Forestry

Events

Trash Blast

November 7, 2025

County

Union

Johnson

Pulaski

Alexander

Massac

Hardin

Little Grand Canyon Spring Hike and Bird

April 12, 2026

County

Jackson

Blog Posts

The Science and Splendor of Fall Foliage

October 21, 2025

With over 250 species of trees growing across Illinois, there is a guaranteed assortment of tree shapes, sizes, and forms throughout the landscape....

Beautyberry: A flashy fall performer with purple pop

October 20, 2025

Each year in late summer and fall, beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) catches my eye and reminds me of its fantastic fruit display. ...

Walnut Caterpillars

September 28, 2025

A few weeks ago, I was exploring a woodland near Springfield and ran across a fuzzy cluster of feeding insects. It was slightly out of reach,...

The Hidden Dangers of Sharing Firewood: Protecting Our Trees

November 8, 2024

If there is one certainty for all humans is that we are drawn to natural elements. Two of the best examples are how we can become transfixed when...

More Blogs

News Releases

July 28, 2025

A century of data reveals declining forest diversity
URBANA, Ill. — Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have analyzed 96 years of forest census data to better understand ecological changes and inform management practices. Their study...

A group of people outside examine a tool

July 1, 2025

Learn how to manage invasive species online and in the field with statewide hybrid course
URBANA, Ill. — From your backyard to the local forest, invasive species have big environmental and economic impacts. Learn how to manage invasive plants in Introduction to Invasive Species Management, a two-day hybrid program led by University of Illinois Extension educators...

A sunset peeks through trees in a forest

June 24, 2025

Branch out into summer learning with free Forestry Stewardship Series
URBANA, Ill. — In summer, the shade of a large oak tree is a welcome relief from the heat. The 4.8 million acres of trees in Illinois do everything from supporting human health and providing habitat for wildlife to creating oxygen and slowing floodwaters...

a speaker address the audience at forestry conference

April 2, 2025

Sold-out conference addresses cross-state forestry challenges, points to solutions
DUBUQUE, Iowa — Forest owners voted with their feet this year, selling out the 26th Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference weeks before its March 1 event date. More than 300 participants packed the Grand River Conference Center in Dubuque.The rise in attendance makes one thing clear:...

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Videos

Making Maple Syrup - A Basic Introduction

Explore the basics of all of the steps involved in making maple syrup as Extension Forester Chris Evans walks through the maple syrup production process at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center in southern Illinois.