A fundamental aspect of managing any pest is correctly identifying it. Historically, identifying weeds has involved using some form of a taxonomic tool. Fortunately, technology has advanced significantly in assisting with plant identification; several free and paid mobile applications are now available to the public. PictureThis and iNaturalist apps both have free versions that rely on some form of community-supported identification. Major phone manufacturers are also increasing photo recognition abilities in their camera apps. Android uses Google Lens to search the internet for similar-appearing photos to help identify a plant or other object. Apple's IOS uses Visual Look Up to perform a function similar to Google's.

Each of these platforms has its advantages and disadvantages, and each should be used with a healthy dose of skepticism. Unfortunately, these apps are not very reliable at correctly identifying grasses, so they are somewhat limited to broadleaf plants. Remember that these apps are simply a tool to help you correctly identify a plant. They will likely improve in accuracy as cameras and computer processing improve over time. 

Read the full article in the latest edition of the "Home Lawn Care Newsletter" from the University of Minnesota Turgrass Science. Other topics include encouraging better rooting through improved watering practices, utilizing technology to identify weed species reliably, and learning how to manage your lawn for moles, as well as upcoming events. For more information, contact Becky Wozny, Wetland Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

The Harder Path is the Right Path

As is often the case, the more convenient approach — using neonicotinoids and other chemicals on a widespread basis in anticipation of pest problems — is seductive but ultimately harmful in the long term. Damage to pollinators, faster evolution of resistant pests and replacement of natural processes with chemicals are all costs that eventually have to be faced. The IPM approach requires more work and acceptance of a certain amount of pest damage. We must reduce and manage the use of neonicotinoids and other agricultural chemicals, as their long-term impact will be far more harmful than beneficial. Do it for the bees. Do it for the butterflies. Do it for the birds. Do it for you.

An excellent resource for more information is the University of Michigan's website: https://ncipmhort.cfans.umn.edu/ipm-bmp-cultural-control/vegetable-garden-best-management-practices-pollinators.

You may have observed a major difference between this year and our last few growing seasons: plenty of precipitation. According to the DNR's Climatology Office, the amount of rain that's fallen from April through August 2024 has been nearly the most on record over a good share of Minnesota. Overall, this is good news for our forests – but all that near- historic rainfall has had additional impacts to trees. 

As shoots and leaves emerge in the spring, they're particularly susceptible to infection from fungal pathogens. Extremely wet weather during this timeframe promotes sporulation (formation of spores) of these microscopic fungi, and rain spreads the spores around. The end result is a slew of common leaf diseases that we've seen in 2024. 

Read the full article from the MNDNR or contact Becky Wozney, Wetland Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Adapted from: Matthew Russell is a Minnesota Extension specialist in forest resources.

Emerald ash borer (EAB) has left a wake of dead ash trees throughout 4.3 million acres across the state. Minnesota forests are home to three native ash species. Unfortunately, all of these ash trees are susceptible to EAB. Here are seven native tree species that you can research for replacing your ash. Each species has its own unique characteristics and are adapted to different environmental conditions.

American Elm (disease-resistant elm varieties) Like ash, elms can tolerate wet conditions. Elms are slightly different in that they require full sun for the best growth.

Quaking Aspen Aspen sprouts vigorously, a form of reproduction without using seeds. It is often one of the first species to come back to an area after a timber harvest or fire.

Northern White Cedar In its natural habitat, it can form dense stands and survives well in moist soils. Northern white cedar trees will attract wildlife. Cedar trees are a favorite of white-tailed deer.

Swamp Oak This species can tolerate heavy and wet soil, which makes it a good replacement for black ash. While native only to southeastern Minnesota, swamp white oak is known as a climate change "winner" and has been planted with success in research trials in northern Minnesota.

Hackberry It can survive heat and drought or wind and ice, making it suitable for Minnesota's climate. In its native habitat it can be found in floodplains and along rivers in the central and southern portions of the state.

Silver and Red Maple are common in southern Minnesota and grow into the north-central part of the state, typically along rivers. These maples are widely planted as a shade or ornamental trees. Silver maples leaves are are green on top and "silvery" on bottom and red maple leaves turn a brilliant red in the fall, giving the trees their names.

River Birch can thrive in floodplains and near stream banks. River birch can be a single or multi-stemmed tree, making it a great tree to consider for the landscape around your home. Its copper-colored bark makes it stand out from other common trees.

Diversifying the types of species you plant in your yard or woodland gives you reassurance that your landscape can survive future insect and disease outbreaks. For more options, Extension's replacement trees for ash page can help you figure out which trees will grow well in your plant community. Consult an arborist or forester for more advice to make sure you plant the right trees in the right spot.
For more information contact Becky Wozney, Wetland Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Wildlife management areas (WMAs) are part of Minnesota's outdoor recreation system and are established to protect those lands and waters that have a high potential for wildlife habitat and other compatible recreational uses. WMAs are key to:

• protecting wildlife habitat for future generations,
• providing citizens with opportunities for hunting, fishing and wildlife watching, and
• promoting important wildlife-based tourism in the state.

How did WMAs get started?
Minnesota's WMA system started in 1951, when the State established its "Save the Wetlands" program to buy wetlands and other habitats from willing sellers to address the alarming loss of wildlife habitat in the state. Initiated by a handful of visionary wildlife managers, the WMA program evolved into the present-day system of WMAs.

How many WMAs are there and where are they located?
There are over 1.3 million acres of high quality habitat in about 1,500 WMAs located throughout the state, making it one of the best and largest WMA systems in the country.

How are WMAs managed?
WMAs are the backbone of DNR's wildlife management efforts in Minnesota. Much of the wildlife managers' work is directed toward protecting and enhancing wildlife habitat on WMA lands. For instance, prairie and grasslands are planted, wetlands are restored and enhanced. Prescribed burning is done to maintain grasslands, prairies, and brush lands. Forest openings and regeneration projects benefit create wildlife habitat. Different management practices are utilized for different ecotypes.

What can I do to help?
There are opportunities to volunteer at WMAs by picking up trash to assisting with seed collection and much more! For more information and locations of WMAs go to this link https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/wmas/index.html.

For more information contact Becky Wozny, Wetland Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..