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Clumps of feather reed grass in a garden
Taking a look at Feather Reed Grass
When it comes to plant selections in landscaping, much of the focus is typically put on trees, shrubs, and showy flowers. But take a closer look at...
habitat restoration
Stories from the field: Managing invasive species at Emiquon Preserve
When water returned to the floodplain at The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve in west central Illinois, it marked a major restoration success....
invasive golden oyster mushroom
A golden opportunity to learn that mushrooms can be invasive too
You’ve heard of invasive plants and animals, but what about mushrooms? Around Illinois, you won’t have to look far to find invasive mushrooms.Golden...
hand holding small grass
Identifying Carolina Foxtail, a winter annual
I recently received an inquiry from a farmer to identify an unknown grass he found on his property. This led me to a grass I’ve never identified...
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News Releases

River with greenery
Become an Illinois Extension Watershed Steward
DEKALB, Ill.—Every day, rain nourishes fields of growing crops, and rivers steadily flow through natural areas and communities until, eventually, drinking water trickles out of faucets into our homes, schools, and businesses. The health of a watershed is connected to the health of a community,...
child with clipboard, paper, and pencil outside
Fifth annual NatureFest to take place on May 16
GENOA, Ill. —Join us again for a day in the woods. University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve, DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District, and DeKalb County Health Department have planned the fifth annual NatureFest. Join us on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m...
wildflowers growing
Mother's Day Flower Walks to take place on May 9
GENOA, Ill.— On Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the day before Mother’s Day, University of Illinois Extension is offering guided wildflower walks at the Natural Resource Education Center (NREC) in Russell Woods Forest Preserve.  Russell Woods is located 1 mile west of Genoa...
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Videos

Invasive Species Q&A

Do you have questions about invasive species? We have the answers! This Q&A livestream about invasive species in Illinois was presented and recorded on May 21, 2026, on Facebook for the Everyday Environment series. 

Saving the World, One Box Turtle at a Time

Box turtles are charismatic, long-lived turtles that are omnivorous and use both land and water ecosystems. These characteristics make them uniquely sensitive to the health of their environments and good indicators of overall ecosystem health. In the last 18 years, the Wildlife Epidemiology...

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