Invasive Plants

Cooperative Agriculture Survey (CAPS)

A primary objective of the Illinois Cooperative Agriculture Survey (CAPS) Program is to safeguard our nation's food and environmental security from exotic pests that threaten our production and ecological systems. The Illinois CAPS program is a joint effort between several state and federal agencies, including the Illinois Natural History Survey, Illinois Department of Agriculture, and United States Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service-Plant Protection and Quarantine. This cooperative program focuses exotic pest detection surveys based on a priority pest list, management of pest survey data, and increased public awareness and communication of the threats posed.

Invasive Plants

Invasive Plant Pests

Illinois has been faced with the arrival of many unwanted, invasive plant pests and will continue to do so well into the future. Each of these invasive species has the potential to significantly impact the urban and natural landscapes of the state. Preventing the arrival of these pests is the best and most economical form of protection against invasive species. However, should they arrive, early detection is the key to protecting our natural resources.