Invasive Species

Events

Rooted: A plant-based conference

February 8, 2025

County

Kane

Blog Posts

The Hidden Dangers of Sharing Firewood: Protecting Our Trees

November 8, 2024

If there is one certainty for all humans is that we are drawn to natural elements. Two of the best examples are how we can become transfixed when...

clumps of fountain grass in bloom in a landscape bed with a bridge in the background

Remove and replace Fountain Grasses

September 23, 2024

Several years ago on a hike in mid-November, I came across an unfamiliar grass. It was still green, with an intact seed head. The alarm bells started...

What to expect with invasives and climate change

September 5, 2024

Climate change and invasive species are both huge threats to our natural resources. How are the two issues interacting? Can we expect invasive...

Teasel: An invasive species coming to a roadside near you?

August 9, 2024

If you’ve driven along any interstates or highways in Illinois, there’s a good chance you’ve seen tall plants with spiky flower heads. Teasels have...

More Blogs

News Releases

An older volunteer and a young volunteer work together to cut down an invasive stump.

November 7, 2024

Master Naturalists rally volunteers to restore historic Sibley Burr Oak Grove
SIBLEY, Ill -- On the chilly morning of November 2, 45 dedicated volunteers gathered at Sibley Burr Oak Grove for a community-led restoration event to protect one of the region’s most precious natural landmarks. Guided by organizations such as the...

Two people in a boat with nets on poles watch as dozens of carp jump out of the water

October 29, 2024

Study: Invasive silver carp reduce movement in Chicago-area water
URBANA, Ill. — Invasive silver carp have been spreading throughout the Mississippi River Basin since their introduction a half-century ago. Yet, try as they might, the fish have not advanced beyond a particular stretch of the Illinois River north of Kankakee. Research from the...

October 3, 2024

Invasive plants are no match for local Extension Master Naturalists
LEWISTOWN, Ill. — When certain plants get established in an ecosystem, they can choke out the more beneficial native plants. Left unchecked, those invasive species can destroy the native ecosystem and natural beauty. Local volunteers have a passion for eradicating invasive plants, and thanks to...

A person sitting on a couch, looking for information on a tablet, while potting a houseplant indoors.

September 6, 2024

Spend a Saturday morning gardening with Extension’s virtual symposium
URBANA, Ill. — Know someone looking for inspiration to start a gardening project that, to this point, has only been a dream? Join Extension on Oct. 19 for the Gardening in the Air virtual symposium. Tune in to the presentations from indoors, outdoors, or sitting near a favorite view because any...

More News

Videos

New Invaders: Spotted Lanternfly

Spotted lanternfly is the newest “unwanted” invasive pest in Illinois. Learn how to identify and report this invasive insect as well as how to manage it and prevent further spread.

Tricia Bethke from The Morton Arboretum explores why monitoring for spotted lanternflies in winter is...