Natural Resources News provides timely information, featured events, helpful resources and deep dives into natural resources and environmental issues.
![A polka dotted and brightly colored spotted lanternfly.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/spotted-lantern-fly-underwing.jpg?h=51327a57&itok=gzy8N8R5)
Early detection of invasive species can make a big difference to the success of early management efforts. Though not seen in Minnesota yet, this insect has been spotted in Iowa and could be headed here.
![Tan branch with dark green shiny leaves and pale green to light blue to purple speckled berries on a black background.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/porcelain_berry_fruit.jpg?h=1488b8cd&itok=U32GYlxD)
A member of the grape family, porcelain berry is a fast-growing, deciduous, woody vine listed as a Restricted Noxious Weed in Minnesota.
![Closeup of twigs on a bitternut hickory tree.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/bitternut-hickory.jpg?h=757e7cd9&itok=R9IXVeM9)
Extension's natural resources educators set out to use sustainable practices to reduce the carbon and climate change impacts of their annual conference.
![Close-up of spongy moth](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/gypsymoth_main.jpg?h=4165dc40&itok=SGNk53j1)
The University of Minnesota has been a national leader in improving troublesome invasive species common names since 2018.
![Forest in summer.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Northern%20hardwood%20forest%20stand.png?h=6f9f2036&itok=IBId3-hQ)
While private forestland in Minnesota is diverse in terms of the forest, the demographics of woodland stewards are not. A new Extension report is a first step toward building woodland steward resources that are more culturally relevant.
![Dandelion flower.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/TA-03282016-i20130416-img_2203.jpg?h=050c0b3e&itok=w10-KINF)
Whether for survival or fun, foraging can be a great way to supplement your diet with plants that are not only delicious but can also be healthy.
![The top of a pheasant back mushroom attached to a single dead tree in different gradients of brown.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/pheasant-back-top.jpg?h=d182b2d4&itok=z7Jqt2ta)
Minnesota has an abundance of resources hidden in plain sight. Here are only a few examples of what you can forage in our natural spaces.
![Osage orange hedge balls](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/osage_orange_gwyatt.jpeg?h=159b1bcd&itok=r0t1CVBy)
A diverse landscape including unusual tree species can provide benefits such as visual interest, delicious fruit, and resistance to pests, disease, and climate change.
![A woman helps a young girl take a photo of a tree](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/CNC2022_ALStrauss.jpg?h=05e2e197&itok=rcwLRqkX)
Despite the cool, wet weather, Minnesota Master Naturalist volunteers made their mark during City Nature Challenge by hosting events, teaching others about iNaturalist, and adding their own observations.
![A floodplain forest](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Photo2_resized_0.jpg?h=767236f0&itok=mGB97hJP)
With the snowmelt and increased rain this spring, understand the risks and symptoms of flooding on trees.