Tree roots absorb water, which then moves to the leaves and evaporates through a process called transpiration. You can observe this by sealing leaves in a plastic bag for a few days—water will collect as it transpires. This process cools the plant and releases moisture into the atmosphere. Different plants may transpire at different rates, and in a survival situation, transpired water is safe to drink, though it may taste bitter.

You float more easily in saltwater because it’s denser than freshwater. In this experiment, an egg sinks in plain water but floats in saltwater. Adding salt increases the water’s density, making the egg more buoyant. Try adjusting salt or water levels to see if you can make the egg float in the middle.

Green herons are shy birds found near ponds and rivers. Their green-gray backs and chestnut necks help them blend into tall grasses. They hunt by standing still or using bait to lure fish. These birds nest high in trees and both parents help raise the young. Green herons migrate south for winter and return to Illinois each spring. Look closely on your next nature walk and you might spot one.

What looks like a giant mosquito may be a harmless crane fly. They do not bite or sting and most adults do not eat. Adults live only a few days to mate and lay eggs. They spend most of their lives as larvae feeding on plant matter in soil or water. Larvae can damage lawns but crane flies are an important food source and sensitive to pollution. If one flies indoors, gently move it outside rather than swatting.

Flies may seem pesky, but they have incredible abilities. They flap wings 200 times per second, land upside down, see in all directions, and process images faster than humans. They eat by spitting digestive juices on solids to liquefy them. Though often seen as dirty, flies groom themselves regularly. They play key roles by decomposing waste and pollinating plants. Despite their small size, flies help keep ecosystems healthy.

Eastern and ornate box turtles are land-loving turtles found in forests and prairies. They can close their shells like a box to protect from predators. Males have red eyes and concave plastrons; females have brown eyes and flat ones. Ornate box turtles mostly eat animals, while eastern ones eat plants and fungi too. Both brumate in winter. Ornate box turtles are threatened in Illinois, and one can be seen at Plum Creek Nature Center.

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.