Northern leopard frogs are common throughout our region, but their coloration can make them hard to spot. Learn more about Lithobates pipiens and other local…
Frog Monitor Training
Gray Tree Frogs
The things you learn when you write a nature column. Years ago I didn’t know, for instance, that the word fungus made some folks uncomfortable.…
Hop to It! Become a Frog Monitor
I guess you could say I have a history with frogs. For as far back as I can remember, I’ve chased after these guys, stalking…
Toads
Wow, can you say water, water everywhere? Our wetter-than-usual spring (and, now, summer) have led to puddles and pools in places that aren’t normally all…
The Salamander and the New Tail
The tiger salamander on the left displays a tail of normal length. The salamander on the right is in the process of regenerating its tail following an infection. Look closely to see the newly formed tip peeking out at the end. The Salamander and the New Tail March 16, 2018 It’s come to my attention
American Toads
Odd creatures roam our streets by night. Sidewalks too. And driveways, and front and back steps–especially those with lights. With big eyes, and bellies to match, these beasts are hungry. They’ll stop at nothing in their quest for prey. But before we cause too much alarm, I should probably clarify a couple things. These animals
Salamanders
Pam’s Perspective C:\Users\selm\Desktop\P1010348.JPG From the… Pam Otto is the Manager of Natural Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District April 19, 2013 “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” Gosh, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to start a column with a famous opening
Frogs
Pam’s Perspective From the… Pam Otto is the Manager of Natural Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District January 30, 2013 I guess you could say I have a history with frogs. For as far back as I can remember, I’ve chased after these guys, stalking them in ponds and streams, reveling
Cope’s Gray Tree Frog
Pam’s Perspective From the… Pam Otto is the Manager of Natural Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District June 22, 2012 The things you learn as when you write a nature column. A few years ago, I didn’t know that the word fungus, for instance, made some people uncomfortable. Little did I
Sallies
If lately you’ve found yourself leaving no stone unturned, it could be that you’re a very thorough and exacting individual. Or maybe, like some of us here at the park district, you’ve just finished a week of Reptile and Amphibian Camp. Also known as Herp Camp, this program focuses on the scaly and smooth-skinned critters