Get outside

Fishing is full of surprises so pack light stay patient and enjoy nature. Be quiet near the shore to avoid scaring wildlife. Look for fish near weeds rocks or logs. If you get snagged stay calm and try different angles to free your hook and always clean up your line. Switch techniques if fish are not biting and remember the real win is spending time outside even if you do not catch a thing.

As spring commences, turtles begin to emerge from winter brumation. Isle a la Cache lagoon is a great place to spot species like painted turtles, snapping turtles, red-eared sliders and map turtles. Walk quietly and use binoculars to see them basking in the sun. Watch for nesting turtles crossing roads in May and June during breeding season. Rare Blanding’s turtles, with bright yellow necks, can also be seen at Isle a la Cache Museum. It's always a good day when you see a tur

A spring hike at McKinley Woods — Frederick’s Grove offers a slow-paced, sensory-rich experience full of wildflowers, birds and scenic views. The 1.35-mile Trail of the Old Oaks includes steep inclines and muddy spots, so boots are recommended. For a gentler route, try the Upland Trail. Visit nearby Kerry Sheridan Grove and Four Rivers Environmental Education Center for more trails, river views and interactive nature exhibits.

Heather Van Zyl set a goal to become best friends with a trail by visiting Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve weekly. Her first spring visits revealed fallen leaves, budding wildflowers like spring beauty and hepatica, and rare harbingers of spring blooms. She also noticed signs of deer and heard birds calling. By returning regularly, she hopes to witness seasonal changes and encourages others to connect with a special outdoor space too.

Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve offers scenic trails, great birding and the iconic big bridge on the Plum Creek Greenway Trail. A 2.34 mile round trip hike from the campground leads through forests and prairies with wildlife sightings along the way. The 267 foot bridge spans a 40 foot ravine and provides beautiful views. In winter, enjoy sledding, ice skating at Snapper Pond and indoor exhibits at Plum Creek Nature Center, which is open Wednesday through Sunday.

Rock Run Preserve in Joliet offers a mix of nature and city life, making it great for quick or longer hikes. On a 2.63-mile winter walk, we spotted birds, deer, and animal tracks in snow, plus colorful lichen and sumac. Flat paved trails and short limestone paths make it family-friendly. Its location and variety of paths mean every visit can be a new experience. Be a Trailblazer and explore this accessible, scenic preserve.

Animal tracks can reveal who passed by and where they were going. Try a tracking game with a friend: one person makes a trail in snow or mud while the other follows it to find them. Add difficulty with multiple players and crossing tracks. Pay attention to track size and shoe type. Practice with people first, then try spotting real animal tracks in nature.

Winter snow reveals signs of animal activity through fresh tracks. The best time to spot them is after a recent snowfall, especially overnight. Look in parks, yards, or along trails and observe the size, shape, and path of the prints. Clues may point to deer, squirrels, or ducks. Even without snow, tracks can be found in mud or dust. Following footprints and asking questions helps uncover which animals or people have passed through.