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Jennifer Rydzewski

Photo of blog author Jennifer Rydzewski

Jennifer Rydzewski is an environmental interpreter for Forest Preserve District. She has a B.S. in animal sciences and an M.S. in natural resources and environmental sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and an M.A. in zoology focusing on community-based conservation and experiential learning from Miami University. Her 10+ years of professional experience in environmental education include outdoor, classroom, community, zoo and residential camp settings. Her favorite things about being a naturalist are learning something new every single day and sharing excitement about nature with others.

August 8, 2022

The Sweet Story of Honey Bees

Jennifer Rydzewski

Honeybees are arguably the most well-known pollinator, but did you know that honeybees are not even native to North America? Apis mellifera, the domesticated European honey bee,...

July 26, 2022

A Moment for Millipedes

Jennifer Rydzewski

The next time you hit the trails at a DuPage forest preserve, keep an eye out for the North American millipede, Narceus americanus, also called the “iron worm” for its armored...

July 15, 2020

Show Some Loving for Opossums

Jennifer Rydzewski

The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) probably won’t win any popularity contests based on its looks.

April 30, 2020

Where the Native Plants Grow

Jennifer Rydzewski

Planting native plants in our yards and gardens is gaining popularity for good reasons.

February 11, 2020

Have Coin, Will Travel

Jennifer Rydzewski

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

December 17, 2018

Life Under Ice

Jennifer Rydzewski

After the last leaves fall and the cold winds start to blow, winter settles across DuPage County. Ground squirrels and woodchucks hunker down in underground burrows.

April 16, 2018

Solutions to Common Garden Challenges

Jennifer Rydzewski

Gardening with native plants has many rewards, but it can also pose some challenges. The beautiful flowers may attract pollinators, but they may also attract unwanted critters,...

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