Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) is an invasive shrub native to eastern Asia that was widely planted for ornamental use and wildlife habitat. It is now established across much of the eastern and midwestern United States, where it forms dense understory thickets that outcompete native plants, reduce plant diversity, and alter forest structure and ecosystem processes.

Join Kaleb Baker of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission for a practitioner focused webinar that translates recent research into practical, on the ground management guidance for landowners and land managers. This session will cover how to identify Amur honeysuckle, summarize its ecological impacts, and explore management options and challenges faced in the field.

Drawing from recent studies evaluating seasonal basal bark herbicide treatments, prescribed fire, and soil responses to herbicide applications, this presentation will provide an overview of research objectives, methods, and results while highlighting how these findings can inform efficient, targeted control strategies that align with broader land management responsibilities.

Kaleb Baker, Illinois Nature Preserves Commission
Kaleb Baker is a Natural Areas Preservation Specialist with the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. He earned a Master of Science in Biological Sciences from Northern Illinois University, where his research examined the effectiveness of triclopyr basal bark treatments and prescribed fire for controlling Amur honeysuckle. Since 2015, Kaleb has worked in land stewardship, focusing on invasive species management, prescribed fire, and restoration practices that support diverse and resilient native ecosystems. His work combines research and hands-on field experience to inform practical management strategies for invasive species.