I can remember every detail of the day I told my high school guidance counselor that I wanted to be a naturalist. First, there was…
Become a Naturalist!
Flying Squirrels
Working as the park safety supervisor for the St. Charles Park District, patrolling our public lands late into the night, Tim Timberlake has had plenty…
Squirrels & Walnuts
We’ve all been there… That awkward moment when you realize there’s a poppy seed from your morning muffin wedged between your two front teeth. Or…
Turkey Vultures
Turkey vultures are the sorts of birds that command attention. For one, they’re VULTURES-dark-feathered and hunchbacked, they look vaguely creepy even under the best of…
Young Redtail Hawks
Certain signs of fall are unmistakable. The changing colors of the leaves, the masses of migratory geese. And the persistent, almost petulant, calls of young…
Micrathena Spiders
When was the last time you got a face-ful of spider web? If you live in northern Illinois, and have walked outside recently, particularly in…
White Snakeroot
Usually when people write about wildflowers they use words like beautiful to describe the blossoms. Or terms like vigorous or conservative to describe the growth…
Argiope Spiders
“Let me show you something hideous!” My friend Mrs. Janet was pretty emphatic as she pulled her phone from her purse. Knowing that Janet works…
Cicada Killers
Full disclosure: This column originally ran in August 2012. I’d intended to run it again last week, as it seemed like it was time to…
Grass Spiders
Aah, the joys of summer. Here in the midst of another hot spell, the signs of the season are undeniable. Cicadas are buzzing, prairies are…