Skip to main content

Grasses

Grasses

Blog Posts

barnyard grass in bloom with trees in the background
Read article: Identifying Barnyard Grass
Identifying Barnyard Grass
As someone who learned grass identification in Midwest prairies, I don’t often focus a lot of time on grasses that grow in the woods or wetlands. But...
clump of johnsongrass in bloom with red seed heads
Read article: A closer look at Johnsongrass, a challenging invasive grass
A closer look at Johnsongrass, a challenging invasive grass
Summer is here, which brings a very busy programming schedule. In the past few weeks I’ve driven across the five counties I work in to deliver youth...
clump of Junegrass in a forest with trees in the background
Read article: Welcome June with Junegrass
Welcome June with Junegrass
When we think of prairie grasses, often the tallest grasses come to mind, like Big Bluestem, Indiangrass, and Switchgrass. But that doesn't mean...
spikes of pink flowers surrounded by grass in a prairie
Read article: Get ready to celebrate National Prairie Day on June 1
Get ready to celebrate National Prairie Day on June 1
The first Saturday in June is recognized as National Prairie Day. Prairies hold a special place in my heart, since my work in prairies jumpstarted my...

News Releases

Erin Garret standing next to little bluestem in a garden
Grasses at a Glance blog earns award from national Extension organization
URBANA, Ill. — Grasses are a small and often subtle backbone of many ecosystems, making up nearly 30% of the planet’s land cover. They prevent soil erosion, regulate water flow, and provide food and habitat for wildlife and livestock. But ask someone to identify one grass from another, and you...

Videos

How to Identify Nuisance Grass

There are many nuisance grass species. While we may not want to see these grasses out in the field, it’s important to know how to tell them apart from more desirable species.

Tricky Pollinator Questions and Answers

Are my annual plants “junk food” for bees? Can I help pollinators by not mowing my lawn? How can I help pollinators thrive if I don’t have a garden? This presentation explorespollinator questions that have nuanced, uncertain, or controversial answers. 

Staff

Staff photo Shiba Kar

Shiba 'Shibu' Kar

Assistant Dean: Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Program Leader. Associate Director of Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant