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The state has a remarkable diversity of living organisms that include not only tree species but also other surrounding cast members. There are ground plants, tree-dwelling plant life on trunks, limbs, leaves, fungi, bacteria, a myriad of small rodents, and mammals that coexist with or depend upon the tree for life. Some are so specific in their dependence upon the tree/shrub community that they are obligates, totally tied to the precise tree species. In all seasons, trees have their own individual allure. Each is unique and worthy, but some seem to exhibit a little extra-special flair that attracts us. In some specimens the limb structure, bark, or root flare capture our attention. In others it may be the leaves, whether large and simple, or delicately double-compound. Color definitely adds a dimension of beauty in those fall days of transition from green to red, yellow, orange, and brown. With a backdrop of deep cobalt sky, the combination cannot be beat. Today, Indiana ranks first nationwide in production of wood office furniture and kitchen cabinet manufacturing. Our forests provide a high-quality sustainable resource for the hardwood products industry. It is estimated that forestry contributes over $10 billion to Indiana’s economy through direct and related employment and products. Some 70,000 people are involved in the chain, all the way from logging up through manufacturing, distribution, and retail sales. Orchards around the state are extremely valuable and productive in supplying foods for local consumers as well as regional sales. Fruit trees contribute apples, peaches, plums, and cherries. According to Purdue, Indiana is the fifteenth largest producer of apples in the country, with 4,000 acres in trees and an annual production of 1.2 million bushels. It goes without saying that there are multiple, sometimes simple, but also complex relationships between flora and fauna. Forestry is a science much deeper than the average person realizes, integrating the understanding of complex interrelationships across many fields of study. Through the ages trees have been an important part of human needs, inspiration, and appreciation. They have borne heavy loads and responsibilities without the ability to voice objections. Carrying the burdens people placed upon them, they have served nobly and remarkably. Empires depended on great forests supplying wood for wagons, ships, fortresses, and homesteads. What was once considered an endless timber supply became more scarce, more costly, or unavailable to meet the demands of commerce, development, and even waste. Historical progression has in many ways enabled us in this modern age to consider wiser stewardship and more fully utilize multiple-use management concepts. Since 87 percent of Indiana’s 4.9 million acres of forest are privately owned, an emphasis on education and good forest stewardship is important for all.
