Cunningham Forest
Cunningham Forest is located in the Central Hill Plain natural region in Tippecanoe County and was donated to Purdue University with the intention it would be used for “research, demonstration, and experimental work in the fields of Forestry and Horticulture.” Historically, this property had been the primary location for teaching, extension, and research for FNR until Shidler Forest (now Martell Forest) and the Baker Tract (now Purdue Wildlife Area) were purchased. This property is now used for a variety of research topics and contains unique features, both man-made and naturally occurring, throughout the property and is still utilized for extension, research, and education.
Property Statistics
- Acreage: 80
- Acquired: 1936
More About Cunningham Forest
- Distribution of amphibians and reptile populations across IN and prevalence of the pathogen chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis – Dr. Catherine Searle
- Insect trap studies focused on ambrosia and long-horned beetle – Dr. Matthew Ginzel
- Conversion of pines to native hardwood studies – Dr. Douglass Jacobs
- Seasonal changes in avian auditory evoked responses- Dr. Jeff Lucas
- Large old white and bur oaks on property
- Pine stands of various species and densities planted by FNR to quickly reforest old agriculture fields
- Variety of species planted between original hardwoods and pines planted in the “north field”
- Tornado in 1953 flattened parts of southwest hardwoods
- Small pond and county ditch run through southern portion of property
- FNR students/staff live in house on property
- Wednesday in the Wild: Forest management, plantations, and wildlife
- Forest landowner event to learn about management and invasive species
- Natural Resources Teacher Institutes 5-year reunion tour of property
- Location used for IN Division of Forestry – FNR landowner video footage
Please contact the property manager for a copy of this property’s management plan.
Property Manager:
Brian D Beheler
Phone: 765-496-5015
Fax: 765-583-3512
Email:behelerb@purdue.edu
Motus tower installation in 2023. Photo by Brian Beheler. 
Ash salvage harvest after impacts of Emerald Ash Borer. Photo by Brian Beheler. 