Home Invasives Resources

University of Illinois Resources and Programs

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Cooperative Pest Survey Program

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

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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.

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Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant

IISG brings together scientists, educators, policy makers, community and business leaders to work toward a healthy environment and economy.

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Plant Identification

Plant disease and injury can be costly. The Plant Clinic provides plant and insect identification and  diagnosis of injury from disease, insects, weeds, and chemicals.

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Ask Extension

Local Extension staff can help you identify species and make a plan of action for controlling them. County offices are available to help.

Guides

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Publication Library

Explore our catalog of guides covering agriculture, gardening, environment, pesticide safety, and more.

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Management of Invasive Plants and Pests

Download this comprehensive guide to managing invasive plants and pests of Illinois. 

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Invasive Updates

A list of Extension invasive species updates from around the state.

Regional Invasive Organizations

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

  • Illinois Invasive Species Symposium: 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 from University of Illinois Extension. Hosted annually in May.
  • 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

Events

Events

News

Local News Releases
Row of blooming Callery pear trees
Six replacement trees for invasive Callery pear
URBANA, Ill. — Now considered an invasive species, Callery pear is a widely used ornamental flowering tree with negative effects on native ecosystems. The tree is still bought, sold, and planted because it has not yet made the...
Tri-color background with Four Seasons Gardening text
Explore outdoor, backyard hobbies with spring webinar series
URBANA, Ill. — In a few short months, spring will be sprung. Kick it off by discovering a new outdoor hobby or backyard project to add to the to-do list through Four Seasons Gardening webinars beginning March 19. University of...
"four seasons gardening"
Stretch your roots this winter with Four Seasons Gardening webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Seasons come and go, but home gardening never stops. Explore how to keep your green thumb growing this winter with Four Seasons Gardening webinars. University of Illinois Extension experts will share tips for starting native springs for your home...
amur honeysuckle
Invasive and Nuisance Plants Workshop Offered in Freeport
FREEPORT, Ill-----Fall can be a suitable time to address some landscape plant issues. Woody plants and other perennials can best be managed during the fall. If you have noticed some plant types are taking over your landscape, this is the time to exercise some control for a better next year,...
close up of hand holding several small flat larvae of an emerald ash borer
Land-grant universities key in managing devastating Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that threatens to destroy North American ash trees following its accidental introduction from Asia in the 1990s. Since then, efforts have been underway to identify the most effective means of protecting ash trees from attack.   In...
Invasive Maackii fruit plant with text overlay reading Illinois Invasive Species Symposium
Symposium offers 9 sessions on understanding and controlling invasive species
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois is home to beautiful wild spaces, but invasive species are a growing threat in our forests, lakes, backyards, and agricultural fields. Invasive species pose a serious threat to native species and natural ecosystems and cost the country billions of dollars to combat....