URBANA, Ill. – Most people can identify a few different trees by their leaves or flowers in bloom, but grasses are a different story. Grasses provided food and shelter for wildlife and are key to a healthy ecosystem.

Learn to identify the wide variety of Illinois warm-season grasses in a free online webinar this August from University of Illinois Extension. 

“Warm-season grasses are in full bloom at the end of summer, which makes it a great time to learn to identify them,” says program presenter Erin Garrett, Illinois Extension energy and environmental stewardship educator. “Grass flowers aren't very showy, but they are very helpful in deciphering which grass is which.”

Garrett will draw on her own field experiences of identifying grasses across the Midwest to offer tips and tricks to finding out which species you are looking at. 

Outdoor enthusiasts will learn how to tell Illinois native and non-native grasses apart, from species found in natural areas to those that root in disturbed areas and roadsides. Lawn grasses will not be covered.

The "Which Grass is Which? Warm-Season Grasses" free webinar will be 2 p.m. CT on August 18. Join live and ask questions directly or watch the recording after on the Illinois Extension YouTube channel. 

Register in advance online at go.illinois.edu/WarmSeasonGrass. 

Participants who need an accommodation to participate should email Garrett at emedvecz@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.

SOURCE: Erin Garrett, Illinois Extension Energy and Environmental Stewardship Educator
WRITER: Emily Steele, Illinois Extension Media Communications Coordinator

ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.