Collaborations

The Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE) is a long-term research initiative dedicated to understanding the ecological and social impacts of forest management in Indiana’s Central Hardwood Region. Launched in 2006, the HEE is one of the most ambitious forest ecology studies in the United States, designed to span 100 years across over 9,000 acres of state forest land.

The Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (HTIRC) is a collaborative research and outreach partnership led by Purdue University and the USDA Forest Service, dedicated to advancing the science and application of hardwood tree improvement, forest management and protection. Focused on the Central Hardwood Forest Region (CHFR), HTIRC works to enhance the productivity, sustainability and resilience of hardwood forests through applied research, technology transfer and stakeholder engagement. By developing improved tree genetics, advancing regeneration and management practices and addressing emerging threats, HTIRC supports healthy, diverse forests that provide lasting environmental and economic benefits.

Help the Hellbender is a Purdue University Extension initiative dedicated to conserving the eastern hellbender—North America’s largest salamander and an important indicator of clean, healthy streams. Through research, education and collaborative partnerships, the program works to restore hellbender populations and improve aquatic habitats by addressing threats such as habitat loss, sedimentation and declining water quality. By engaging landowners, communities, educators and conservation partners, Help the Hellbender promotes practical actions that support both species recovery and the long-term health of Indiana’s waterways.

The IL-IN Master Watershed Steward Program trains community members to protect local water resources. Participants learn about watershed science and conservation to serve as environmental volunteers. Graduates go on to organize cleanups, restore streambanks and educate the public on water quality.

Through research, outreach and education, we bring the latest science to Great Lakes communities and their residents. By connecting decision-makers with science, we help strengthen and preserve ecosystems and communities in southern Lake Michigan and beyond.

The Indiana Prescribed Fire Council (INPFC) is a collaborative network of prescribed fire practitioners dedicated to promoting the safe and effective use of prescribed fire across Indiana. Through education, training opportunities and shared resources, INPFC supports landowners, natural resource professionals and communities in using prescribed fire as a science-based tool to restore ecosystems, improve wildlife habitat, enhance forest and land management. By fostering partnerships and increasing awareness, the Council helps advance responsible fire use for healthier, more resilient landscapes statewide.

R-STEP is a U.S. Department of Energy–supported initiative that helps Indiana communities navigate the transition to renewable energy through education, technical assistance and community engagement. The Indiana R-STEP collaborative serves as a statewide resource hub, providing data, planning tools, research, networking opportunities and public outreach support to help local leaders and residents make informed decisions about utility-scale wind and solar energy development.

The Nature of Teaching is a Purdue Extension program that provides standards-based, activity-driven curricula designed to connect youth with the outdoors. Centered on topics such as wildlife, health and wellness and food waste, the program offers classroom-ready lesson plans and hands-on activities for grades K–12 that foster environmental awareness and STEM learning while aligning with Indiana Academic Standards in English/language arts, mathematics and science. Through free resources and professional development opportunities, The Nature of Teaching supports educators, youth leaders and communities in inspiring the next generation to explore, understand and care for the natural world.

The Purdue Extension Land Use Team provides research-based resources, education and technical assistance to support informed land use planning and decision-making across Indiana. Working with Extension professionals, local officials, plan commission members and community stakeholders, the team addresses complex issues such as growth and development, renewable energy and the rural–urban interface. Through collaborative programs and practical tools, the Land Use Team helps communities evaluate options, understand impacts and implement strategies that promote sustainable development and enhance quality of life.