Beneficial Insects

Events

Blog Posts
Everyday Environment team after their live podcast on Beavers
The power of asking why! Some lessons from nature-based solutions
Thanks for following along with the Everyday Environment team this fall as we — Abigail, Erin, Amy, and Emily — explored nature-based solutions in...
insect challenges
Reduce insect conflicts with a naturalistic approach
While enjoying the outdoors, we often come into contact with insects, for better or worse. From buzzing mosquitoes to wasps interrupting outdoor...
cicada killer wasp with a paralyzed cicada
Cicada killers: Summer's misunderstood giants
Nothing says summer like the chorus of cicadas. Those annual cicadas also signal the arrival of cicada killer wasps, one of Illinois' largest and...
A carpenter bee on a beebalm flower
Bees, Wasps, and Hornets
Everyone loves seeing an adorable bee, covered in pollen, descending into a flower for another helping. Native bees — like many other animal...
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News Releases
DNR Resource Trunk kits with contents shown
IDNR Resource Trunks available throughout southernmost Illinois
ANNA, Ill. – Teachers, homeschool groups, youth leaders, and curious learners across southern Illinois now have access to a unique, hands-on way to explore the natural world thanks to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Through a special partnership,...
a bee perched on a pink flower
Available prairie seed mixes may fall short for pollinators
URBANA, Ill. — As populations of bees and butterflies decline in the Midwest, native prairie restoration becomes crucial. A new Prairie Research Institute study found, however, that many commercial seed mixes used to conserve and restore prairies may not have enough diversity or spring flowering...
diverse group of young people gardening
Spring into gardening with tools and tips at upcoming gardening programs
URBANA, Ill. — Spring is near, and your green thumb is ripe for gardening. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just getting started, growing nutrient-rich vegetables, fresh fruits, and aromatic herbs is more than just a way to fill your plate; it is like a badge of honor. Gardening...
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Videos
Mason Bees in Illinois

While the honey bee may be one of the most important pollinators, another pollinator species, the mason bee, also works hard to move pollen from plants within our landscape. Erin Garrett, University of Illinois Extension Energy and Environmental Stewardship Educator, provides information on the...
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Staff