Fall brings lots of seasonal changes. Leaves turn yellow, orange, red, and then fall; temperatures drop; the amount of daylight grows shorter. Animals prepare for winter or migrate. Some animals […]
What do snakes do in the winter?
How do cold-blooded animals deal with cold weather? We had lots of questions about snakes in the winter and Dr. Allison had lots of answers! Keep reading to learn about […]
National Bison Day
Every year, on the first Saturday of November, we recognize National Bison Day and celebrate the ecological, cultural, and economic contributions of the United States’ national mammal. Although they were […]
Bats are SUPERHEROES!
They are small, they are cute, and sometimes they can be a little scary, too. Bats are fascinating mammals and they have some amazing adaptations that are a lot like […]
Weaving like a weaverbird
Did You Know That Some Birds Can Weave? In the family of Ploceidae, there are multiple species of weaverbirds. As their name suggests, these birds can weave their nests on […]
Puzzling together insect metamorphosis
Insects are capable of undergoing a complete change in appearance throughout their life cycles. The process of growth and development from an egg all the way to their adult form […]
Mounting plant specimens at home
Pressing plants at home is an easy activity and a fun way to learn more about the plants in your yard or neighborhood. This guide will show you how to […]
How to press plants at home
Pressing plants at home is an easy activity and a fun way to learn more about the plants in your yard or neighborhood. Supplies Needed Plants Paper Heavy books Cardboard […]
Go in the field with Dr. Allison
Earlier this year, we had the chance to go out in the field with Dr. Allison to see some of her team’s conservation work up close. Check out the video above […]
Herman Silas Pepoon
Herman Silas Pepoon (1860-1941) was a physician, teacher, botanist, and naturalist with a particular focus on the plants of Illinois and the Midwest. He was born in Warren, Illinois to […]