Resources

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Across Illinois and the Midwest, a variety of organizations work together to prevent and remove invasive species. 

  • Illinois Invasive Species Symposium, annually in May: Get the latest research updates, learn about management recommendations, celebrate invasive removal success stories, network with colleagues, and ask questions about managing invasive species effectively.
  • Illinois Invasive Species Council: Established in 2005, the IISC's mission is to minimize the economic and ecological impacts from invasive species. The Council provides information and recommendations to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and the public.
  • Cooperative Weed Management Areas: These partnership organizations are formed with the goal of managing invasive plants across jurisdictional and landownership boundaries.
    • Headwaters Invasive Plant Partnership: HIPP is a cooperative weed management area in East Central Illinois to address terrestrial and aquatic invasive plants. Formally established in June 2015, HIPP is built upon the efforts of a six-year Invasive Plant Task Force established by the East Central Illinois Master Naturalists.
    • River to River CWMA: This area is a partnership between 13 federal and state agencies, organizations, and universities aimed at coordinating efforts and programs for addressing the threat of invasive plants in Southern Illinois.
  • Midwest Invasive Plant Network: The MIPN works to reduce the impact of invasive plant species in the Midwest by drawing on the knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm of a diverse group of participants and partners.
  • Illinois Forestry Association
  • USDA Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service

University of Illinois Resources and Programs

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Illinois Cooperative Pest Survey Program

The Illinois Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey program is a joint effort between several state and federal agencies, including the Illinois Natural History Survey, Illinois Department of Agriculture, and USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
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Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant

IISG brings together scientists, educators, policy makers, community decision makers, outreach specialists, business leaders, and the general public to work towards a healthy environment and economy.
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Forestry

The Extension Forestry program provides forestry and natural resources education, technical assistance, programming, and awareness to an estimated 132,000 private forest landowners who own 82% of Illinois forests.
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Pesticide Safety Education Program

Pesticide safety training is critical for all who work with pesticides, and none more so than certified Applicators and Operators. The Pesticide Safety Education Program, PSEP, team is here to help you meet your training and certification goals.

Guides You can Trust

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Publication Library

Explore our catalog of guides covering agriculture, gardening, environment, pesticide safety, and more.
Book title "management of invasive plants and pests of Illinois"

Management of Invasive Plants and Pests

Download a free copy of this comprehensive guide to managing invasive plants and pests of Illinois. Invasive species cause damage by changing the habitat for wildlife and native plants or by negatively impacting forest or agricultural resources.
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Invasive Blogs

Check out the complete list of blogs about a variety of invasive species updates from Extension experts around the state.
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Home, Yard & Garden Newsletter

This newsletter is keeps professional landscapers, arborists, golf course superintendents, lawn care personnel, and garden center operators up-to-date on the commercial management of diseases, weeds, insects, and other pests.

Identify invasives and report sightings

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Connect with Local Extension Staff

Extension experts can help you identify species and make a plan of action for controlling them. We have offices in every county available to help.
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Plant Identification

Plant disease and injury can be costly. The Plant Clinic plant and insect identification so you know what you're dealing with.
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Help On a Larger Scale

Report new or unique invasive species sightings using EDDMapS, an online mapping system for documenting invasive species and pest distribution.
News
Local News Releases
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Spotting the Invaders: Fall Workshop on Managing Woody Invasive Plants
WINNEBAGO COUNTY- Autumn brings us many gifts: cooler weather, fall traditions, changing leaves, and the perfect opportunity to manage invasives. As leaves fall and many plants go dormant, woody invasives stand out as still green and growing, making them stick out like a sore thumb. When we can...
Autumn Olive
Walk the Forest and Learn to Fight Invasive Plants
Some plants quietly—yet quickly—invade and overtake our landscapes, pushing out natives and offering no benefits to people, wildlife, or the environment. Luckily, Fall is an ideal time to identify and manage many of the invasive plants in our timber, prairie areas, and landscapes. ...
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Extension bridges gap between environmental research and real-world solutions
Strong natural systems and the resources they provide, from water filtration to renewable energy sources, are a vital part of healthy, robust communities. One of the core University of Illinois Extension program areas – natural resources, environment, and energy – connects communities across the...
Two people in a boat with nets on poles watch as dozens of carp jump out of the water
Study: Invasive silver carp reduce movement in Chicago-area water
URBANA, Ill. — Invasive silver carp have been spreading throughout the Mississippi River Basin since their introduction a half-century ago. Yet, try as they might, the fish have not advanced beyond a particular stretch of the Illinois River north of Kankakee. Research from the...
College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Illinois Extension

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Email: extension@illinois.edu

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