Natural Resources News provides timely information, featured events, helpful resources and deep dives into natural resources and environmental issues.
![A small tree with bright pink blossoms.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/redbud-small-tree.jpg?h=24ce003f&itok=y9A7nukm)
Extension's tree selection lists include new-to-region species as options for adding diversity to existing forests to help achieve climate adaptation goals.
![Queen bumble bee on a dried leaf.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Bombus-impatiens-Danielle-Hudson.jpeg?h=4606fd8c&itok=azdWpJEv)
We are seeing some bumble bee queens emerging earlier than usual due to the warm winter. What might this mean for future bee generations?
![Budding twigs.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/bitternut-hickory.jpg?h=757e7cd9&itok=R9IXVeM9)
Are trees moved through assisted migration considered invasive species? Climate change has experts rethinking boundaries and definitions.
![Adult, metallic green, emerald ash borer.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/EAB%20adult.jpg?h=3ceaf225&itok=Uv89CNyL)
Emerald ash borer (EAB) continues to cause problems for ash trees. As of this past year, it has been found in 48 Minnesota counties.
![Large green heart-shaped leaves with several yellow flowers floating in water.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/yellow-floating-heart.jpeg?h=0deb87a7&itok=p53nB5wM)
Yellow floating heart is an aquatic plant popular in water gardens. But this lovely plant is invasive and harms wild landscapes and bodies of water.
![A spigot in a tree with a bucket under it to harvest syrup.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Harvesting-maple-syrup.jpg?h=d8e66455&itok=6pX97cbz)
Extension Educator Gary Wyatt addresses the concerns on syrup tapping during our mild winter.
![Weeds in an area of thin grass.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/weedy-grass.jpg?h=ad7dae92&itok=nBy6ZjHH)
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has resources that include Best Management Practices (BMPs) and other guidance for using (or not using) pesticides and protecting water quality and pollinators.
![Pinecones on a pine tree branch in winter with snow.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/ponderosa-pinecones-winter.jpg?h=d2457e92&itok=tuec6SGK)
It’s easy to admire the beauty of the winter landscape. But what about everything that we can’t see? What happens to the forest during the winter?
![Robin on a buckthorn branch eating fruit.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/robineatingbuckthorn.jpeg?h=50b84a15&itok=theGqZDK)
The idea that buckthorn sickens (or even kills) birds is fairly widespread. So why do birds keep eating them?
![A white EAB larva coming out of a tree with much bark damage.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/EAB-larvae-damage.jpg?h=5296eec5&itok=mxWgAvH2)
While subzero temperatures are not the most pleasant conditions for us, they can be a factor in helping to control pests. Warmer winter temperatures may mean more EAB larvae are likely to survive.