Invasive Species

Events

2026 Gateway Green Conference

March 4, 2026

County

Madison

Wily and Wild Animal Invaders in Illinois

March 19, 2026

Blog Posts

Keep an eye out for these invasive plants

November 15, 2025

You may have seen the recent ...

two ladies standing in the woods with five garbage bags full of garlic mustard

Spring Creek Preserve: A haven for spring ephemerals

June 18, 2025

By Mike McGraw, Extension Master Naturalist serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria and Tazewell counties Even as a teenager, I loved the...

Illinois invasive: Elm zigzag sawfly

May 29, 2025

The elm zigzag sawfly (Aproceros leucopoda) is an invasive pest of elm trees (Ulmus spp.) that was first detected in Illinois in July 2024...

Be a Hero: How you can prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species

April 3, 2025

Unexpected guests can be a drag, especially when they show up uninvited, eat all your food, and wreck the place. Now, imagine if your unexpected...

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News Releases

A man leans on a tool outside by a tree surrounded by a group of people

February 11, 2026

Extension foresters protect trees, empower landowners
URBANA, Ill. — As the saying goes, the hope is that trees will “bloom where they’re planted.” Still, sometimes even these plant powerhouses need help overcoming challenges like invasive species, urban...

January 29, 2026

Wily and Wild Animal Invaders webinar explores environmental impact of invasive wildlife
URBANA, Ill. — Across the U.S., including Illinois, many non-native wildlife species have found their way into new environments, where they can pose a threat to natural ecosystems and the economy. This spring,...

A large green circle with the words Gateway Green Conference in the center.

December 8, 2025

Conference strengthens communities against emerging environmental challenges
COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Natural resource professionals play a key role in protecting our communities’ environmental assets. With ongoing research and changing conditions, it’s increasingly important to adopt responsible stewardship, manage new diseases and pests, and apply sustainable practices...

A field overtaken by the invasive plant Sericea lespedeza

October 24, 2025

Nine new invasive species regulated in Illinois with expansion of Exotic Weeds Act
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The forests and prairies of Illinois have a new line of defense against harmful non-native plants. On Oct. 1, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources added nine more invasive plants to the list of species that are illegal to buy,...

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Videos

Controlling Woody Invasive Species in Fall and Winter

Move beyond the basics of invasive species

Join University of Illinois Extension Forester Christopher Evans in this info-packed Wilderness Wednesday webinar sponsored by the ...

Hand-Pulling Honeysuckle

When people think of honeysuckle control many will reach for the saw or herbicide. But young honeysuckle has a very shallow root system that makes it easy to pull up by hand. In this video horticulture educator Chris Enroth with Illinois Extension demonstrates the ease of hand removal of young...