URBANA, Ill. — Spotted lanternflies were found in Illinois for the first time in 2023. Quagga and zebra mussels clog water intake pipes on Lake Michigan, and every spring, invasive Bradford Callery pear trees and amur bush honeysuckle bloom across Illinois communities instead of native wildflowers.

Illinois ranks fifth in the U.S. for invasive species introductions, which are a serious and expensive threat to forests, lakes, backyards, and agricultural fields. The 2024 Illinois Invasive Species Symposium on May 22 in Champaign will offer environmental stewards the tools and resources they need to manage invasive plants and insects effectively. 

For nine years, University of Illinois Extension has hosted the symposium to explore the latest research updates, discuss management options, and share success stories. Topics at this year’s event include an update on the spotted lanternfly, zebra mussel mitigation, tracking invasive ticks, restoration projects, an open Q&A panel discussion on the state of invasive species in Illinois, and more.

The symposium will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on May 22 at the Champaign County Extension Office at 801 N. Country Fair Dr., Champaign. The event is open to industry professionals, landowners and managers, farmers, foresters, volunteers, environmental stewards, and the media.

A full agenda and registration are available at go.illinois.edu/InvasiveSymposium. Sign up by May 15. The cost is $20 and includes lunch. For more information, contact Erin Garrett for more information at 618-524-2270 or emedvecz@illinois.edu.

Explore more about invasive species in Illinois at extension.illinois.edu/invasives.