Native Plants

Events

Native Seed Exchange

November 14, 2026

County

LaSalle

"The Extraordinary Caterpillar"

December 1, 2026

County

Lake

Cove Hollow Hike and Bird Outing

December 6, 2026

County

Jackson

Pollinators in Your Preserves

December 8, 2026

County

Lake

More Events

Blog Posts

Not in Our Yard! A message from Doug Tallamy

October 29, 2026

The World Wildlife Fund reported in October 2024 that between...

How plant roots hold soil in place and help prevent streambank erosion

October 8, 2026

Stable streambanks are an important aspect of watershed management in Illinois. Across the state, we are experiencing increased rainfall and...

Plants with a spooky side

October 23, 2026

Halloween is right around the corner, and festive décor is lining streets and front yards. Talking skeletons, glowing pumpkins, giant spiders, and...

Mimosa Webworm: The pest behind this year’s Honeylocust damage

September 30, 2026

Every growing season brings a few plant issues that stand out and prompt attention from inquiring plant people. Whether it is something...

More Blogs

News Releases

A person working to repot plants while looking up something on a tablet.

October 7, 2026

Repot that plant while tuning in to Extension’s Gardening in the Air virtual gardening sessions
URBANA, Ill. — Repotting that houseplant has been on your to-do list, so add in some background gardening talk to set the tone for a fall Saturday. Join Extension on Oct. 24 for the Gardening in the Air virtual symposium. Tune in to the presentations from indoors, outdoors, or while...

Dried milkweed pods opened with white topped fluff and seeds spilling out of them.

October 5, 2026

Native Seed Share Set to Bring Community Together for Fall Seed Exchange
The University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists invite community members, gardeners, and native habitat enthusiasts to the Native Seed Share on October 31, 2026, at 11:30 AM. This welcoming, hands‑on event offers participants the chance...

Seven people at night in front of a college residence hall. Four are holding pumpkins. One is dressed like a butterfly.

October 2, 2026

Interactive art in nature celebration glows with spirit of sustainability
URBANA, Ill. — The costume Eliana Brown wore to last year’s Illuminating Art in Nature event created one of many memorable moments.“I was a swallowtail butterfly, which is a pollinator our garden supports, complete with...

a person's hand letting water trickle into a body of water with foliage in the background

September 4, 2026

Young Nature Enthusiasts Can Discover the Outdoors with Bond County 4-H
Bond County 4-H invites young nature lovers to explore the outdoors this fall through the Junior Master Naturalist Program.Starting Tuesday, September 29, youth will learn about Illinois' natural world through hands-on activities and outdoor experiences. Participants will join portions of...

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!