Tag Archives: natural history

May 2, 2017

Backlist Bop: May Berenbaum on what’s the buzz

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It’s spring, and the insects have returned in force. Though, unless you live in Antarctica, it’s doubtful you go a day without seeing an arthropod even in winter. These creatures are everywhere and have been for tens of millions of … Continue reading →

March 15, 2017

200 Years of Illinois: The long and writhing road

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Clear LaRue Road. Today marks the day officials close the storied roadway to assist of one of Illinois’s majestic natural wonders: the spring snake migration in Shawnee National Forest. The limestone bluffs come alive as snakes, as well as various turtles, frogs, toads, … Continue reading →

July 30, 2014

Exploring Illinois: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge

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The Upper Mississippi River National Fish and Wildlife Refuge stretches for 261 river miles from Cordova, Illinois to the mouth of Wisconsin’s Chippewa River. Dozens of bird species can be spotted at the Refuge, especially during migratory season. Perhaps most … Continue reading →

July 23, 2014

Exploring Illinois: Ayers Sand Prairie

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Ayers Sand Prairie in Carroll County was once the western edge of the Wisconsin Glacier. Among the small dunes explorers can spy plants and animals friendly to the dry growing conditions such as the birds-foot violet and the Olympia marble … Continue reading →

July 16, 2014

Exploring Illinois: Kickapoo State Park

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The middle fork of the Vermilion River runs through Kickapoo State Park. Just a short walk from Middle Fork Woods Nature Preserve, explorers will find forest-lined bluffs and a a multitude of creatures.  Large dragonflies patrol the banks along the … Continue reading →

July 9, 2014

Exploring Illinois: Henry N. Barkhausen Wetlands Center

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Henry N. Barkhausen Wetlands Center is the perfect starting point for exploring the Cache River ecosystem. From the visitor center window one can spy muskrat, river otter hummingbirds and various other creatures that thrive in the restored wetlands. But there … Continue reading →

July 2, 2014

Exploring Illinois: Matthiessen State Park

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Matthiessen State Park in LaSalle County is a feast for the eyes in all seasons. With greenery and wildflowers in the spring and summer, colorful foliage in the fall, and the arresting sight of icefalls in the winter, there is … Continue reading →

June 25, 2014

Exploring Illinois: Ballard Nature Center

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The Ballard Nature Center is a glimpse into what Illinois was like before the landscape gave way to cultivation for corn and soybeans. Located between Altamont and Effingham, just off old Route 40, Ballard Nature Center is a remarkable prairie … Continue reading →

June 18, 2014

Exploring Illinois: Little Black Slough Nature Preserve

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On the very the southern tip of Illinois, in the Cache River State Natural Area, you’ll find Little Black Slough Nature Preserve. Well known for its cypress-tupelo swamp, Little Black Slough has floodplain forests, upland woods and small patches of … Continue reading →

June 11, 2014

Exploring Illinois: Garden of the Gods

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The Garden of the Gods Recreation Area in the Shawnee Hills is a treat for anyone with a taste for geology. The sandstone bluffs and huge boulders at Garden of the Gods present unique formations including one dubbed “Camel Rock.” … Continue reading →