear work clothes and bring a spade. Children welcome with adult supervision.

12/20/2023

Winterberry Holly is a fantastic native Indiana shrub that looks great and provides benefits for native birds and wildlife. Consider Winterberry Holly to replace non-natives such as burning bush, privet, Asian honeysuckle, or boxwood which provide little benefit to native wildlife.

11/18/2023

You are officially invited! OptOutsideIN2023 is Friday, Nov. 24, 2023! Skip the shopping lines, the chaotic parking lots, and the stress this year. Make your plan today to spend the day outside.

Entrance to all properties will be FREE! Check out all your state park properties by visiting us at stateparks.IN.gov. There will be chances to win all kinds of prizes, from annual entrance passes to outdoor experiences.

Spending time outside is a great stress reliever, is fun, and a great way to make lasting memories. Check out on.IN.gov/optoutside for more information on giveaways and things to do.

Get outside and spend meaningful time with friends and family. Join us! Nature is for everyone.

10/31/2023

Are you a landowner looking to learn about the biology and management of forests? Do you want to learn about the resources and professional assistance you can access to help form your property management goals and pursue your objectives for your land? Sign up for the Purdue Extension Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner course, either virtually or through an in-person course. Learn more: https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/forest-management-for-the-private-woodland-owner-course/

Purdue Agriculture Purdue Extension Indiana Department of Natural Resources

10/10/2023

OAKS: Did you know there are at least 17 different species of oaks in Indiana? That’s a lot of trees to ID, but oaks generally fit into 2 groups: the white oaks and the red oaks. White oaks generally have leaves with rounded lobes and scaly bark, while red oaks have leaves with bristle-tipped lobes and furrowed bark. The acorns of white oaks mature after 1 growing season and are a favorite food of Indiana wildlife. Most acorns from white oaks are eaten or cached soon after they hit the ground! The acorns of red oaks take 2 growing seasons to mature and are more bitter than white oaks’ acorns. For more information about oaks and other species of Indiana trees, visit: https://bit.ly/tree-species-information!

10/08/2023

October is a great time to collect tree seeds!

However, some tree seeds can be difficult to germinate and require scarification or stratification to help break dormancy. Read the article below by Nebraska Extension to learn more.

https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dodge/collecting-and-starting-seeds-from-trees-and-shrubs/