New trail and learning center open at National Lakeshore

GARY | John Lawicki, of Portage, is helping his late father's love of the Indiana Dunes grow and spread to future generations.

Valpo Tree City USA honor made in the shade

VALPARAISO | For several years the city has earned the Tree City USA designation from the state's Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry, but in 2012 it went one step farther.

Saplings from Anne Frank's tree take root in US

Saplings from the chestnut tree that stood as a symbol of hope for Anne Frank as she hid from the Nazis for two years in Amsterdam are being distributed to 11 locations in the United States as part of a project that aims to preserve her legacy and promote tolerance.

Celebrate the new year with 10 flowering trees

Residents of Indiana can ring in the New Year with 10 flowering trees by joining the Arbor Day Foundation any time during January, 2013.

Favorite trees at Valparaiso park are being slaughtered

Who are the people chopping down the trees at Bicentennial Park on Meridian and Burlington Beach Road? Nine shade trees have been chopped down on the east side of the park.

Slovenia Tree at Christmas Around The World, Museum of Science and Industry

A volunteer decorates the Slovenia tree. A special bread made around Christmas hangs on the tree. It is shaped into large stars, hearts and trees and is not eaten until the Feast of the Three Kings on Jan. 6. This is the day that marks the end of the Christmas season in Slovenia.

Sales support symphony

Barbara Rame, of the Hospice of the Calumet Area sells gifts Wednesday during the Women's Association of the Northwest Indiana Symphony 24th Annual Festival of Trees at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts. About 20 trees and several vendors filled the lobby and lower level of the center.

Sales support symphony

The Women's Association of the Northwest Indiana Symphony hosted the 24th Annual Festival of Trees Wednesday at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts. About 20 trees filled the lobby provided by various local organizations with proceeds going to support the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra.

Large Paper Hornet's Nest in Tree

Hornets' nests are fashioned in the form of a paper construction design by the insects and usually found in the high branches of trees.

Griffith and other communities hit by morning storm

GRIFFITH | A Griffith public works crew cleans up debris on Glenwood Ave near Oak St. Storms blew through the region Tuesday, July 24, 2012.

Chicago Heights budgets $100K to remove dead trees

CHICAGO HEIGHTS | The City Council on Monday gave the go ahead to seek bids for a tree removal and maintenance program.

Clusters of Cherries Laden Trees

Trees in Washington laden with clusters of bright red cherries are picked and the fruit packed and shipped within two days to be delivered to stores and farm stands around the country.

Widespread damage reported throughout region after storm

Annika Lanting, 16, looks at the tree that was uprooted and crashed into her Griffith home after Tuesday's storm.

Why do some trees weep?

Destructive insect found in LaPorte County

LAPORTE COUNTY | An invasive insect that kills native hemlock trees was found in LaPorte County in mid-April, marking the first time the species has been documented in the state.

Shopping Mall Seating Atrium of South Lake Mall in Merrillville, Ind. Circa 1976

Atrium seating for "tired shoppers" at Southlake Mall in Merrillville, Ind. featured live trees, fountains and modern art in 1976. The mall opened in 1973.

Prepare your trees for thunderstorm season

Apple trees blossom early, spurring some concerns among region orchards

Apple trees at Radke Orchards, near Michigan City, are blossoming a month early because of record-breaking warm weather in March, owner Ruth Radke said.

PHIL WIELAND: Trees might be weird, but they still need hugs

The state is looking for some trees, but it is not because, as one might suspect of our state government, they can't see the trees for the forest.

FOP lights up Christmas for families in need

Retired Indiana State Police Trooper Rick Bonesteel, left, and Porter County sheriff's Sgt. Larry LaFlower deliver a Christmas tree to Maritza Rodriguez on Friday. Porter County FOP Lodge 165 members delivered 18 trees with lights and ornaments to families that can't afford to put up a Chris…