Pollinator Habitat

Events

Two girls looking at an insect through a magnifying glass

Beyond Birding: The Fun and Importance of 'Bugwatching'

October 10, 2023

County

Henderson

Knox

McDonough

Warren

Blog Posts

Brighten up your fall landscape with Tithonia

September 8, 2023

As summer transitions to fall, our landscapes also transition. The bright-colored flowers of summer begin to fade, and many plants begin to look...

Living on the edge: White-line Sphinx Moth, moth feeding from purple tubular flowers

Living on the edge: White-lined sphinx moth

September 1, 2023

As the day lengths shorten, our family has been spending the last fading moments of sunlight on our patio, trying desperately to hang on to summer...

Monarch migration: Learn how you can help

August 28, 2023

Imagine taking a trip to Mexico. What sort of things would you do? Get your car inspected. Check some maps to find the best route. Read reviews to...

For the love of wasps: Good bugs that get a bad name

July 28, 2023

Mention wasps to someone, and you’ll likely get a negative reaction. Wasps are often seen as scary, angry insects that are dangerous and likely to...

More Blogs

News Releases

a group of people in a home flower garden

August 17, 2023

U of I Extension brings Conservation@Home program to West Central Illinois
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - The “typical” yard can easily be improved to help reduce water run-off, increase wildlife habitat, and improve the soil, which ultimately improves the environment. The Conservation@Home (C@H) program was created...

Yellow rake sitting against large tree with fall leaves on the ground

October 2, 2023

Consider pollinators during fall garden cleanup
URBANA, Ill. — Pollinators are important to the global food supply and local ecosystems. About 35% of food crops rely on pollinators for production, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Meaning without pollinators, there would be no food. If you have enjoyed an apple this fall or a...

Monarch caterpillars crawling around milkweed plants.

August 29, 2023

Butterflies can eat to live, live to eat in a balanced garden
URBANA, Ill. — A favorite thing about visiting gardens in the summer is catching sight of a butterfly enjoying nectar from a brightly colored zinnia or a monarch caterpillar munching on a milkweed leaf. When designing a butterfly garden, expand and balance plant selection to provide more than...

A variety of pollinator-friendly perennial flowers of various colors, sizes, and shapes.

June 26, 2023

Care for perennial gardens with 3 proven pruning methods
URBANA, Ill. — Pruning perennial flowers takes a garden from looking fair to well-kept. Deadheading, cutting back, and pinching are all pruning techniques that can keep perennial plants looking well cared for and healthy. Pruning perennials is a complex topic because different plants...

More News

Videos

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.

Illinois Native Pollinators

When it comes to pollination, honey bees get a majority of the attention. However, many insects play a role in pollination. listen to University of Illinois Extension Educator Ken Johnson as he discusses native pollinators. Ken will discuss different native pollinators and how to make...