The eastern milksnake is Illinois’ state snake, common in the northern third of the state. Brown with black-bordered blotches, it grows 24 to 43 inches long. Despite its name, it doesn’t drink milk; farmers once wrongly thought it did because it was found in barns. Milksnakes are carnivores, eating amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, and small mammals. Illinois also has the red milksnake, found in the southern two-thirds of the state.

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are colorful light displays caused by solar wind interacting with Earth’s atmosphere. Colors vary by altitude—blue, green, or red. Best viewed near the poles, they can occasionally be seen farther south during solar storms. Unlike predictable celestial events, they’re harder to forecast but peak during solar cycles, with activity expected to be high in 2024–2025. For the best view, head away from city lights and look north around midni

In winter, darkness comes early, so humans and nocturnal animals like barred owls may be active at the same time. Barred owls don’t build nests—they reuse abandoned ones or tree cavities to raise owlets. With keen eyesight, sharp hearing, and silent flight, they hunt rodents, frogs, fish, and more. Barred owls can instantly crush prey with their grip that can be up to 5 times stronger than a human’s. Their call, “Who cooks for you?” marks their territory.

Frost is a thin ice layer forming on surfaces at or below 32°F, often seen on grass and cars after clear, calm nights. It can form even if air temperatures are above freezing because ground-level air can be colder. The most common frost, radiation frost or hoarfrost, happens when water vapor turns directly into ice. Frost usually melts or evaporates after sunrise as the sun warms the surfaces.

Crows are often misunderstood but are intelligent, social birds with important environmental roles. They disperse seeds, clean up dead carcasses, and even hold "funerals" to assess danger. Crows recognize human faces, hold grudges, and sometimes give gifts. They gather in huge flocks, especially in winter, and can use scraps as tools to get food. Some, like New Caledonian crows, are among the smartest animals, showing complex problem-solving skills.

Even in winter, nature is full of surprises—like lichen! Lichen isn’t a plant but a mix of fungus, algae, and sometimes cyanobacteria living together. It grows on trees, rocks, benches, and more, needing only air and sunlight. Lichen helps create soil and supports other life. Bundle up and go on a lichen hunt! Bring a magnifier, camera, and field guide to explore this tiny, colorful world all around you.

Winter stoneflies are hardy insects that emerge as adults during the cold months, mating and laying eggs on icy waters. Found in clean, unpolluted streams, they’re a sign of healthy water. Though small and drab, they’re well-adapted to winter with antifreeze-like body fluids and clever behaviors. Their presence, or even the empty shells they leave behind, is a reason to celebrate nature’s resilience in winter!

Owls hoot to communicate when trying to defend territory, warn others of danger, or when attracting mates. Most are crepuscular or nocturnal, hooting at night, dawn, or dusk. Their calls fall into one of three categories: hoots, toots, or screeches. Each species sounds unique: great horned owls hoot softly, barred owls ask, “Who cooks for you?”, and barn owls shriek. With practice, you can ID them by sound.