Climbing trees is fun and builds strength, confidence, and problem-solving skills. Though some worry it’s risky, injuries are rare with safe practices. Pick strong trees like oaks, avoid damaged ones, and check for wildlife. Dress right, follow safety tips like the rule of three, and only climb trees you can get into and out of on your own. Make sure it’s allowed where you are. Most of all, enjoy the adventure and freedom tree climbing offers.

When we think of bees, honeybees usually come to mind. But Illinois is home to 500 native bee species! One standout is the leafcutter bee, a gentle, solitary yet gregarious pollinator. Using their strong jaws, females cut leaves to build a cozy nest for her eggs. Unlike honeybees, leafcutters drop more pollen, making them 95% effective at pollination. Watch for their powdery yellow abdomens this summer!

Brown snakes, also called Dekay’s brown snakes, are small, harmless snakes common in Illinois. They live in forests, parks, and even cities, often hiding under leaves or rocks. They eat earthworms, slugs, and snails, and give birth to live young in late summer. Active mostly underground, they use their tongues to “smell” and may flatten their bodies or release a musky odor to scare off predators. You might spot one after a rain when they emerge

Birds use a variety of materials to build nests, from twigs and grass to feathers and bark. It's safe to offer natural nesting materials like sticks, pine needles, and grass clippings—but avoid hazards like human hair, yarn, plastic, dryer lint, and pet fur (if treated with flea meds). Leaving your yard a little untended or putting materials in feeders, shrubs, or even a muddy patch can help nest-builders. Just be sure what you offer is safe and bird-friendly!

Double-crested cormorants get a bad rap, but they’re fascinating birds! Found in Will County from spring to fall, they have turquoise eyes, bronze wing feathers, and dive to catch fish. They don't steal fish, nor are they up to no good. They’re social, skilled hunters with unique traits like sun-drying wings and toe claws that act as combs. Visit Lake Renwick Preserve to spot them and bust the myths yourself!

Dandelions are common weeds that benefit lawns by loosening soil and bringing up nutrients. Their greens are nutritious and used in salads, rich in vitamins and iron. Historically, dandelions have medicinal uses for various ailments. They grow almost anywhere, with deep roots and thousands of seeds. The name comes from French, meaning “lion’s tooth,” inspired by jagged leaves. In France, they’re called “pissenlit” due to their diuretic effects.

Windy spring days can be perfect for outdoor fun! Try flying kites, spinning pinwheels, or blowing bubbles. Race clouds, spread seeds like dandelions or milkweed, and listen to how wind sounds in different places. Get creative by building sailboats, making wind chimes, or dancing with homemade streamers. Use the wind to play, explore, and enjoy nature in new ways.

Great horned owls are one of the eight owl species that live in Will County. They have plumicorns, or tufts of feathers, on their head resembling horns or ears. The ability to rotate their necks 270 degrees in either direction makes up for their inability to move their highly sensitive eyes in their sockets. Great horned owls can hear sounds as far as 10 miles away and are almost silent in flight due to their feathers and fringes. They have the most diverse diet of all raptor