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Season 4 Invasive species
Effective invasive species management takes empathy and teamwork
In the spring 2026 season of Everyday Environment, we explored invasive species in a new and exciting way. The world of invasives typically focuses...
habitat restoration
Stories from the field: Managing invasive species at Emiquon Preserve
When water returned to the floodplain at The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve in west central Illinois, it marked a major restoration success....
invasive golden oyster mushroom
A golden opportunity to learn that mushrooms can be invasive too
You’ve heard of invasive plants and animals, but what about mushrooms? Around Illinois, you won’t have to look far to find invasive mushrooms.Golden...
invasive carp
Invasive carp impact Illinois waterways
On one warm afternoon last June, I suddenly throttled down the boat as a barrage of silver carp leaped out of the water and pummeled my assistants...
genetics of invasive plants
Telling the story of escaped ornamental plants
Have you ever had the sense that something is out of place, something just doesn’t belong? Years ago, on a fine summer day, I was hiking with a...
invasive pests
What makes a pest "invasive?"
Not all insects or pathogens that arrive from elsewhere are harmful. Many settle quietly into their new surroundings without causing noticeable...
protecting illinois from invasive pests
Protecting Illinois from invasive pest threats
The Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey program, CAPS, focuses on the early detection and...
invasive species in the home landscape
The far-reaching effects of invasive landscape plants
Did you know that many of the invasive plants that landowners, foresters, and conservation workers fight today were first introduced as pretty...
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About the Blog

Naturalist News is a blog by University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist staff and volunteers who bring you stories highlighting the individuals, places, wildlife, and plants that make this state amazing. Join us each week to learn something new, be inspired and become connected to your own community by recognizing the amazing ways we are all intertwined. Want to get notified when new Naturalist News posts are available? Sign up here!

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