Ignorance and curiosity led me here. Two years ago, around Christmas time, I passed Illinois twice, driving from Wisconsin to Tennessee, and then back. My impression was that there were trees in Wisconsin and Tennessee (a bit of southern Illinois), but Illinois was barren. Probably the glacier killed all the trees ten though sand years ago, I thought to myself. Today, just out of curiosity, I searched “oaks in Illinois” on RUclips, as a kind of challenge, and am grateful to be educated. It also taught me the importance and high value of having a person like Chris Evans. Thank you so much.
Any established invasive species should be removed. Common ones in central Illinois include bush honeysuckle, garlic mustard, multiflora rose, Autumn olive, and privet. Though, there could be others. We have several videos up on this youtube channel on invasive species identification and control. I would start by reviewing those to get a handle on identification. The Illinois Forestry Association has a great landowner guide to invasive species that covers identification - www.ilforestry.org/resources/Documents/Forms/Landowners%20Guide%20to%20Invasive%20Plants%20Final%20Electronic%20Copy%202021.pdf. We also have a management guide that may be useful - extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/management_of_invasive_plants_and_pests_of_illinois.pdf
Not technically as it did not originate in that area (it is native to the lower Ozarks and Ouachita regions), but has been in the area a long time and likely arrived in Illinois via early trade routes.
Ignorance and curiosity led me here. Two years ago, around Christmas time, I passed Illinois twice, driving from Wisconsin to Tennessee, and then back. My impression was that there were trees in Wisconsin and Tennessee (a bit of southern Illinois), but Illinois was barren. Probably the glacier killed all the trees ten though sand years ago, I thought to myself. Today, just out of curiosity, I searched “oaks in Illinois” on RUclips, as a kind of challenge, and am grateful to be educated. It also taught me the importance and high value of having a person like Chris Evans. Thank you so much.
Thanks, Mr. Evans!
I recently bought 100 acres in central Illinois, what if any tree or shrub that is invasive would you recommend being a priority to remove?
Any established invasive species should be removed. Common ones in central Illinois include bush honeysuckle, garlic mustard, multiflora rose, Autumn olive, and privet. Though, there could be others. We have several videos up on this youtube channel on invasive species identification and control. I would start by reviewing those to get a handle on identification. The Illinois Forestry Association has a great landowner guide to invasive species that covers identification - www.ilforestry.org/resources/Documents/Forms/Landowners%20Guide%20to%20Invasive%20Plants%20Final%20Electronic%20Copy%202021.pdf.
We also have a management guide that may be useful - extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/management_of_invasive_plants_and_pests_of_illinois.pdf
I apologize if you cover this, did the worms being introduced reduce the amount of leaf litter and other fuel to burn each year?
Exotic earthworms have been shown to reduce leaf litter in forested ecosystems, which likely has lead to significant ecosystem changes.
Is Osage Orange considered an invasive species in central IL?
Not technically as it did not originate in that area (it is native to the lower Ozarks and Ouachita regions), but has been in the area a long time and likely arrived in Illinois via early trade routes.