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Meg Ray
Read article: Conservation@Home Member Spotlight: Meg Ray
Conservation@Home Member Spotlight: Meg Ray
By Sarah Smith, Illinois Extension Master Gardener and Master NaturalistUtilizing the 2025 Conservation@Home Kickoff event at Pleasant...
Soybean stubble on a field
Read article: The role of the soil microbiome in reducing nutrient loss
The role of the soil microbiome in reducing nutrient loss
In...
Clumps of feather reed grass in a garden
Read article: Taking a look at Feather Reed Grass
Taking a look at Feather Reed Grass
When it comes to plant selections in landscaping, much of the focus is typically put on trees, shrubs, and showy flowers. But take a closer look at...
habitat restoration
Read article: Stories from the field: Managing invasive species at Emiquon Preserve
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....

News Releases

River with greenery
Become an Illinois Extension Watershed Steward
DEKALB, Ill.—Every day, rain nourishes fields of growing crops, and rivers steadily flow through natural areas and communities until, eventually, drinking water trickles out of faucets into our homes, schools, and businesses. The health of a watershed is connected to the health of a community,...
child with clipboard, paper, and pencil outside
Fifth annual NatureFest to take place on May 16
GENOA, Ill. —Join us again for a day in the woods. University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve, DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District, and DeKalb County Health Department have planned the fifth annual NatureFest. Join us on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m...
wildflowers growing
Mother's Day Flower Walks to take place on May 9
GENOA, Ill.— On Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the day before Mother’s Day, University of Illinois Extension is offering guided wildflower walks at the Natural Resource Education Center (NREC) in Russell Woods Forest Preserve.  Russell Woods is located 1 mile west of Genoa...

Videos

Invasive Species Q&A

Do you have questions about invasive species? We have the answers! This Q&A livestream about invasive species in Illinois was presented and recorded on May 21, 2026, on Facebook for the Everyday Environment series. 

Staff