Have you ever noticed that some snow is particularly sparkly or glittery? Scientists call it "snow sparkle," an effect caused by sunlight reflecting off ice crystals in the snow.
Despite what you may have heard, woolly bear caterpillars can't predict how bad the winter weather will be. But they do have a pretty cool way to survive even the most frigid temperatures.
African buffalo are one of two buffalo species in the world, and they share many similarities with North American bison.
It's skunk mating season, and as male skunks are out and about searching for mates, we may have more close encounters with these animals, resulting in that telltale smell in the air.
Pesky seagulls get a lot of attention from humans, but there is more to these birds than their thieving ways.
Snowstorms are often anticipated for days ahead of their arrival, but when does a snowstorm become a blizzard?
How do turtles breathe while they are underwater all winter? Through their butts, so to speak.
The days have become noticeably colder and shorter, and food supplies have become more scarce for many birds. But you can keep birds visiting your yard all year long by providing the right foods.
Discover the unique traits of sea otters and see how they compare to their local cousin, the river otter.
Every snowflake is unique, or at least as best as we can figure out. It's probably true that no two snowflakes are alike, but the sheer number of snowflakes makes it virtually impossible to determine with certainty.
When given the choice, most of us choose to spend most of the winter indoors. Animals, though, don't exactly have a choice.
Educate yourself on the benefits of snakes so you can appreciate instead of hate serpents.
Deer can't escape the cold during a long, harsh winter, so how do they survive? They rely on a combination of adaptations and behavioral changes to make it through the cold winter months.
Caribou are relatives to the deer that roam Illinois, and there's a lot of similarities and differences between these animals.
For some animals, preparing for winter means turning an entirely different color. Find out how their white fur helps them get by in snowy weather.
Cooper's hawks once faced similar threats to bald eagles and peregrine falcons, but these hawks have recovered and now thrive across Illinois.
Have you ever noticed that some snow is particularly sparkly or glittery? Scientists call it "snow sparkle," an effect caused by sunlight reflecting off ice crystals in the snow.
Despite what you may have heard, woolly bear caterpillars can't predict how bad the winter weather will be. But they do have a pretty cool way to survive even the most frigid temperatures.
African buffalo are one of two buffalo species in the world, and they share many similarities with North American bison.
It's skunk mating season, and as male skunks are out and about searching for mates, we may have more close encounters with these animals, resulting in that telltale smell in the air.
Pesky seagulls get a lot of attention from humans, but there is more to these birds than their thieving ways.
Snowstorms are often anticipated for days ahead of their arrival, but when does a snowstorm become a blizzard?
How do turtles breathe while they are underwater all winter? Through their butts, so to speak.
The days have become noticeably colder and shorter, and food supplies have become more scarce for many birds. But you can keep birds visiting your yard all year long by providing the right foods.
Discover the unique traits of sea otters and see how they compare to their local cousin, the river otter.
Every snowflake is unique, or at least as best as we can figure out. It's probably true that no two snowflakes are alike, but the sheer number of snowflakes makes it virtually impossible to determine with certainty.
When given the choice, most of us choose to spend most of the winter indoors. Animals, though, don't exactly have a choice.
Educate yourself on the benefits of snakes so you can appreciate instead of hate serpents.
Deer can't escape the cold during a long, harsh winter, so how do they survive? They rely on a combination of adaptations and behavioral changes to make it through the cold winter months.
Caribou are relatives to the deer that roam Illinois, and there's a lot of similarities and differences between these animals.
For some animals, preparing for winter means turning an entirely different color. Find out how their white fur helps them get by in snowy weather.
Cooper's hawks once faced similar threats to bald eagles and peregrine falcons, but these hawks have recovered and now thrive across Illinois.
Experience the prairies and woods and Riverview Farmstead like never before while trick-or-treating.
Start your Saturday by slowing down and reconnecting with nature with a guided mindfulness session followed by a peaceful hike.
It's not too early to start thinking about next year's flower gardens. In fact, if you're thinking about adding more native plants to your landscape, now is the time to sow the seeds so they germinate come spring.
Put down the rake. You can feel good about leaving your leaves wherever they fall. Letting them be is actually better for the environment.
Pumpkins are popping up everywhere these days, but once Halloween is over, don't just pitch your pumpkins. You can put them to good use instead.