Natural Resources News provides timely information, featured events, helpful resources and deep dives into natural resources and environmental issues.
![A plantation of hybrid poplar trees being harvested by heavy equipment.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/NRRI%20hybrid%20poplar.png?h=06f1872f&itok=zjbd7g3P)
Fast-growing trees such as hybrid poplar can have many benefits and uses, such as heat, electricity, lumber, and even fuel and plastics!
![small wild cucumber plants](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/IMG_2988.jpg?h=895deb4b&itok=SxQqqn9t)
Wild cucumber are very opportunist and hardy, so if you spotted the plant last year you will likely see it again this year. Early control is the easiest way to keep these plants at bay.
![black spots on maple leaves](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/tar%20spot%20silver%20maple.jpg?h=84af04fb&itok=_dyp5SX9)
During cool, wet spring seasons, a variety of fungal diseases affecting trees and shrubs flare up. Find out how to look for common fungal diseases in your trees.
![cows grazing among trees](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Beef%20cows%20in%20woods%203_screen.jpg?h=841a438f&itok=VgSX10cv)
Did you know that trees can be incorporated in many agricultural systems? The intentional integration of trees or shrubs with crops and animals in the same area is called agroforestry, and it results in a more diverse agricultural operation, increased profits, and conservation habitat improvement.
![bee on flower](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/BombusAffinisBoneset%20-%20Heather%20Holm.jpg?h=d0978039&itok=bNI5WfXl)
The rusty patched bumble bee was once found all across the eastern US and Upper Midwest. Now it is an endangered species. Extension Educator Elaine Evans is working to change that.
![monarch butterfly on flower near lake](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Trout%20Lk%20%20project%20-%20butterfly.jpg?h=186a32d8&itok=oc1vC2QP)
Find out how to plant a monarch waystation to help monarchs and other pollinators.
![video thumnail](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/stop-pollution-thumbnail.jpg?h=0d7fc9fa&itok=4nWyyU7l)
Extension water resources educator Karen Terry talks to Prairie Sportsman about how to improve the water quality of our rivers and lakes by preventing runoff.
![Apple tree damaged by rabbits](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Apple%20tree%20damage%20-%20Gary%20Wyatt.jpg?h=6fd2893d&itok=IDWZ8hSZ)
Now that spring is here, homeowners may want to walk their property to look for winter damage to woody plants.