From your backyard to the local forest, invasive species have big environmental and economic impacts. Learn how to manage invasive plants in a two-day program that starts with a day of online learning on June 9 and includes a regional hands-on field day from June 10-12.
The course is led by University of Illinois Extension educators and is open to early-career natural resource professionals, landowners, volunteers, students, and anyone interested in gaining experience managing invasive species. Participants can attend one or both days. Those who attend both days will obtain a certificate of course completion from Illinois Extension.
There are a limited number of spots available for each field day. Sign up by June 8. The $25 registration fee includes lunch on the field day. The field day address will be made available to participants after registration.
Online Instructional Day
June 9, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Learn about the basics of invasive species ecology, invasive plant identification, and management principles.
Regional Field Days
June 10-12, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Seven regional field days are available. Learn about invasive species in the area, identify plants on a walking tour, review commonly used management tools, and view demonstrations of management techniques.
- June 10
- LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, St. Charles (Kane County)
- Montgomery County Extension Office, Hillsboro (Montgomery County)
- McCully Heritage, Kampsville (Calhoun County)
- Humiston Woods, Pontiac (Livingston County)
- June 11 - Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, Simpson (Pope County)
- June 12 - Wigwam Hollow Bird Sanctuary, Macomb (McDonough County)
- June 12 - Perkins Road Restoration Site, Urbana (Champaign County)
Related Events
2026 Illinois Invasive Species Symposium