Everyday Environment 2026

If you live in the Midwest, you may be used to seeing garlic mustard thriving along forested roadsides or buckthorn shrubs taking over forests and parks. These are two examples of invasive plants that have become widespread. Plants are considered invasive if they are non-native, meaning they...

You may have heard about the new invasive species regulations in Illinois that took place in 2025. If not, then, in short, nine plant species were added to the...

It was a beautiful April Saturday afternoon at the Anita Purves Nature Center in Urbana. Like most spring Saturdays, the grounds of the nature center were full of families from the surrounding area exploring the indoor exhibits and strolling along the boardwalk through the nearby woods. Unlike most...

Emerald ash borer, bush honeysuckle, bighead carp – if any of those names made you shudder, you’re likely aware of the widespread environmental and economic harm invasive species cause in Illinois.But the first time I passionately spoke with a...