By Isabelle Molitor, July 2026
Culver’s Root growing in Carolyn and Phil Fulkerson’s yard, which became Conservation@Home certified in 2025. You can see other native plants in the background.
Many aspects of conservation can be confusing, especially with an abundance of information available online or on social media. Scientific knowledge can also change rapidly with new discoveries and studies, and it can be challenging to keep up. Here are a few common phrases you might hear, and why they are false.
Misconception: Native plants are weeds
A yard filled with native plants might not resemble the landscaping many people are used to. However, native plants have ecological significance and should not be considered weeds. Different species of plants and animals adapt to their environments over time, and species that are native to a specific area have adaptations that help them thrive in that environment. Due to differences in adaptations and characteristics, invasive species can thrive unchecked when placed in a new environment and out-compete native species. If native plants are removed or out-competed, pollinating insects that adapted to share the environment will struggle as well. This has ecosystem level impacts, as the wildlife that relies on the plants and insects will not be able to survive without them. Additionally, native plants can be beautiful and provide blooming flowers for your landscaping.
Misconception: Wildlife and insects are a nuisance
Many people hesitate to plant native plants in their yards because they do not want increased numbers of native insects and wildlife. However, insects impact the rest of your yard in many different ways. Many are pollinators, which are very important to not just flower beds, but also vegetable gardens. Commonly misunderstood insects include bees and wasps. Bees are one of the most important pollinators, but also one of the most threatened. Bumble bees are one of the most common native Illinois bees, but they are threatened by increasing habitat destruction. Illinois has around 400 native bee species. While bees have the ability to sting, they generally do not sting people unprovoked. Providing safe and suitable habitat for native insects and pollinators allows for healthy plants, including the produce we eat.
Misconception: Bats are harmful to ecosystems
While bats often have a frightening reputation, they play an incredibly important role in ecosystems, and can even be pollinators. Many bat species help control insect populations, tracking insects at night with echolocation. Species that eat fruit help distribute fruit seeds, and species that eat nectar help pollinate the plants. Bats found in Illinois mostly eat insects, and there are 13 different species of bats in Illinois.
Staff completing a prescribed fire at Burr Oak Valley in 2025. Photo by Curt Johnsen.
Misconception: All fire is bad
Prescribed burns are an important tool in the restoration process. Many ecosystems contain fire dependent species, which need occasional fires to promote healthy growth. Prescribed fires are controlled considering factors such as existing conditions and weather to ensure the fire burns safely and accomplishes the restoration goals. Controlled burns are different from wildfires, and utilizing occasional prescribed burns can actually help reduce the number of extreme wildfires. Fire can reduce overcrowding and flammable materials in the ecosystem. Burning a fire dependent ecosystem will also reduce invasive species, as native plants will be adapted to fire and the invasive plants will not.
Misconception: Composting is challenging
Composting can be simple, and has many benefits to gardens, soils, and water. Adding compost to soil increases the fertility of the soil by increasing the organic matter content, and improves the water infiltration and retention rates of the soil. By composting organic materials, you can save money and reduce food waste. There are several easy methods to create a backyard compost bin, or you can participate in a community compost program like Nettle Curbside Compost. You can find more information on composting at home here, including what materials to include or avoid.
Misconception: Soil is just dirt
Soil is the foundation of all life on Earth, helping clean and regulate water, filtering pollutants, cycling nutrients like carbon and phosphorus, and protecting biodiversity. Soil is also an ecosystem with living structures and organisms. Of all species on Earth, 59% live in soil. This includes bacteria, fungi, plants, and invertebrates. These organisms allow for the ecosystems above the soil to thrive. There are also more types of soil than many people are aware of, with varying colors, textures, and structures. For example, soil can be sandy, loamy, or clay.
Soil samples showing various colors, textures, and structures. Photo by Isabelle Molitor.