Native shrubs provide resources that have significant benefits to native insects and wildlife. Explore a variety of native shrubs, their value to native insects and their role in conservation efforts.
Woodlands across Illinois are home to many secretive animals that creep, crawl, or fly such as salamanders, snakes, and bats. We tend to think these animals prefer dark and cold spaces, but this is not always the best habitat for them. Explore how you can provide habitat for these animals in...
The garden doesn’t stop being a haven in the winter months. Lots of wildlife can use your yard for over-wintering and provide a delightful spectacle on cold days as we look out dreaming of warmer weather. Attracting birds to the winter landscape can be incredibly rewarding for people of all ages...
University of Illinois ornithologist Michael Ward discusses the plight of birds. Are the declining populations dire? Why are Midwestern migrating birds being found in shark stomachs in the Gulf of Mexico? Ward tells what is being done across the borders, in Illinois agricultural lands, and how...
Owls are not only at the top of their food chain; they are at the top of their game. Owls have one of the most unique set of tools in their predator toolkit, from eyes that can penetrate the darkness, to rotating toes to pick up the smallest of rodents. Owls are also masters of illusion and...
Woodpeckers are incredibly unique and have been around for millions of years. They require specific habitats and are very noticeable by their sound and movement. There are seven species of woodpeckers living in Illinois habitats. What many may not know is how critical woodpeckers are to some of...
Except for a small percentage, Illinois habitats are currently unable to sustain complete or large populations of these large mammals. The black bear, timber wolf, and cougar have all made cameo appearances in recent years and have been doing so for more than a decade. There are many reasons,...
Coyotes have to be one of the most misunderstood species in Illinois. Cunning, social, resilient, opportunistic, faithful, adaptive, shy, successful, hated, inspirational: those words have all been used to describe coyotes. They conjure up mixed feelings of fear, anger, and for some, wild beauty...
Wildlife can be fun to watch, but wild animals can also be very destructive to the home landscape. The Good Growing team discusses damage from deer, rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, voles, and mice and tips to help coexist and protect your landscape.
Join University of Illinois Extension and Dr. John Crawford National Great Rivers Research and Education Center in this info-packed...