The Calling Frog Survey utilizes the help of educated volunteers each spring to collect and submit data on amphibian populations in northern Illinois. In 2014, the Chicago Academy of Sciences and its Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum became home to the program. This is the first...
While they are long-lived perennial colony-formers, their roots multiplying year after year underground, the above ground lives of spring ephemerals are brief. Often missed by human observers, these fleeting treasures have evolved to complete their reproductive lifecycles in the short window of time between winter’s...
by Sierra Chmela Invasive plants are nonnative species which often have a detrimental effect on local flora and fauna. Invasive seeds can arrive via animals’ coats or scat, wind, or human activity. These plants can be difficult to control due to a myriad of factors including...
by Carissa Hudson Spring is upon us and so begins the symphony of flowers. The earliest flowers to bloom are the spring ephemerals. Spring ephemerals are perennial plants that grow in late winter and early spring before there are leaves on the trees. During this period, the sunlight...
Photo by Patricia Bond Hibernation Tactics at North Pond by Carissa Hudson Animals around the North Pond Nature Sanctuary have their own way of surviving the cold temperatures. Whether it is fleeing entirely or hunkering down like us, each animal has evolved a unique response to the cold. Common...
The Conservatory and Lily Pool have been closed for tours since March, but our volunteer docents have kept busy! As we move into the fall and winter seasons, join our seasoned docents on virtual tours of the Conservatory, as we explore edible plants, plant and animal interactions,...
