March 21, 2014 Mantids I’m sure we can all relate to the expression, “too much of a good thing.” With St. Patrick’s Day still in recent memory, some of us may regret consuming too much corned beef and cabbage. Or green beer, as the case may be. The excesses of Fat Tuesday aren’t too far
Bug, Insect, Mantid
November 22, 2013 Roaches It’s the season for gratitude, a time of year when people make a special effort to list the things for which they are thankful. As much as I wish this attitude would extend throughout the year (just like I wish folks would make every day an Earth Day) it’s still good
Bug, Insect, Roach
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 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 June 21, 2013 The other night a large, mosquito-like insect was flying around the kitchen. I waited until it landed, then let it outside. Not five minutes later, I spotted another. Out it went,
Bug, Crane Flies, Insect
Pam’s Perspective From the… Pam Otto is the Manager of Natural Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District May 17, 2013 I’ve never, by any stretch of the imagination, been considered quick. I can’t dash, I don’t dart. In fact, the only time I recall moving with any speed at all was
Beetle, Bug, Insect, Six-Spotted Beetle
Pam’s Perspective From the… Pam Otto is the Manager of Natural Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District October 19, 2012 I think it’s safe to say, we are well acquainted with the practice of hosting visitors, and try to give each and every one the experience they desire. But lately, some
Bat, Bugs, Frog, Insect, Visitors
September 28, 2012 Stink. Rarely does this word inspire confidence or garner support. But sometimes, it’s just what a garden needs. The other day my cell phone buzzed, signaling that I had received a text message. It was from my friend Tim, a.k.a. Park Safety Officer Tim Timberlake. Gifted with an eye for the out-of-the-ordinary,
Bug, Insect, Stinkbugs
1 Pam’s Perspective From the… Pam Otto is the Manager of Natural Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District August 10, 2012 I don’t know if there’s any other group of animals that provides as much excitement, milligram for milligram, as the Class Insecta. Think about it. Even though they’re small—the biggest
Bug, Cicada, Insect