October 18, 2013 Bo the Boa Constrictor Regular readers of this space may recall the time, 2 ½ years ago, that I arranged to trade a few reptiles from my personal collection for assorted critters that would become display animals at the then yet-to-open Hickory Knolls Discovery Center. Using travel carriers and assorted plastic crates,
Boa Constrictor, Reptile, Snake
October 4, 2013 Water Snakes Holy Nerodia, Batman! The water snakes are everywhere! Okay, maybe “everywhere” is an exaggeration. But “everywhere there’s water” isn’t. Nerodia sipedon sipedon, the northern water snake, has been particularly prevalent this fall, with people up and down the Fox River (and its tributaries) reporting sightings of this medium-sized, blotchy-brown snake.
Reptile, Snake, Watersnakes
September 27, 2013 Chimney Swifts If the answer is “Flying cigars,” what do you suppose the question might be? If you said something involving George Burns, Groucho Marx and an airplane, you’re gifted (or burdened) with the same weird sense of humor I have…but you’d be incorrect. A more suitable response, at least here, in
Bird, Chimney Swift, Fly
Pam’s Perspective From the… Pam Otto is the Manager of Natural Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District September 20, 2013 “Where have all the butterflies gone?” It’s a question that seemingly was on everyone’s minds this summer, at least the minds of everyone who loves butterflies. And really, who doesn’t? With
Butterflies, Summer, Wings
Pam’s Perspective From the… Pam Otto is the Manager of Natural Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District September 13, 2013 It was an “Eek!” heard round the world. Or at least in every corner of our humble campus abode. My college roommate Alisan, one of three people I shared the apartment
Bug, Centipede, Insect
Pam’s Perspective From the… Pam Otto is the Manager of Natural Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District September 9, 2013 Don’t you hate it when you get a song stuck in your head? For the past few weeks, I’ve had recurring bouts of that great Foundations hit, “Build Me Up Buttercup”
Butternut, Tree, White Walnut
Pam’s Perspective From the… Pam Otto is the Manager of Natural Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District August 30, 2013 Last Monday night, even though I was dog tired, I stepped outside for a bit of fresh air before bed. It’s a simple exercise, one I take part in frequently, and
Beetle, Bug, Insect, Long Horned Beetle
Pam’s Perspective From the… Pam Otto is the Manager of Natural Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District August 23, 2013 When was the last time you saw a little green man? For me, it was last Saturday. I was walking through the Hickory Knolls savanna when something small and bright caught
Bug, Cicada, Insect
Pam’s Perspective From the… Pam Otto is the Manager of Natural Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District August 16, 2013 The heady aroma of fine cigars. The rise and fall of male voices, punctuated with deep, booming laughter. It didn’t take a girl popping out of a cake to tell us,
Beetles, Bugs, Insects
Pam’s Perspective From the… Pam Otto is the Manager of Natural Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District August 9, 2013 Okay everybody, think fast: Who, or what, comes to mind when you hear the word blonde? Certain movie stars? Various jokes? The debate about who it is that has more fun?
Nuts, Squirrels, Trees