Sounds of Insects Night Hike
August 9, 2026 | 7:30 P.M TO 9:30 P.M
Venture out on the trail at Thorn Creek Woods at dusk listening for the chorus of nocturnal insects.
Headlines
-
Quiz: What's your skunk IQ?
March 13, 2025 | Nature and wildlifeWill your result on your 10-question skunk quiz stink? There's only one way to find out.
-
Be a Trailblazer: Hike Whalon Lake
March 8, 2025 | RecreationThis hike was on one of those days when it is easy to believe in the promise of spring and all it will deliver.
-
What's the difference?: Bobcat vs. Canada lynx
March 7, 2025 | Nature and wildlifeOnly one wild cat — the bobcat — lives in Illinois, but in other areas of its range the bobcat can be confused with its close relative the Canada lynx.
-
Quiz: Are you wise about woodcocks?
March 5, 2025 | Nature and wildlifeBrush up on woodcocks then take our 10-question quiz to see how much you learned.
-
$350 million invested in nature over 25 years
March 4, 2025The investment is used to preserve land, extend trails, enhance amenities and create recreational opportunities for residents.
-
Quiz: Are you a downy woodpecker whiz?
February 26, 2025 | Nature and wildlifeCan you master our 10-question quiz on these birds? Study up and then dive in to find out.
-
Be a Trailblazer: Hike Goodenow Grove
February 24, 2025 | RecreationWith so many trails to choose from, there are ample sights to be seen in this preserve on the eastern edge of Will County.
-
Trailblazer experience pushes pet owners to keep moving this winter
February 21, 2025 | RecreationInstead of staying home during this cold snap, dog owners are finding the Forest Preserve's new Be a Trailblazer experience is a wonderful motivation to get outside.
-
Five fast facts about fast-digging American badgers
February 20, 2025 | Nature and wildlifeGet to know the American badger, one of the animal kingdom's more renowned diggers.
-
Quiz: Are you an expert on screech owls?
February 18, 2025 | Nature and wildlifeGive a hoot and take out 10-question quiz on these owls to see how much you know about them.
-
Why is the world so quiet when it snows? The science behind the silence
February 12, 2025 | Nature and wildlifeIt's not just a myth that the world seems more quiet after a snowfall. There's science behind the silence.
-
What's the difference?: Red fox vs. gray fox
February 10, 2025 | Nature and wildlifeIllinois is home to two fox species, the red fox and the gray fox, and telling the difference between them isn't always as easy as looking at the color of their fur.
-
Quiz: How savvy are you about snowy owls?
February 9, 2025 | Nature and wildlifeTake this quiz to see how much you know about this treasured species.
-
Be a Trailblazer: Hike Hadley Valley
February 6, 2025 | RecreationA trails at Hadley Valley are perfect for a hike in any season and may make you feel like you've been transported back in time.
-
Nature curiosity: What is the polar vortex?
February 4, 2025 | Nature and wildlifeWhen winter temperatures get really cold, the polar vortex is to blame. But what, exactly, is the polar vortex and why does it sometimes affect our weather.
-
Quiz: What animal is this?
February 3, 2025 | Nature and wildlifeThink you know our local wildlife? Prove it with this 10-question quiz.
-
Quiz: What's your skunk IQ?
March 13, 2025 | Nature and wildlifeWill your result on your 10-question skunk quiz stink? There's only one way to find out.
-
Be a Trailblazer: Hike Whalon Lake
March 8, 2025 | RecreationThis hike was on one of those days when it is easy to believe in the promise of spring and all it will deliver.
-
What's the difference?: Bobcat vs. Canada lynx
March 7, 2025 | Nature and wildlifeOnly one wild cat — the bobcat — lives in Illinois, but in other areas of its range the bobcat can be confused with its close relative the Canada lynx.
-
Quiz: Are you wise about woodcocks?
March 5, 2025 | Nature and wildlifeBrush up on woodcocks then take our 10-question quiz to see how much you learned.
-
$350 million invested in nature over 25 years
March 4, 2025The investment is used to preserve land, extend trails, enhance amenities and create recreational opportunities for residents.
-
Quiz: Are you a downy woodpecker whiz?
February 26, 2025 | Nature and wildlifeCan you master our 10-question quiz on these birds? Study up and then dive in to find out.
-
Be a Trailblazer: Hike Goodenow Grove
February 24, 2025 | RecreationWith so many trails to choose from, there are ample sights to be seen in this preserve on the eastern edge of Will County.
-
Trailblazer experience pushes pet owners to keep moving this winter
February 21, 2025 | RecreationInstead of staying home during this cold snap, dog owners are finding the Forest Preserve's new Be a Trailblazer experience is a wonderful motivation to get outside.
-
Five fast facts about fast-digging American badgers
February 20, 2025 | Nature and wildlifeGet to know the American badger, one of the animal kingdom's more renowned diggers.
-
Quiz: Are you an expert on screech owls?
February 18, 2025 | Nature and wildlifeGive a hoot and take out 10-question quiz on these owls to see how much you know about them.
-
Why is the world so quiet when it snows? The science behind the silence
February 12, 2025 | Nature and wildlifeIt's not just a myth that the world seems more quiet after a snowfall. There's science behind the silence.
-
What's the difference?: Red fox vs. gray fox
February 10, 2025 | Nature and wildlifeIllinois is home to two fox species, the red fox and the gray fox, and telling the difference between them isn't always as easy as looking at the color of their fur.
-
Quiz: How savvy are you about snowy owls?
February 9, 2025 | Nature and wildlifeTake this quiz to see how much you know about this treasured species.
-
Be a Trailblazer: Hike Hadley Valley
February 6, 2025 | RecreationA trails at Hadley Valley are perfect for a hike in any season and may make you feel like you've been transported back in time.
-
Nature curiosity: What is the polar vortex?
February 4, 2025 | Nature and wildlifeWhen winter temperatures get really cold, the polar vortex is to blame. But what, exactly, is the polar vortex and why does it sometimes affect our weather.
-
Quiz: What animal is this?
February 3, 2025 | Nature and wildlifeThink you know our local wildlife? Prove it with this 10-question quiz.
The Buzz
The monarchs you see at this time of year are special. Here's why
7/31/2026
The monarchs you see at this time of the year are special, part of a 'super generation' different than the three generations that preceded it.
Hummingbirds are already migrating, but it's not time to take down feeders yet
7/30/2026
Ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate in waves, and some have already departed. But we'll see the birds in Will County for weeks or even months, so keep filling your feeders.
Bees and wasps invading hummingbird feeders? Here's why — and how to fix it
7/23/2026
If you are seeing more bees than birds at your hummingbird feeders lately, you're not alone. Learn why we see them more at this time of year and how you might keep them away from your hummingbird feeders.