Native Plants

Events

Native Garden Design series

September 3, 2026 - November 7, 2026

County

Sangamon

Jardinería para las aves (Landscaping for Birds )

September 9, 2026

County

Lake

Fall Gardening for Pollinators

September 16, 2026

County

McLean

Nature Trails Day

September 19, 2026

County

McLean

More Events

Blog Posts

A late-summer look at Illinois roadsides

September 1, 2026

In 2017, Illinois Extension horticulture educator Rhonda Ferree shared a roadside inventory of late-summer flowers in her blog post,...

Managing lawns with ecology in mind

August 27, 2026

“Dad, why can’t we just have grass in our yard?” asked my 12-year-old son. His question has been bouncing around in my head for a few days now. ...

Add a wispy pink statement grass to your home garden

August 24, 2026

When thinking about adding a pop of color to your garden, grasses probably aren’t at the top of your list. But think again! Pink Muhly, ...

Taking a closer look at the Panicum genus

August 10, 2026

Recently I led a three-day online course on grass identification. Thanks to those of you who participated! One of the things I focused on is how...

More Blogs

News Releases

green oak leaves in front of yellow leaf tree

August 28, 2026

West-Central Illinois Master Naturalist Program Offers Native Tree and Shrub Sale
QUINCY, Ill. — Fall offers favorable conditions for establishing trees and shrubs, and local residents will have an opportunity to add native species to their landscapes through the West-Central Illinois Master Naturalist program’s second Illinois Native Tree and Shrub Sale...

Collage featuring Jenny Lee, the new horticulture educator, along with photos of Illinois Extension outreach, native plants, insects, and a gardening activity.

September 1, 2026

Jenny Lee transitions to Horticulture Educator role with Illinois Extension
MATTOON, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension is pleased to announce Jenny Lee as the Horticulture Educator serving Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby counties.In her new role, Lee develops and delivers educational programs that help individuals and communities create...

a person takes a photo of a monarch butterfly

July 23, 2026

Everyday Environment series returns with nature-based solutions for home and community
URBANA, Ill. — Discover the power of working with nature. University of Illinois Extension’s natural resources series, Everyday Environment...

People observe a hands-on soil sampling demonstration during an Illinois Extension training.

July 7, 2026

Serve your community, become a Master Naturalist
MATTOON, Ill. – From neighborhood parks to the Shawnee National Forest, University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists volunteer as environmental stewards, helping protect Illinois' natural resources while connecting people with the outdoors.Illinois Extension is accepting...

More News

Videos

Ecology at Your Home

Remember back in grade school biology learning about things like the carbon cycle? How about evolution? Or even things like a predator-prey relationship? These are all important aspects of ecology that, when paired with a few design considerations, can teach everyone how to make any landscape an...

Native grasses and pollinators

Native grasses are often overlooked when it comes to pollinators, but they can play a crucial role in supporting many different types of pollinators. Discover how native grasses provide nesting and overwintering habitats, serve as larval food sources, offer pollen, and much more!