Invasive Species

Events

Garlic Mustard Pull

April 10, 2026

County

Johnson

Fire ecology for managing prairies and woodlands

April 14, 2026

Garlic Mustard Pull

April 17, 2026

County

Johnson

2026 Illinois Invasive Species Symposium

May 28, 2026

County

Champaign

Blog Posts

Top reasons it is important to plant natives

March 30, 2026

By Gayle Blodgett, Extension Master Gardener and Master Naturalist serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties ...

Public gardens in the fight against invasive species

March 26, 2026

If you live in the Midwest, you may be used to seeing garlic mustard thriving along forested roadsides or buckthorn shrubs taking over forests and...

Behind the scenes: how regulations are used to manage invasive species

March 19, 2026

You may have heard about the ...

cosplay and invasives. two people dressed up.

Meeting audiences where they are at with invasive species education

March 12, 2026

It was a beautiful April Saturday afternoon at the Anita Purves Nature Center in Urbana. Like most spring Saturdays, the grounds of the nature center...

More Blogs

News Releases

March 30, 2026

Find solutions to manage non-native plants and animals at Invasive Species Symposium
URBANA, Ill. — From new invasive species threats to updates on how to manage them, the world of invasive species is always changing. Learn about emerging invasives, explore management options, share ideas,...

A burned plot in a forest in late winter

March 26, 2026

Frequent prescribed burns help young oaks thrive despite invasive grasses, Illinois study finds
URBANA, Ill. — As winter comes to a close, many people look forward to warmer temperatures and spring blooms, but for land managers working to preserve or restore oak-dominated forests, it is prescribed burn...

February 20, 2026

McHenry County Agronomy Update Spotlights Disease Pressures and Weed Resistance
WOODSTOCK, Ill. — The University of Illinois Extension brought together producers, agribusiness professionals, and Certified Crop Advisers on February 18 for the annual McHenry County Agronomy Update, a program focused on the challenges farmers are likely to face in the 2026...

February 17, 2026

U of I Extension offering Master Naturalist training in Oregon
OREGON, Ill.— Individuals who are passionate about nature, conservation, and strengthening their communities are invited to apply for the Illinois Master Naturalist Program, now accepting registrations for its Spring 2026 training cohort. Pre‑registration is required by March 13. Contact...

More News

Videos

Wild and Wily Animal Invaders

Across the U.S., including Illinois, many non-native wildlife species have found their way into new environments where they can be a threat. Explore the history of these animal invasions and the tug-of-war between the biology of animals, including humans, and efforts to protect our native...