About this episode

The episode discusses the threat of invasive pests to forests and how to identify them.

Everyday Environment talks with Tricia Bethke, Illinois’ Forest Pest Outreach Coordinator, about the growing threat of invasive pests. We explore how these pests are impacting our forests, what a “tree check” looks like, and which warning signs to watch for in your own yard and community. Learn More Invasive insects Spotted Lanternfly reporting via email: lanterfly@illinois.edu Elm zigzag sawfly Share your own Everyday Observation Was there something about this topic we didn’t cover? See something cool in nature? Let us know! Send us your question or share your everyday nature observation with us at go.illinois.edu/EEconnect , and we may share it in a future blog or podcast. Questions? We'd love to hear from you! Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu , Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu , Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our Newsletter Check out our Blog See the Everyday Environment Archives

People in this episode

Hosts: Abigail Garofalo, Erin Garrett, Amy Lefringhouse

Guest: Tricia Bethke

Topics covered

• invasive pests
• forest health
• tree check
• environmental observation
• pest identification

Keywords

• invasive pests
• tree check
• forest health
• Spotted Lanternfly
• Elm zigzag sawfly

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Illinois’ Forest Pest Outreach

More episodes of Everyday Environment Podcast

• Carrying a shield against invasive carp with Steven Butler · May 6, 2026 · 43 min
• Protecting ag commodities, ecosystems and urban environments from invasive pests: the CAPS program with Kelly Estes · April 23, 2026 · 42 min
• When good plants go bad: invasives in the home landscape with Chris Enroth · April 15, 2026 · 47 min
• Looking back to move forward: using historical data to understand invasions with TJ Benson · April 9, 2026 · 37 min
• Wading through the data: understanding EDDMapS, a leader in invasive species mapping with Rebekah Wallace · April 1, 2026 · 46 min
• Early detection in public gardens with Michelle Beloskur · March 25, 2026 · 40 min

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