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
-
Whether around the block or at a preserve, walking your dog is a win-win
November 19, 2020 | RecreationTaking your dog for regular walks has physical and mental health benefits for both you and your dog. If you need a change of scenery, bring your dog to one of Will County's preserves to check out some new sights — and smells.
-
Creature feature: The compact screech owl
November 13, 2020 | Nature and wildlifeScreech owls aren't the large, imposing creatures most people think of when they think of owls, but these small owls still play an important role in the ecosystem.
-
What's the difference: Turtle vs. tortoise
November 12, 2020 | Nature and wildlifeTurtle or tortoise? There are some key differences between these animals, but if you saw it here in Illinois you can rest assured it was a turtle.
-
Use these tips for jaw-dropping nature photos
November 9, 2020Make it your mission to get outdoors in the coming months and sharpen your photography skills.
-
Celebrate America's national mammal
November 5, 2020 | Nature and wildlifeThere are few things more powerful and majestic than the bison.
-
Myth buster: Woolly bear caterpillars don't really predict winter weather
November 4, 2020 | Nature and wildlifeThe bands on woolly bear caterpillars are said to be a sign about what Mother Nature has in store for us each winter, but in reality these insects can't tell us anything about the weather.
-
Nature curiosity: Why is blue so rare in the animal kingdom?
October 24, 2020 | Nature and wildlifeCreatures come in all sizes, shapes and colors, but not all colors are represented equally. Find out why blue is so rare in the animal kingdom.
-
Think twice before your drop that apple core on the ground; it's still littering
October 21, 2020 | Conservation and restorationFood scraps don't decompose as fast as you might think, so leaving your apple cores and banana peels behind is bad news for many reasons.
-
Creature feature: The creepy, crawly wolf spider
October 19, 2020 | Nature and wildlifeWith eight long legs, eight eyes and fangs for mouthparts, wolf spiders look scarier than they are. In reality, they aren't dangerous at all, and they play an important role in the ecosystem.
-
What's the difference?: Ladybug vs. lady beetle
October 15, 2020 | Nature and wildlifeLadybug or lady beetles? Are these creatures one and the same?
-
The best places to bike in Will County
October 13, 2020 | RecreationWith an extensive trail network, there are plenty of places to explore on two wheels.
-
How to turn your yard into a year-round wildlife haven
October 2, 2020 | Nature and wildlifeVariety is key, but if you plant it, they will come.
-
Nature curiosity: How do beavers hold their breath for so long?
September 30, 2020 | Nature and wildlifeHow do beavers stay under water for so long? Their bodies are specially designed for it.
-
Myth buster: Spider silk is as strong as steel? It's not quite so simple
September 25, 2020 | Nature and wildlifeIs spider silk as strong as steel? Yes and no.
-
Creature feature: The more vulnerable spiny softshell turtle
September 23, 2020 | Nature and wildlifeEastern spiny softshell turtles aren't as large as snapping turtles, but they are one of the biggest freshwater turtles in the United States.
-
Saving Thorn Creek Woods took hard work and a bit of luck
September 14, 2020 | Preserves and trailsIf you visit the preserve now, you can hike the woods, traverse the boardwalks, visit the lake, arrange to tour the historic farm and its garlic crop and view the massive oak and hickory trees that were left untouched by development.
-
Whether around the block or at a preserve, walking your dog is a win-win
November 19, 2020 | RecreationTaking your dog for regular walks has physical and mental health benefits for both you and your dog. If you need a change of scenery, bring your dog to one of Will County's preserves to check out some new sights — and smells.
-
Creature feature: The compact screech owl
November 13, 2020 | Nature and wildlifeScreech owls aren't the large, imposing creatures most people think of when they think of owls, but these small owls still play an important role in the ecosystem.
-
What's the difference: Turtle vs. tortoise
November 12, 2020 | Nature and wildlifeTurtle or tortoise? There are some key differences between these animals, but if you saw it here in Illinois you can rest assured it was a turtle.
-
Use these tips for jaw-dropping nature photos
November 9, 2020Make it your mission to get outdoors in the coming months and sharpen your photography skills.
-
Celebrate America's national mammal
November 5, 2020 | Nature and wildlifeThere are few things more powerful and majestic than the bison.
-
Myth buster: Woolly bear caterpillars don't really predict winter weather
November 4, 2020 | Nature and wildlifeThe bands on woolly bear caterpillars are said to be a sign about what Mother Nature has in store for us each winter, but in reality these insects can't tell us anything about the weather.
-
Nature curiosity: Why is blue so rare in the animal kingdom?
October 24, 2020 | Nature and wildlifeCreatures come in all sizes, shapes and colors, but not all colors are represented equally. Find out why blue is so rare in the animal kingdom.
-
Think twice before your drop that apple core on the ground; it's still littering
October 21, 2020 | Conservation and restorationFood scraps don't decompose as fast as you might think, so leaving your apple cores and banana peels behind is bad news for many reasons.
-
Creature feature: The creepy, crawly wolf spider
October 19, 2020 | Nature and wildlifeWith eight long legs, eight eyes and fangs for mouthparts, wolf spiders look scarier than they are. In reality, they aren't dangerous at all, and they play an important role in the ecosystem.
-
What's the difference?: Ladybug vs. lady beetle
October 15, 2020 | Nature and wildlifeLadybug or lady beetles? Are these creatures one and the same?
-
The best places to bike in Will County
October 13, 2020 | RecreationWith an extensive trail network, there are plenty of places to explore on two wheels.
-
How to turn your yard into a year-round wildlife haven
October 2, 2020 | Nature and wildlifeVariety is key, but if you plant it, they will come.
-
Nature curiosity: How do beavers hold their breath for so long?
September 30, 2020 | Nature and wildlifeHow do beavers stay under water for so long? Their bodies are specially designed for it.
-
Myth buster: Spider silk is as strong as steel? It's not quite so simple
September 25, 2020 | Nature and wildlifeIs spider silk as strong as steel? Yes and no.
-
Creature feature: The more vulnerable spiny softshell turtle
September 23, 2020 | Nature and wildlifeEastern spiny softshell turtles aren't as large as snapping turtles, but they are one of the biggest freshwater turtles in the United States.
-
Saving Thorn Creek Woods took hard work and a bit of luck
September 14, 2020 | Preserves and trailsIf you visit the preserve now, you can hike the woods, traverse the boardwalks, visit the lake, arrange to tour the historic farm and its garlic crop and view the massive oak and hickory trees that were left untouched by development.
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.