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Prescribed burns are fires we need
Did you know some firefighters start fires on purpose? Discover how prescribed burns help prevent wildfires and keep forests and prairies healthy.


Get to know dolomite, Illinois' state rock
Did you know Illinois has a state rock? Discover how dolomite formed in ancient seas, why it matters and where you might find it today.


Why do squirrels bury so many nuts?
Squirrels spend fall hiding thousands of nuts to prepare for winter. Learn how they store their food, find it again and help new trees grow.


Aster and goldenrod a dynamic duo for pollinators
Discover why purple asters and yellow goldenrod make a perfect fall pair. Their bright blooms provide important food and habitat for bees, butterflies and more.


Moon illusion: How the moon plays a trick on you
Have you ever seen a huge moon near the horizon? Discover the science behind the moon illusion and try a simple experiment to test it yourself.


What's in a name? The science of animal names
Firefly or lightning bug? People use different names for the same animals, so researchers use scientific names help them know exactly which creature they are talking about.


Too hot? Some animals hibernate in the heat
What do animals do when summer gets too hot? For some, they enter estivation, a survival trick that helps frogs, turtles, snails and more beat the heat.


Mighty moths: Nature's nocturnal pollinators
Think moths are just dull butterflies? Think again! Discover how to tell moths from butterflies and learn about some amazing Illinois moths.
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