Grasses

Blog Posts

tallgrass prairie restoration bison on prairie
Read article: Return of bison revives biodiversity of one restored Illinois prairie
Return of bison revives biodiversity of one restored Illinois prairie
Tallgrass prairie is one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world, and yet there is hope for the future of the ecosystem that defines Illinois...
Cows and calves on pasture
Read article: How often should I rotate cattle to a new paddock using forage growth as a guide?
How often should I rotate cattle to a new paddock using forage growth as a guide?
Rotational grazing is a popular choice when it comes to putting cattle out on pasture. When using this grazing plan, cattle spend time grazing one...
Growing inspiration: mocha mousse hues in the garden image is dormant switchgrass with a blue sky background
Read article: Growing inspiration: mocha mousse hues in the garden
Growing inspiration: mocha mousse hues in the garden
Each year, a variety of establishments attempt to make news by predicting annual garden trends. I’m conflicted over these reports because, on the one...
Purple Lovegrass in a native bed
Read article: Grasses: Beyond the Lawn
Grasses: Beyond the Lawn
Grasses are an often-underappreciated component of landscaping.  They don’t have the showy flowers of many forbs and are thus overlooked. ...

News Releases

A woman stands in a grassy field holding a long blade of grass
Can one person make a difference on environmental issues?
Global environmental issues like habitat loss and pollution can feel overwhelming. Can one person’s actions make a difference? Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator Erin Garrett believes so. Garrett provides...
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

Native grasses and pollinators

Native grasses are often overlooked when it comes to pollinators, but they can play a crucial role in supporting many different types of pollinators. Discover how native grasses provide nesting and overwintering habitats, serve as larval food sources, offer pollen, and much more!

Native Grasses in the Prairie and Your Yard

Explore native grasses and how to use them in our landscapes. Dive into how these grasses function in a prairie and how that translates to your yard, and get suggestions for what native grasses might work best to transform your landscape!

Staff

Staff photo Shiba Kar

Shiba 'Shibu' Kar

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