Blog Archive | Illinois Extension

How the Eastern Grey Squirrel became our urban neighbors

December 27, 2020

As part of nature ourselves, humans feel a connection with the natural world-a feeling I don’t have to explain to any of you. This connection has caused us to seek out nature or integrate more natural elements into our landscapes. Prior to the Landscape Parks Movement in the 1870’s, our urban...

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Missing the Middle: The Importance and Fragility of the Shrublands Habitat

December 17, 2020

When I chose the shrublands habitat to cover for this blog post, I thought a great way to start would be to interview my Master Naturalists who are extremely active and well-versed in local restoration work. They know the natural areas of Will County like the back of their hand. So, I was surprised...

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Master Naturalist, Rhonda Brady on school bus full of kids

Master Naturalist Profile: “The Butterfly Lady”

December 4, 2020

A big white school bus decorated with colorful flowers and butterflies pulls into the parking lot. Ms. Mariposa has arrived! The doors of the mobile classroom opens and out comes the...

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Nature's Current Event - The Beaver Moon

November 30, 2020

The Beaver Moon was at its fullest this morning at 3:30 a.m. CDT. My unreasonable alarm, set for 3:15 a.m. to view it, was for nothing more than a drink of water. Here in northern Illinois it was overcast and only my faith in the moon’s existence was clear. However, as I peered half asleep at the...

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Species Profile – Crawfish Frog

November 18, 2020

Everyday Environment

Imagine you are five years old and playing in the tall grass, feeling the spongy wet soil beneath your feet, when suddenly the quiet is interrupted by shockingly loud, deep guttural calls all around you. You are startled beyond your wits and leap out of the grass in a rush back to the...

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Nature's Current Events: Sandhill Crane Migration

November 6, 2020

Everyday Environment

Growing up in central Illinois, I was familiar with swaths of Canada Geese migrating across the sky and their characteristic HONK!, but after moving to Northeastern Illinois, I have discovered the joy of a slightly more charismatic bird that captures the hearts of naturalists and nature...

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Event: Annual Day of Learning

November 2, 2020

September blue is not a paint color option at the home improvement store, though it should be. September blue is the distinct color of the sky in that imperceptible month between the last heated days of August and the ever so popular start of fall in October. In land management and conservation...

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Species Profile: White Oak

October 23, 2020

The mighty white oak tree, Quercus alba, has long been the subject of folklore and legend. Sometimes called the “King of Trees,” the oak is often associated with titans in the pagan pantheon, Zeus and Thor to name just two. In Illinois, we recognize its importance and have named...

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Ecological Profile: Hill Prairies of Illinois

October 16, 2020

Everyday Environment

Illinois is the prairie state, but don’t think all prairies are the same. While deep-soil, tallgrass prairie dominated much of the landscape, other prairie types found niches too. Along some of the big river systems in Illinois, hill prairies found a home perched at the top of steep, rocky...

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Kids walking on log over shallow creek in local park

Project Profile: Kids and Nature

October 8, 2020

Will County Master Naturalist Amy Gibson points to deep, heart-shaped tracks in the soft mud of a leaf-covered ravine in Pilcher Park. She asks the fourth graders clustered around her, "what do we have here?" Two boys zig-zag through...

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Local OPAL- Guiding People to Nature

October 2, 2020

Everyday Environment

Illinois Master Naturalists want to experience as much of the natural world as possible and share that passion with their fellow citizens. Peoria County Master Naturalist, Julie Robinson, took this mission to heart when observing students spending less and less time outdoors and more time in front...

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Master Naturalist Profile: Nachusa Prairie Steward

September 23, 2020

Our first Master Naturalist profile is a man with a heart for conservation, Joe Richardson. Joe doesn’t claim to be anything more than a retired man who loves nature. That stated, on average he volunteers 289.5 hours annually with our conservation partners...

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Welcome to Naturalist News

September 17, 2020

Did you ever splash in mud puddles as a kid? How about climb a tree or catch lightning bugs in a jar? If so, you just might be a naturalist. Illinois Master Naturalists are individuals who continue to explore, wonder, and enjoy nature in all of her glory, warts and all. Truth be told, they are...

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Everyday Environment 2020