Headlines

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?

Not everything in nature is what it seems at first glance.

If you've ever seen a monkey in a tree in an Illinois forest, chances are it was really a tree burl creating an optical illusion. 

Wetlands link land and water, creating a crucial habitat with many important roles.

Only 300 or so of the green-eyed dragonflies are known to exist in Illinois, and the Forest Preserve District’s Lockport Prairie has the largest population of the federally endangered insect in the state.

That chipmunk you see may be a 13-lined ground squirrel. Learn how to tell them apart and everything you need to know about these ground squirrels. 

Rabbits are well-known for their ability to reproduce, but what makes them more prolific than other animals?

Instead of sunbathing, give forest bathing a try. All you need is a little free time and access to a forested or tree-covered spot. 

Another myth busted: Snakes are not slimy at all. 

If you've ever taken a walk outside after it rains, you know that worms tend to congregate above ground after wet weather. The reason why is a mystery, although scientists have a few theories.

Opossums deserve our love and respect because they provide many benefits, and they're pretty cute too. 

Dumping unused bait in the water seems like an innocent way to end a fishing trip, but it is detrimental to the health of our waterways.