Invasive Species

Blog Posts

Identifying danger: toxic plants that look like carrots

May 31, 2024

The other day, I had the opportunity to chaperone a school group at a local state park. While on the field trip, a volunteer-led the students on a...

Tackling invasives, restoring natives

May 24, 2024

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Eliminating honeysuckle from Hedge Apple Woods has been a persistent challenge. However, this invasive shrub is not the only...

group of people in the woods along a stream

Join the fight against invasive species in America's wild places with Wild Spotter

May 21, 2024

Invasive Species   Invasive species refer to any harmful non-native plant, animal, or organism that can negatively impact the environment,...

A collection of small ticks gather on the end of a leaf

Livestock recommendations for the Asian Longhorned Tick

May 17, 2024

Recently, the Asian longhorned tick was found in west-central Illinois. This invasive species can pose challenges to cattle populations in the area....

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News Releases

A collection of small Asian longhorned ticks on a leaf

May 17, 2024

Report Asian longhorned ticks to help track invasive pest that threatens livestock
URBANA, Ill. — The invasive Asian longhorned tick, which can pose a health risk for humans, animals, and livestock, has been found in Illinois for the first time. Residents of west central Illinois are advised to watch out for and report sightings of this new pest. The Asian...

Two men at a table inspect a red crayfish in a container

May 13, 2024

Illinois Conservation Police dive into preventing spread of aquatic invasive species
DECATUR, Ill. — A group of 150 Illinois Conservation Police Officers gathered in Decatur for a hands-on workshop on aquatic invasive species during their annual meeting this spring. Developed by the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant aquatic invasive species team in...

April 16, 2024

Get tools to manage non-native plants and insects at Illinois Invasive Species Symposium
URBANA, Ill. — Spotted lanternflies were found in Illinois for the first time in 2023. Quagga and zebra mussels clog water intake pipes on Lake Michigan, and every spring, invasive Bradford Callery pear trees and amur bush honeysuckle bloom across Illinois communities instead of native...

Fungi growing at the base of a large old tree in a forest

March 13, 2024

Spring back into nature with sustainability tips from Everyday Environment series
URBANA, Ill. — Every spring, nature reminds us of the beauty of the wild spaces that surround us. Wildflowers bloom in the forest understory. Mushrooms pop up overnight in your front yard. The sun sets slowly over a lake. Explore tips to manage the threat of invasive plants, explore the...

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Videos

New Invaders: Spotted Lanternfly

Spotted lanternfly is the newest “unwanted” invasive pest in Illinois. Learn how to identify and report this invasive insect as well as how to manage it and prevent further spread.

Tricia Bethke from The Morton Arboretum explores why monitoring for spotted lanternflies in winter is...