Invasive Species

Invasive plants and animals are species that live in an area that they are not orignially from and cause harm to the environment, human economy or human health. They are capable of causing extinctions of native plants and animals, reducing biodiversity, competing with native organisms for limited resources, and altering habitats.

The University of Illinois Extension Forestry Introduction to Invasive Species Webinar provides an introductory explanation of invasive species, including their ecological impacts and review of common invasive species in Illinois.

Below are links to lists of invasive species in our area:
Illinois Invasive Species of Concern
Common Invasive Plant Species in Northeastern Illinois
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County List of Aquative Invasives
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County List of Terrestial Invasives
NorthWest Suburban Real Estate Homeowners’ Guide to Invasive Plants

Asian jumping worms are a new invasive species. Here are some resources:
Patch Article: Jumping Worms Join Chicago’s Already Strange Insect Scene, 4/19/21
University of Illinois Extension Invasive Species Alert: Jumping Worms
University of Illinois Extension Jumping Worms Update from 2/18/2020
Jumping Worm Facts from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Jumping Worm Fact Sheet from Cornell University Cooperative Extension
Invasive Jumping Worms – Claymation – Learn about why they threaten Northeastern forests, what makes them so invasive, and what you can do to prevent their spread.

Our March of 2019 speaker, Nanette Kalscheur, also provided the following links on invasives:
Stink Bug Alert
Jumping Worm Alert & ID
Viburnum Leaf Beetle Fact Sheet

Here is a great book on invasive plants:
Invasive Plants of the Upper Midwest: An Illustrated Guide to Their Identification and Control

Below are some great YouTube videos/webinars to learn more about invasive species:

DuPage Forest Behind the Scenes: Controlling Invasive Plant Species
New Invaders Watch: Who’s Here and Who is Not!
Ryan Hueffmeier – Jumping Worms, the Latest Threat… | Monthly Presentation March 2021
Grow Native! Webinar: Invasive Plant Q & A with Dr. Quinn Long and Matt Arndt
Invasive Plants
Introduction to Invasive Species Webinar