Purdue Wildlife Area

The Purdue Wildlife Area (PWA) is a 290-acre property located in West Lafayette, Indiana, United States. Established in 1958, PWA is dedicated to providing a natural habitat for wildlife, as well as serving as a center for education, extension, and research activities in Tippecanoe County. The area is managed to maintain and enhance its wetland, savannah, and prairie ecosystem, which is part of the Indian Creek watershed.

The Wildlife Ecology Research Facility (WERF) at PWA is a state-of-the-art building that supports wildlife-based research in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources. Researchers must have their projects approved to conduct research at WERF, which offers six experiment rooms with environmental controls, animal care rooms, and a high-efficiency HVAC system.

PWA features wetlands, prairies, and oak savannah ecosystems, which are rare in northwestern Indiana due to agricultural conversion. The area aims to preserve these ecosystems to benefit migratory waterfowl and other wetland-dependent species. Efforts are also underway to restore native vegetation and eliminate invasive species on the property.

The Purdue Wildlife Area is a valuable resource for natural resources professionals, researchers, and students alike. Allied research centers at Purdue University support and enhance the research enterprise, providing opportunities for collaboration and goal achievement. The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources maintains state-of-the-art facilities to facilitate research, education, and the sustainable management of ecosystems and natural resources.