The yellow garden spider is a large black, yellow and white orb-weaver with a zigzag silk pattern in its web. Common in gardens and fields, females are much larger and more colorful than males. They aren’t aggressive and rarely bite. These spiders spin neat webs, catch flying insects and often stay in one spot for the season. Females lay up to 1,000 eggs in silk sacs. Look for them in sunny spots from August to September in Illinois.

Illinois prairies are full of color, life and inspiration. Visit preserves like Lockport Prairie or Midewin to see tall grasses, wildflowers and wildlife. Paint outdoors or use photos and sketches to create at home. Just be respectful of nature, clean up when done and let the prairie spark your creativity.

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.

Gardening with native plants is low-maintenance, supports pollinators, and offers great learning for kids. It teaches environmental stewardship, supports physical development, and brings families closer. Start small, use kid-sized tools, pick quick-blooming plants, and involve kids in care. Track progress with a garden journal. Native gardening is a fun, hands-on way to connect kids with nature.

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.

Pretend to be a tree. Stand tall, spread your arms like branches, and plant your feet like roots. Close your eyes and imagine connecting with the earth and nearby trees. Feel the wind, the sun, and the world around you. Trees communicate through touch and underground networks—try it with a friend. After a few still moments, return to your human form. Try this fun nature exercise in a park, forest, or backyard.

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.