Great blue herons are among the largest birds in Illinois, standing up to 4.5 feet tall with wingspans over 5.5 feet. Despite their size, they weigh only 5 to 6 pounds due to their hollow bones. These grayish-blue birds are skilled hunters, using their sharp bills to catch fish, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and small mammals. Both males and females share the same coloring.

Dragonflies and damselflies look similar but have key differences. Dragons are larger, rest with wings open, and have fused eyes. Damsels are slender, rest with wings closed, and have separated eyes. Both begin life as aquatic nymphs with unique gills and are skilled insect hunters. Dragons fly fast and high; damsels flutter low. Will County is home to many colorful species, including green darners, Halloween pennants, and familiar bluets.

The 13-lined ground squirrel lives in underground burrows and is one of the few true hibernators in Illinois, sleeping from November to March. In warmer months, they’re found in grassy areas with short grass so they can see over it. They store food in cheek pouches and eat mostly seeds, along with insects and bird eggs. They have 13 light and dark stripes on their backs, with light spots on the dark stripes, giving them a dotted look.

Monarch butterflies go through four life stages: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis and adult. This process is called metamorphosis. Monarchs rely on milkweed plants throughout their lives. They lay eggs only on milkweed, and the caterpillars feed solely on it. Without milkweed, monarchs cannot survive.

The slender glass lizard is a legless reptile found in Will County that looks like a snake but is a lizard because it has eyelids and external ears. It lives in sandy habitats and can grow up to 42 inches long. Its tail breaks easily to escape predators and regrows shorter. Active during day or night based on temperature, it eats insects and small animals. Though rarely seen, it’s not endangered but is a conservation concern in Illinois.

Lightning bugs, or fireflies, light up to find mates using special organs that produce light through a reaction with oxygen and luciferin. Different species flash unique light patterns, with males and females communicating. Not all lightning bugs can light up, but those in our area do. When catching them, be gentle, use a container with air holes, keep them only a day, and release them at night when they’re active.

Summer is perfect for digging in the dirt. Feel its texture, color and smell. Pretend to dig like animals such as birds, moles, worms or rabbits. Use tools or your hands to explore. Discover hidden treasures and create a mud museum. Play with mud pies, mud soup or build a dirt castle. When finished, fill the hole like an animal or with tools. You can even plant something before covering it up. Enjoy getting messy and creative in nature.

Poison ivy grows across most of the U.S. and can be identified by its three glossy leaflets, which change color with the seasons. It can grow as a shrub or vine. Most people are allergic to its oil, urushiol, which causes an itchy, red rash where it touches the skin. The rash is not contagious. To ease symptoms, avoid scratching and use anti-itch treatments or cool compresses.