McCormick Woods

Welcome sign to McCormick Woods.

McCormick Woods, located on the edge of campus, provides a field instructional laboratory and recreation area. Small scale research from different departments occasionally occur there. The forest is aesthetically pleasing with the towering oaks and walnuts with shade tolerate species like sugar maple dominating the understory.

Acquisition date: 1947

Property FeaturesMcCormick Woods property aerial view.

  • 38 acres of mature central hardwoods
  • Small stream on eastern extent lending to a little topography
  • Water ditch cutting property roughly in half
  • Trail system covering 2.9 miles
  • Total acres: 40

Unique Features

  • Pockets of “wet” woods where Swamp White oak and button Bush grow.
  • Spicebush also dominates in the wetter sections.
  • Examples of large, forest grown oaks and walnuts.

Research

  • Forest Dynamics over Time
  • Soundscape sound recorder
  • Beetle Surveys
  • FNR managers: Dr. Pijanowski & Dr. Holland

Trails

2.9 miles of trails are maintained by the Hoosier Mountain Bik Association (HMBA) who work closely with FNR staff to ensure trails have good upkeep. Trails consist of an outer loop and 2 inner loops. See MAP for details. These trails are heavily used by both walkers, runners, and bikers.

McCormick Woods forest and trail.

Visiting the Property

Parking on the northside only. Limited space available.

To maintain trails and future public access:

  • Open all year to foot traffic
  • No motor vehicles
  • No horses
  • Dogs must be on a leash at all times
  • Carry out any trash

Bikers rules and conditions:

  • Helmets required
  • No riding Nov.1 to Mar.31
  • No riding when trails are wet
  • No constructing jumps
  • Stay on established trails

Please inform management of trees across trail.

Invasive Plant Species

Non-native invasive plant species such as bush honeysuckle, privet, and multiflora rose have been invading our forests at alarming rates causing suppression or loss of native species and reduce forest regeneration. Purdue students are helping remove these plants in this forest allowing native species to populate the forest floor.

For more info on invasive plant: EDDmapS

Thanks to the Purdue student chapters:

  • Society of American Foresters
  • American Fisheries Society
  • The Wildlife Society

Funding provided by Department of Forestry and Natural Resources.

Maps, PROPERTY Manager & MORE ABOUT OUR RESEARCH

Brian D Beheler
Phone: 765-496-5015
Fax: 765-583-3512
Email:behelerb@purdue.edu

View our nine research areas along with our world-class faculty, Research Areas.

Purdue centers seek to support and enhance the research and partnership enterprise at Purdue University. The centers are valued and encouraged at Purdue as they create a venue for faculty to come together to pursue common goals. Forestry and Natural Resources have faculty and staff involved in six centers here at the University.

The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources maintains an impressive collection of state-of-the-art research and education facilities. These labs, green houses, and educational facilities are a fundamental component that enables our faculty and students to learn, make new discoveries, and engage our clients in using these discoveries to sustain our nation’s ecosystems and natural resources.​