With no clear definitions, lakes and ponds mainly differ by depth and size. If shallow and sunlight reaches the bottom, it’s a pond. If not, it’s likely a lake. Illinois has 2,900 lakes and 8,400 ponds. Lake Superior is the world’s largest freshwater lake, and Lake Michigan is the largest lake located entirely in one country. The Great Lakes hold 21% of Earth’s fresh surface water and serve over 30 million people in the U.S. and Canada.

Cacti once had leaves (which rely on rainfall) but adapted to their dry environment and evolved to have spines. They're modified leaves that reduce water loss, direct moisture to roots, provide shade, and deter predators. Cacti store water in their stems and have shallow roots to absorb the smallest amount of moisture quickly. Even Illinois has native cacti like the eastern prickly pear, which supports pollinators and produces edible fruits and pads.

Animals can’t escape to air conditioning, but they have clever ways to beat the heat. Many seek shade or cool water. Birds pant using gular fluttering to release excess body heat, reptiles burrow into the ground or dive deeper in water, and mammals may wallow in mud or cool off in ponds. Some birds even poop on their legs to cool down! Rabbits and elephants use their ears to release heat. You can help by leaving clean water out for wildlife during hot days.

Sun glitter is the phenomenon of a sparkling appearance on a body of water’s surface caused by reflecting light. A reflection from the sun on a surface of water is called a glint. These glints appear as the sunlight reflects off slopes of the waves. Wind, birds, or anything that can cause large waves will disrupt the reflection resulting in multiple glints or flashes of light.

Animals share some surprising behaviors with humans. Some give gifts—like birds offering prey or spiders wrapping snacks in silk. Many sunbathe to warm up or remove parasites. Some grieve, like elephants and whales mourning lost loved ones. And many fiercely protect their young, from geese to octopi. While animals aren’t human, they deserve respect for both their differences and the ways they’re like us.

If you find a bird that displays signs of being sick or hurt, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator. Otherwise, they are best left alone. In the meantime, gently move the bird to a safe place if possible. Do not give the bird any food or water. It is illegal to handle a migratory bird without a permit. When you come across an injured bird, do not intervene in any other way than to place it in a box with air holes and contact a licensed rehabilitator.

Lunar eclipses occur during full moons when the Earth - positioned between the sun and the moon – casts its shadow on the moon, making it appear red or a “blood moon.” There are three types: total, partial, and penumbral. Total eclipses are the most dramatic. Though once feared, eclipses are now predictable and happen at least twice a year. They won’t last forever, as the moon is slowly drifting away from Earth (about 1.5 inches per year), but they’ll continue for millions of

Phenology is the study of natural seasons in relation to plants, animals, and climate. Temperature and amount of daylight are cues for plants and animals to determine when spring has arrived. Seeds need cold winters to thin out their outer shell, while mature plants rely on longer daylight to bloom. Some animals switch gears from winter to spring in relation to plant growth. Spring signals mating season and new life.