The library naturalist will lead a Fall Tree ID Hike at 10 a.m. Saturday. Join us to learn about trees of Indiana. We will meet at the Crawfordsville District Public Library’s pavilion in the parking lot, followed by a short walk together to Wabash campus, where we will focus on non-leaf identification characteristics such as fruits, nuts, samaras, spires, buds, scales, bark, branches, cones, needles, and other distinguishing features of common trees of Indiana.
Many common trees are easily identified based on a few criteria. We will discuss multiple ways to determine species based on these simple observations. Have your nature journal ready to record this important information that will make tree identification an easy process.
If you would like to test your knowledge of trees, the library has plenty of books for you to choose from. I highly recommend “Trees of Indiana” by Stan Tekeila (582.16 Tek), which is a great pocket field guide, “101 Trees of Indiana” by Marion T. Jackson, Indiana’s well-known plant ecologist (582.16 Jac), or “Fifty Common Trees of Indiana” by T.E. Shaw (582.16 Sha). We also have Charles Deam’s “Trees of Indiana” (RL 582.16 Dea), which is in our Local History section; it is not available for checkout due to its historical importance, but it is available to view in the library. In our oversized collection, we have “Trees of Indiana” by MaryRose Wampler, filled with beautiful illustrations of many trees in our state (582.16 Wam OS). We also have “Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs” by Michael Dirr (635.9 Dir), which I highly recommend for researching various cultivars, or varieties of trees.
For additional information on various aspects of trees, including proper planting and pruning, tree selection, and property guidelines and utility clearance, visit the kiosk on the second floor of the library for our brochures on topping trees, tree damage, pests and diseases, and more. These brochures were provided by Crawfordsville Main Street and made possible by a Montgomery County Community Foundation grant. You will find them next to the seed library by the Adult Services Reference desk.
Our Fall Tree ID Hike is part two of the library’s tree identification presentations. There is also an opportunity for a Yule Winter Tree ID Hike with only minimal clues to identification, if there is enough expressed interest! Send your comments or suggestions to the library naturalist at the Adult Services Reference desk. For any tree questions for the library naturalist, contact the library at 765-362-2242 or email ask@cdpl.lib.in.us. The library is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
Stephanie Morrissette is an avid naturalist and a library assistant in the Adult Services Department at the Crawfordsville District Public Library.
