Let the Prairies Inspire Your Next Artistic Creation
Prairies are gorgeous, packed full of interesting sounds, details, colors and life! Summer is the best time to appreciate them. Why not...
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Willy's Wilderness
Willy's Wilderness
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- Aug 6
- 3 min
Standing Tall: Be a Tree on Your Next Trip Outside
We talk about trees a lot, whether it’s about the new buds, the changing colors or who is living inside. But what is it like being a...
- Jul 12
- 3 min
Let's Count Bugs! What an Insect Census Can Tell Us
An insect census is a bug count. Scientists will count insects to determine the biodiversity of an ecosystem. These surveys are taken at...
- Jun 7
- 2 min
Head Outside This Summer for After-Dark Scavenger Hunt
Have you ever completed a scavenger hunt? They are a great way to slow down and focus on all the details while on a forest preserve hike...
- May 7
- 4 min
The Sounds of Spring Are in the Air
Spring is one of the best times to discover the soundscape all around you. There is so much new life happening — with chirps, tweets,...
- Apr 30
- 3 min
How Does Your Garden Grow? As a Family
Native plants have been getting plenty of buzz lately, and for good reason. There are many reasons to garden with native plants. For...
- Mar 1
- 3 min
Take Time to Celebrate the Wildlife All Around Us
World Wildlife Day is celebrated every year on March 3. This day is meant to celebrate the beauty of wild animals and plants on Earth....
- Feb 13
- 2 min
Let Them Eat Cake — Snow Cake That Is
You’ve probably heard of birdbaths and maybe even put up a bird feeder or two at home. These are great ways to feed birds (and other...
- Jan 16
- 2 min
Bundle Up! It's Time to Play in the Snow
Sculpt with snow! It’s amazing stuff that you can use to build everything from forts to sculptures. In winter, try your hand at a...
- Dec 13, 2023
- 4 min
Look for Lichens on Your Next Winter Walk
Even in the colder months it is fun to get outside and explore the world around you. There are birds visiting just for winter, mammals...
- Nov 28, 2023
- 3 min
Get Outside and Start Building Like Our Wildlife
With most of the leaves gone, you might start to notice something super fun outside — all the animal homes! Come November, bird nests,...
- Oct 10, 2023
- 3 min
Looking for a New Hobby? Give Birding a Try
So you want to be a birdwatcher? Great! You picked a hobby that can be done almost anywhere outside. You can watch from your yard, a...
- Sep 26, 2023
- 3 min
Try These Ideas To Elevate Your Campfire Treats
Campfires are always fun! Maybe you are camping or just hanging out in your back yard. But almost always you are enjoying the company of...
- Aug 17, 2023
- 3 min
Head Outside at Night for Some Flashlight Fun
Summer nights are a great time for fun! Bedtimes might get pushed back, the heat cools off and there are fantastic evening sights and...
- Jul 18, 2023
- 3 min
Want Wildlife in Your Yard? Just Add Water
A habitat is where an animal lives. So many different types of habitats exist in our world — forests, deserts, lakes and more. Even with...
- Jun 6, 2023
- 3 min
When Rain Falls, It's Time To Get Out and Dance
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” — Vivian Green The author of this quote is...
- May 30, 2023
- 2 min
Magnify Your World on Your Next Outdoor Adventure
When you go outside, what do you see? A tree, a pond, the sun … all big things. But do you ever stop to look at the little, itty, bitty...
- Apr 28, 2023
- 2 min
Get Outside and Take a Closer Look With Binoculars
High in the sky or deep in the trees you see a flutter of activity. Who’s flying? A shape flits from branch to branch or scampers up the...
- Mar 10, 2023
- 2 min
Get Outside and Enjoy the Later Sunsets
On March 1, the sun set at about 5:42 pm. Then on March 12, daylight saving time begins. We will spring forward one hour, and the sun...
- Feb 24, 2023
- 3 min
Winter Is the Season for Waterfowl
When it's a cold, gray day, we’re forced to stay inside. But why? In fact, it’s a perfect day to check out geese, ducks and other water...
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