Needle ice forms when moist soil pushes water to the surface through capillary action, and the cold air freezes it into delicate ice columns. This happens when the ground is above freezing but the air is below 32°F. The right mix of moisture, soil texture, and temperature creates this rare sight. Look for it after a wet day followed by a freeze, especially on bare soil or trails. Listen for the crunch underfoot—you might find this magical ice up close.

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.

Southern flying squirrels glide using skin flaps called patagia and are active only at night. They live in mature forests across Illinois and are the smallest local tree squirrel. Omnivores, they eat nuts, fruit, fungi, insects, and even carrion. They nest in tree cavities, often in old woodpecker nests, and help forests by spreading seeds and eating pests. They breed twice a year and raise litters of 2–5 young.

A disease called white-nose syndrome, caused by the fungus P. destructans, is killing millions of hibernating bats in North America. It spreads in caves and causes abnormal behavior and death. While humans can’t catch it, we can spread the fungus. There’s no cure yet, but you can help by avoiding closed caves and reporting dead bats.

The Clow kids may have played with thaumatropes, 19th-century spinning toys that create optical illusions. You can make one with two drawings on circles of card stock, a straw or string, and some tape. When spun, the images appear to merge due to how our eyes retain images briefly. It’s a fun mix of art and science.

-The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year and marks when days begin to grow longer. People have celebrated it for thousands of years with traditions that honor both darkness and light. Try stargazing, flashlight games, or a cozy bonfire. Write down worries to burn in the fire and set intentions for the new year. Whether exploring the night or enjoying candlelight indoors, find joy in both the dark and the light of winter.

In winter, large bald-faced hornet nests become visible in trees. Built anew each spring by a single queen, these papery nests house up to 300 hornets by summer. Though they can sting multiple times and damage wood, hornets also pollinate plants and control garden pests. If the nest isn’t causing harm, it’s best to leave it alone — bald-faced hornets play a vital role in the ecosystem.

Northern harriers are owl-like hawks seen gliding low over grasslands in a V-shaped flight. Males are gray and white, females are brown, and both have a white rump spot. Like owls, they have facial disks for hearing, hunt by sound and sight, and nest on the ground. They eat small mammals and birds and may roost with short-eared owls. Males perform aerial courtship dances and may have multiple mates. Look for them in Will County during fall, winter, and spring migrations.