Headlines

Turtles are a common sight in and around our waterways, but the state-endangered Blanding's turtle isn't seen as often as the others.

People often have a negative reaction to them, but there are many reasons you should appreciate them.

Mother Nature's twists and turns can have a big impact on how the trees change in autumn.

What makes Lockport Prairie unique among our remaining grasslands is that it is a dolomite prairie.

From their appearance to their behaviors, opossums are unique in many ways.

What's the difference between a river, a creek and a stream? When it comes right down to it, not much at all.

Sweat bees and hover flies are often confused for both one another and for other bees. Neither poses any threat, however, and both are essential insects.

Invasion of the jumping worms isn't the next box-office thriller. These invasive worms are becoming widespread in Illinois, destroying the soil quality wherever they are. 

Do leaves tell us when it's going to rain? They can, but as with most weather forecasts, there are no guarantees.

How busy is the world below our feet? It easily rivals any habitat you see aboveground. Consider this: More organisms live in the soil than live aboveground.

A picture-perfect sunset is far from a guarantee, and a lot of factors play into whether the sun's inevitable slip below the horizon each day will take your breath away.

A chrysalis and a cocoon are not one and the same. Learn the differences between them, starting with which insect uses which.

America's prairies have long been celebrated, but they've mostly disappeared.

Who doesn't love the sweet, earthy smell of rain? 

Here's a closer look at the turtles that populate our local waterways.

Insects or arachnid? There are a few key differences.