Wild files

Did you know some firefighters start fires on purpose? Discover how prescribed burns help prevent wildfires and keep forests and prairies healthy.

There are many animals to observe outside in the Will County forest preserves, but its visitor centers are also home to a variety of species, some native and some not.

For some people, one of the less desirable things about fall is that insects start making their way indoors as temperatures begin to drop.

Did you know Illinois has a state rock? Discover how dolomite formed in ancient seas, why it matters and where you might find it today.

Muskrats are skilled swimmers that make their homes near water. Learn about their favorite foods, their babies and how they survive winter.

Meet the elf owl, the world’s smallest raptor. Learn how these tiny desert birds compare to Illinois owls and discover what they eat, where they live and more.

Trees have amazing stories to tell. Learn how burls, scars, animal homes, tree rings and other clues can reveal what a tree has experienced.

Squirrels spend fall hiding thousands of nuts to prepare for winter. Learn how they store their food, find it again and help new trees grow.

Praying mantises and walking sticks are masters of camouflage. Learn how to tell these look-alike insects apart and why they blend in.

Discover why purple asters and yellow goldenrod make a perfect fall pair. Their bright blooms provide important food and habitat for bees, butterflies and more.

Have you ever seen a huge moon near the horizon? Discover the science behind the moon illusion and try a simple experiment to test it yourself.

Firefly or lightning bug? People use different names for the same animals, so researchers use scientific names help them know exactly which creature they are talking about.

Coatis may look a little like raccoons, but these wild relatives have plenty of traits that make them unique.

Beavers build dams, but can you? Put your engineering skills to the test by building a a mini beaver dam at home.

The black and gold bumble bee is the state bee of Illinois. Learn where you might see if buzzing by.

What do animals do when summer gets too hot? For some, they enter estivation, a survival trick that helps frogs, turtles, snails and more beat the heat.

Ospreys are impressive birds of prey that are built for catching fish. Learn all about these impressive birds.

Discover how caddisfly larvae use silk, sticks, stones and leaves to build underwater homes, and learn why these tiny bugs are important to healthy waterways.

The plains pocket gopher spends almost its entire life underground, digging long tunnels through sandy soil. Learn how this little mammal helps the environment, what it eats and how to tell its tunnels apart from a mole's.

Get the scoop on kayaking the preserves, including cool spots to check out, how to stay safe and what to do on the water.