Beavers, the largest rodents in North America, are closely related to the Eurasian beaver. Both are herbivores and keystone species that shape ecosystems by building dams. Though similar in appearance, Eurasian beavers have lighter fur and narrower tails. Capybaras, native to Central and South America, are the world’s largest rodents. Both beaver species were once nearly extinct due to overhunting but have made partial recoveries through reintroduction efforts.

Slime molds, like the chocolate tube slime mold, are brainless yet smart single-celled organisms that move and feed like amoebas. They’re not fungi, plants, or animals, but they break down organic matter and help soil. Found on rotting wood, they change shape, form spores, and can solve mazes. Their odd looks inspire names like dog vomit and scrambled eggs. Look for them in warm, damp forests on logs and leaf litter.

Grasses cover over 26 percent of Earth’s life and grow on every continent including Antarctica. They have hollow stems, leaf blades, and tiny wind-pollinated flowers. Grasses grow from nodes, spread by underground runners, prevent erosion, and support wildlife. Humans eat grass seeds like wheat, rice, and corn. In Will County, native grasses like big bluestem, prairie dropseed, and golden plume still thrive in prairies like Prairie Bluff Preserve.

Honeybees and yellow jackets look similar but differ in color, fuzziness and behavior. Honeybees are fuzzy and brownish, while yellow jackets are smooth and bright yellow. Yellow jackets are more aggressive, sting repeatedly, and often nest in the ground. Honeybees sting once and are vital pollinators. Both benefit the environment, but yellow jackets cause more stings. Bee stings can range from mild to severe and may require emergency care.

Carolina parakeets and passenger pigeons once filled Illinois skies but are now extinct due to habitat loss, overhunting and disease. Both species lived in large flocks and relied on forests. Their disappearance led to stronger bird protection laws. This summer take time to notice and appreciate the birds around you because their presence is not guaranteed.

Some flies are drawn to stinky things like waste and dead animals because they lay their eggs there. These “filth flies,” such as houseflies, blow flies and flesh flies, use their antennae to smell. Females are especially attracted to these smells and can detect them from miles away. After laying eggs, maggots hatch, grow and become adult flies. Though often a nuisance, these flies can spread disease, making proper control important.

Cattails grow in wet areas and have unique ways to reproduce through seeds and underground rhizomes. Their parts are useful too! Leaves can make water-resistant string or soothe cuts, fluffy seeds can be used for fire-starting or insulation, and the tops can become torches. They’re even edible with adult guidance. While cattails are helpful to humans and wildlife, remember not to harvest them from protected areas like forest preserves.

The moon follows a 29.5-day cycle and affects Earth’s tides through gravity. It likely formed from a collision between Earth and another planet. With no atmosphere, the moon has extreme temperature changes. The far side of the moon is not darker, just never visible from Earth. It is slowly moving away about one inch per year. The moon remains a source of mystery and inspiration despite being explored and studied for decades.