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 Winter Issue 2026 Vol. 13, No. 1
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A Prescription Pruning workshop, held at Margerum City Hall on October 23, 2025 instructed a group of 25 WLTF pruners and West Lafayette Parks and Recreation staff, and other community members on the latest techniques for shaping urban trees for a long and productive life in the urban forest. Nationally renowned expert and former Purdue Extension Specialist Lindsey Purcell explained how the growth pattern of trees can be manipulated over time by strategic cuts to create an aesthetically pleasing and physically sound structure that will provide enough branch clearance to be compatible with car and pedestrian traffic. Funding for this workshop was provided by an Indiana Community Urban Foresty Grant to West Lafayette. |
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On October 24, our WLTF tree pruners were joined by Purdue Students from Kyle Daniel's Landscape Management class. The combination of the youthful energy of the students with the experience of WLTF was magical. One hundred three trees were pruned/evaluated (doesn't include the countless trees along Kalberer that had suckers removed) and a record 3 dozen donuts consumed! In total there were approximately 20 students, maybe some future WLTF volunteers.
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 Support WLTF Mission
As WLTF moves into 2026, our mission to support the urban canopy depends more than ever on the generosity of supporters like you. Your contribution, no matter the size, directly contributes to the purchase and maintenance of trees and enables environmental education. This helps to ensure cleaner air, resilient natural spaces, and the beautification of West Lafayette. Please consider donating today. Together, we can continue making lasting change for our environment.
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 Lillich Workshop Helps Homeowners Remove Invasive Plants
This year’s annual Lillich Lecture celebrated the legacy of WLTF founder Helen Lillich and advised Tippecanoe County residents how to manage invasive species. WLTF’s Cliff Sadof began the morning by discussing how invasive species got here and why they should be managed. Amy Krszton- Presson of the Wabash River Enhancement Corporation followed up with a rogue’s gallery of invasive plants and how each of them threatens native species. Amanda Estes of the Tippecanoe County Partnership for Water Quality finished up by discussing tools for managing invasive plants as well as local programs that provide free native trees to individuals who are removing and replacing invasive trees, through the Tippecanoe County Invasive Task Force (TICT).
Both Amanda and Amy are members of TICT and urge people to use their website https://tippecanoecountyswcd.org/tict to find details about managing invasives and how to sign up for their newsletter to stay current on local events and activities.
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Featured Tree
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General Meetings of the West Lafayette Tree Friends.
These meetings are open to everyone! We gather at noon on the second Tuesday of each month in the Bean Room at the West Lafayette City Hall. Meetings are listed on the City of West Lafayette website and can be accessed virtually. Please join us! Tuesday, February 10, Tuesday, March 10, Tuesday, April 7
Volunteer Pruning, Watering and Mulching Events
Spring pruning of young trees will commence on Friday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. starting in May. There are many tasks involved including pruning, gathering debris, and placing door hangers. Watering and mulching opportunities will also be scheduled on an as needed basis.
Training is provided, along with all the necessary tools. For information about each week’s location contact greenspace@westlafayette.in.gov or call 765-775-5170.
Arbor Day Observance
Every year, West Lafayette Tree Friends join with the City of West Lafayette to observe National Arbor Day – a day to highlight the importance of trees in our community and to plant more trees. Arbor Day is on April 24 this year. Please be on the lookout for more information on the event.
Follow WLTF on Facebook and Instagram!
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 Thank you! WLTF would like to thank outgoing leaders Paul Brenan (Chair) and Becky Fry (Vice Chair) for their dedication and energy over the past two years. Under their guidance and direction WLTF has continued to thrive and grow. We look forward to their continuing involvement in our mission to prune, plant and protect West Lafayette’s urban forest.
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