Turtles may not talk or hug like humans, but they use body language to communicate. They stretch their necks, wave claws, blink, and even touch noses to show affection or dominance. Without vocal cords or ears, they rely on subtle movements and vibrations to express feelings. Some actions, like head bobbing or claw fluttering, can show interest, warning, or aggression. Watching closely, you might spot a silent turtle conversation.

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.

Thundersnow is rare thunder and lightning during a snowstorm. It needs instability, moisture, and a lifting mechanism in the atmosphere—similar to summer storms. It often happens near large bodies of water like the Great Lakes. Snow dampens sound, so thunder is quieter and harder to hear unless nearby. Thundersnow signals heavy snowfall and fast accumulation, often occurring when air temperatures are near freezing and pockets of warm air rise, creating an electrical charge.

Illinois is home to two weasel species: the long-tailed and least weasel. They are rarely seen but are fierce predators with long, slim bodies. Both change color in winter for camouflage and are active day and night. They hunt small animals, cache food, and leave behind paired tracks and twisted scat with bones or fur. Long-tailed weasels are more common and tolerant of humans, while least weasels are smaller and prefer quiet, open areas near water.

In the 1890s, the Clow family made lots of butter—over 2,000 pounds by 1880. Want to try it yourself? Shake heavy whipping cream in a sealed jar until it thickens and forms butter, leaving buttermilk behind. Cream has fat molecules suspended in liquid. Shaking smashes them together to form solid butter. Add seasonings and enjoy your homemade treat.

The plains pocket gopher is a hardworking, solitary digger that builds extensive tunnels underground, improving soil health by increasing aeration and water flow. Equipped with strong incisors, large claws, and cheek pouches, it efficiently digs, cleans, and stores food. Found in sandy soils, it eats underground plant parts and rarely surfaces. Its dirt mounds mark its presence, and its work helps support ecosystems and plant life across Illinois.

Mallards are the most common duck in North America. Males are colorful with green heads, while females are brown and mottled. Only females quack. Mallards are dabbling ducks, feeding at the water’s surface. Ducklings can swim hours after hatching and fly by 50 days. Some migrate, others don’t. They imprint early in life, but imprinting on humans can cause issues. Bread is unhealthy for them and can lead to deformities like angel wing. Their diet shifts seasonally.

Create a leaf skeleton to explore the hidden “skeleton” inside plants! Simmer sturdy leaves in water with Super Washing Soda, then gently brush away the soft parts to reveal the veins. This mimics how decomposers break down leaves in nature, leaving behind lacy structures. Let it dry flat, then use your leaf as a bookmark, suncatcher, or gift. It’s a fun way to learn how nature recycles and reveals its hidden beauty!