Headlines

Heat lightning is just a myth. What we think of as heat lightning is really just lightning from a thunderstorm that is too far away to experience its other effects.

Plogging is jogging while picking up trash you find along the way, and we hope it's a fitness fad that doesn't fade away.

Snakes are unique in that they shed their skin whole, a process called ecdysis. But why do they do this differently than other animals?

You've probably seen a cottontail rabbit, but how much do you know about these common creatures?

Bee, wasp or hornet? Learn the differences among these stinging insects.

The ruby-throated hummingbird is among the most beloved birds in Will County, and the more you know about them the more you will love them.

Bats aren't blind — some can even see better than you — but they also don't need to rely on their vision to navigate in flight because they use echolocation.

Bug bites are an annoying fact of life, but being prepared can make your time outdoors more enjoyable.

The belted kingfisher is a common bird that lives across the entire United States, and they often catch the eye and the ear with their top-heavy appearance and loud, rattling calls.

Next time you stop to smell the roses, or any other sweet-smelling flower for that matter, keep in mind that the fragrance isn't intended for you. Instead, the plants are trying to attract insects and birds to aid in pollination. 

Is that a moth or a butterfly? Learn the clues to help you tell the difference. 

Opossums are often depicted in cartoons as hanging upside down by their tails, but they aren't really able to do it for any length of time. 

River otters once nearly disappeared from Illinois, but these playful creatures have rebounded, thanks to a successful conservation program.

The preserves offer excellent canoeing and kayaking opportunities on our local waterways.

There’s a lot of variation among size, shape and materials.

What does it mean when the grass is wet and dewy in the morning? Can it tell you anything about the weather to come?