2026 Illinois Invasive Species Symposium
May 28 | 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM | Champaign County Extension Office
Explore the latest invasive species research updates, learn about management options, celebrate success stories, network with colleagues, and ask questions at the 11th annual Illinois Invasive Species Symposium hosted by University of Illinois Extension.
University researchers, students, and industry professionals will present on emerging invasive species threats, management options, and more. The symposium concludes with a Q&A panel discussion on the state of invasive species in Illinois.
The event is open to industry professionals, students, landowners and managers, farmers, foresters, volunteers, and environmental stewards. A limited number of seats are available. Lunch is included in the $25 registration.
For more information, contact Karla Griesbaum at 217-333-7672 or kherzma2@illinois.edu.
Topics
Invasive Species Language: Getting on the same page.
Presenter: Chris Evans, forestry Extension and research specialist.
Are contaminants deterring the upstream movement of silver carp in the Illinois River?
Presenter: Cory Suski, Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences professor, University of Illinois.Identifying and using aggressive native species for quick succession to a more suitable habitat
Presenter: Kelsay Shaw, Owner and Botanist at Possibility Place Nursery
Long-term effects of fire on Microstegium vimineum demography and seed bank dynamics in Central Hardwood Forests
Presenter: Kayla Morrison, M.S. candidate at University of IllinoisOak Regeneration in Microstegium vimineum-Invaded Stands Along a Fire Activity Gradient
Presenter: Jen Fraterrigo, Natural Resources Environmental Sciences Professor, University of IllinoisEfficacy of Drone-based Herbicide Applications for Priority Invasive Plants
Presenter: Kevin Rohling, Extension Specialist, Forest Management and EcologyUpdate on Swede Midge
Presenter: Kacey Athey, Associate Professor, Crop Sciences, University of IllinoisLivestock inspections facilitate monitoring of the geographic spread of native and invasive tick species
Presenter: Teresa Steckler, Extension Specialist, Commercial AgricultureAedes albopictus and the Mosquito Ambassador Program.
Presenter: Kylie Noel, Postdoc research associate, University of Illinois.The Management of Terrestrial Invasives: Q&A Panel Discussion.
Panel: John Griesbaum, INPC, Michelle Simone, IDNR Department of Heritage, and Terry Esker, IDNR Department of Heritage.
About the Presenters
Chris Evans
Chris Evans is a Forestry Extension and Research Specialist. He is based at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center in southern Illinois.
Kevin Rohling
Kevin Rohling earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in Geography from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, specializing in Biogeography and GIS. He has worked in natural resource conservation since 2004, including previous work experience with the River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area, Natural Land Institute, The Nature Conservancy, Great Basin Institute, Illinois EPA, Great Rivers Land Trust, and National Park Service.
Teresa Steckler
Teresa L. Steckler began her extension career in 2008 as a beef cow/calf beef specialist for University of Illinois. She has an M.S. and Ph.D in reproductive biology from University of Illinois and completed a postdoctoral program with an emphasis in embryonic/fetal programming
and infertility in livestock at University of Michigan. She provides programs across Illinois that include herd health management, forage and pasture management, and reproductive management. Her research program has studied the prevalence, economic impact, and management of bovine anaplasmosis.
Current research interests include:
- Understanding the relationship between tick-borne diseases impacting humans, particularly agricultural workers, and livestock such as cattle and small ruminants, and the types of plants found in their shared environment, invasive plant species.
- The One Health paradigm as it relates to the interdependence among the health and well-being of people, animals, and our environment.
Resources to Manage Invasive Species
Invasives have big environmental and economic impacts. The prairie state is home to beautiful wild spaces, but invasive species are a growing threat in our forests, lakes, backyards, and agricultural fields. Explore how to prevent the spread of invasive species with everyday activities and steps you can take to keep your land beautiful and healthy by controlling plant, insect, and aquatic infestations.