Smarty Plants

EAB: There is No Silver Bullet

Emerald ash borer (EAB) was first detected in Minnesota in 2009. Over the last 17 years of management efforts EAB has kept everyone on their toes as we have prepared for

Teamwork Tackles Tree of Heaven

Tree of Heaven, a high priority noxious weed, was discovered for the first time in Dakota County in 2025. Host Jennifer Burington talks with MDA weed scientist Tony Corti

Small Fly, Big Trouble

Just as berry season is approaching peak deliciousness in Minnesota, we zoom in and take a look at a tiny pest that causes problems for berry growers on this episode of S

Weeding Through Changes

This year brought changes to the Minnesota Noxious Weed List. Listen to weed experts Emilie Justen from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Dr. Jim Calkins from t

Garden Smarter, Not Harder

After our long Minnesota winter, many of us are itching to get outside and work on our gardens, or put some new plants in the ground. Set yourself up for success this gar

Buckthorn: There is Light at the End of the Tunnel

As one of the most aggressive and invasive plants threatening Minnesota, buckthorn is a major problem in urban and rural forest alike. Managing a buckthorn infestation ca

Bee the Change

Having a perfectly manicured lawn in your front yard is often a goal for many homeowners. But all that freshly mowed grass doesn't make a great habitat for Minnesota

Consumer Protections on the Smallest Scale

Sitting down with a big bowl of salad or admiring the beauty of our plants, it isn't always in the forefront of our minds where those things came from, a tiny little

Managing Eco-Anxiety

The environment around us is changing. Invasive plants and pests affect native species, the climate is different, and major weather events are happening more frequently.

Shop Local - Even for Your Holiday Tree!

Listen in to hear all the benefits for purchasing a real locally grown holiday tree. John Krueger, a Minnesota Christmas tree grower, and Rachel Wandrei of the Minnesota

Creepy Crawlies

Spiders tend to elicit fear from people. Their eight legs, extra eyes, fast moves, and love for dark, hidden places can be startling. However, the wonderful world of spid

Are Invasive Plants Just a Click Away?

Shopping online is now easier then ever, making our favorite products often accessible and delivered to our homes with just a click or two. On this episode of Smarty Plan

EAB Biocontrol

Emerald ash borer (EAB) has become widespread in Minnesota and is a major threat to our state's ash trees. Efforts to limit EAB populations using biocontrol in Minne

Painful Plants

Not only do noxious and invasive weeds damage our natural resources, but they also can be harmful to people. Emilie Justen from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture an

Participatory Science: Your Involvement Matters

The public's involvement in invasive species work is a powerful tool in successful management. Angie Ambourn, Entomologist from the Minnesota Department of Agricultu

Tribal Weed Management

Weed management is important throughout Minnesota, with many different entities doing essential work to minimize the effects noxious and invasive weeds have on our enviro

Making a Fuss about Red Star Rust

Junipers, crab apple, and apple trees are all important tree species in Minnesota. In fact, apple varieties of Minnesota origin are among the top sellers in the country,

Living with EAB

Minnesota has been living with emerald ash borer (EAB) since it was first found here in 2009. Over the years, the invasive insect and its effect on trees have become more

Harmful Weeds Make the List

There are many different weeds that can cause harm to our landscapes, forests, and agricultural land. Weeds that are of high concern for their dangerous impacts often lan

Making Plans for a Healthy Garden

An essential part of garden planning is making sure that seeds or plants that you are planting are free from diseases and noxious weeds. Do some proactive planning for th