Nature's Storytellers

They are master excavators, noisy borers and the basis for a cartoon character. And now the pileated woodpecker has been chosen as the 2021 bird of the year by the American Birding Association.

Do you like birds and wish you knew more about them? There are a few simple steps you can take to welcome birds in to your backyard and begin to identify them.

Did you know Illinois is home to more than 500 species of native bees?

Have you ever seen something fluttering in the air that looks like a cigar with wings? Is it a bat? Is it a bird? It’s likely a chimney swift.

A lot of people are looking for fun things to do outdoors close to home. If you haven’t already, why not try fishing?

Much like birds, sunfish like bluegill and bass are busy building nests in DuPage forest lakes in preparation for their growing families.

With winter slowly fading and signs of spring arriving daily, gardeners are getting the itch.

With the recent warm weather and native plants starting to emerge from their winter slumber, folks may be eager to do some spring cleaning in their gardens.

What is that loud, bugling call high in the sky? It's sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) on their fall migration!

When people ask me how to attract birds, bees and butterflies to their backyard, my answer always begins with planting native plants. What do I mean by native plants? A plant is considered native if it has existed in an area or habitat and was not introduced by humans. Native plants have formed symbiotic relationships with native wildlife for thousands of years and, in turn, offer the best habitat. Adding native plants can help make your yard a great place for wildlife!