Check out the links below to read, watch, and listen to some of our most recent press releases, appearances, and media mentions.
The Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Announces Plans for 2023 to Invest in Next Generation of Leaders in Science and Conservation with Immersive Exhibits – Press Release – February 1, 2023
Nature Museum’s new member-only hours and updated admissions prices starting early February to drive growth and sustain community programs.
Lincoln Park’s Nature Museum Will Raise Admissions Fees As It Rolls Out New Exhibits, Sustainability Center – Block Club Chicago – January 30, 2023
Other changes coming to the Nature Museum include extended hours, an interactive exhibit featuring a local photographer’s work and the long-awaited Sustainability Center.
Get connected to the critters at Peggy Notebaert Museum – Fox32 Chicago – January 19, 2023
There is a nature museum in Chicago that allows you to get up close and personal with its animals. Tim McGill took a tour of their snake collection on Good Day Chicago.
Get A Rare Look At Nature Museum’s 400,000-Specimen Collection To Celebrate Founders Day Thursday – Block Club Chicago – January 12, 2023
“This is a chance for people to see a different group of collections than they’d see at the museum and talk with my staff about the projects we’re working on,” said Dawn Roberts, senior director of collections.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum taking visitors behind-the-scenes for 166th birthday – CBS Chicago – January 12, 2023
One of Chicago’s oldest museums will open its vault to give you a behind-the-scenes look at nearly 400,000 specimens.
Chicago nature museum celebrates 166 years with rare showcase – WBBM Newsradio – January 11, 2023
Chicago’s Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is marking a milestone by offering a rare look at some of its oldest specimens and artifacts.
166 years as a ‘library of the natural world’: You can see some of Notebaert museum’s specimens – Daily Herald – January 11, 2023
In an unassuming industrial building in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago lie nearly 400,000 meticulously preserved natural specimens.
A rare display at the nature museum this week – Crain’s Chicago Business – January 10, 2023
Chicagoans will be able to get a look at an array of botany and mammal specimens at the Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum on Thursday.
Peggy Notebaert Museum Celebrates Anniversary With Special Look Inside the Specimen Vault – NBC Chicago – January 10, 2023
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum’s specimen vault contains untold treasures, and to mark the museum’s 166th anniversary, they are sharing some of their incredible items.
Woolly caterpillar getting ready to snooze for the winter – WBBM Newsradio – November 7, 2022
Doug Taron of the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum says these caterpillars are currently seeking refuge under fallen leaves.
Chicago’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2022 – Crain’s Chicago Business – November 7, 2022
For Erin Amico, intellectual curiosity, especially of the natural world, has always been part of her life.
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is proud to show off their latest exhibit that has kids in mind – Fox32 Chicago – November 1, 2022
Nature’s PlaySpace is the biggest expansion the nature museum has seen in nearly twenty years. The exhibit is geared towards kids and features 25 fun interactives. Good Day Chicago’s big kid, Tim McGill, explored the space.
Kids Can Explore 6 Great Lakes Habitats In New Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Play Area – Block Club Chicago – October 13, 2022
The Nature’s PlaySpace opened Saturday and allows kids to explore Illinois’ dunes, lakes, savannas, rivers, wetlands and prairies in an indoor setting.
Peggy Notebaert’s new interactive Nature’s PlaySpace lets kids explore Illinois’ natural habitats – Daily Herald – October 8, 2022
Starting this weekend, kids can jump across lily pads, listen to the croon of a prairie chicken and hang out in a beaver’s lodge at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum’s new exhibit.
New ‘PlaySpace’ opens in Chicago’s Lincoln park neighborhood – Fox32 Chicago – October 6, 2022
A new place for kids to make noise, splash in water and explore will open in Lincoln Park this weekend. It’s the new Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum’s Hawver and Lacy Families Nature’s PlaySpace.
Here’s Why You Might Be Seeing More Spiders in Your Home Lately – NBC Chicago – September 30, 2022
Doug Taron, curator of biology and vice president of research and conservation at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, told NBC Chicago spiders might be a “a little bit noticeable” right now
Real Life: Erin Amico – Chicago Parent – September 29, 2022
Nature has always provided Erin Amico a place of solace. Now, after a very successful career in tech, Amico finds herself in a position to not only reconnect with an early passion for nature — Jane Goodall was her childhood hero, after all — but to help inspire others.
Monarch butterflies pass through Chicago on their way to Mexico – WBEZ Chicago – September 12, 2022
Reset checks in with a local zoologist to learn how being an endangered species is affecting this year’s migration.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum serves as official way station for migrating monarch butterflies – CBS Chicago – September 10, 2022
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is celebrating monarch butterflies as they pass through in their annual migration south.
Millions of monarch butterflies are passing through Chicago as part of their annual 3,000-mile migration – Chicago Tribune – September 9, 2022
Dozens of monarch butterflies descended on the prairie at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Tuesday, feasting on the nectar of purple ironweed flowers and golden compass plant blossoms.
Thousands Of Monarch Butterflies Will Flutter Through Chicago This Weekend For Annual Migration – Block Club Chicago – September 8, 2022
To celebrate, the Chicago Academy of Sciences and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum will host the fifth Flutter into Fall event 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive.
Monarch Migrations Will Peak This Week in Chicago. Here’s Where You Can Spot the Butterflies – NBC Chicago – September 7, 2022
After breeding in Canada and other northern areas throughout the summer, the monarchs are starting to flap toward the south now. Chief curator of the Chicago Academy of Sciences at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Doug Taron said the butterflies will pass through Chicago, the Mississippi Valley and Texas before setting up camp about 100 miles west of Mexico City.
A Monarch Butterfly Migration Will Flutter Through Chicago Soon. When Will it Peak? – NBC Chicago – September 6, 2022
For the best locations to spot the butterflies and how long they could stay in the Chicago area, chief curator of the Chicago Academy of Sciences at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Doug Taron shared the latest details.
When Will Hummingbirds Leave Illinois? Here’s When Experts Say Migration Will Peak – NBC Chicago – September 6, 2022
Hummingbirds aren’t the only Chicago residents heading south for the winter. Butterflies are, too.
Why Do Leaves Change Color? – NBC Chicago – August 24, 2022
Dr. Doug Taron, chief curator of the Chicago Academy of Sciences at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, explains how leaves change color every year and where is his favorite place to enjoy the fall foliage is.
Illinois’ ‘Most Unwanted’ Bug: Why You Should Kill the Spotted Lanternfly on Sight, According to Officials – NBC Chicago – August 22, 2022
A spotted lanternfly might capture your gaze with its colorful, speckled wings, but don’t let the warnings fly over your head.
Monarch Butterflies Are Endangered. Here’s How Chicagoans Can Help – Block Club Chicago – July 28, 2022
The endangered status is specifically for the migratory populations that journey across North America, said Doug Taron, the chief curator of Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and director of the Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network.
Monarch butterflies flutter closer toward extinction – WBEZ Chicago – July 26, 2022
Monarch populations have gone down between 22% and 72% over the past 10 years, one global environmental group estimates. Reset turns to local entomology expert Allen Lawrance, associate curator of entomology at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, to learn more.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum’s new president and CEO is the first African American in the role – The Chicago Sun-Times – July 26, 2022
Erin Amico describes her first week as the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum’s president and CEO as a surreal experience. “I’ve been coming to the museum ever since I was a little kid with my parents. Coming back now and seeing everything behind the scenes is sort of like a look behind the curtain,” Amico said.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum names Chicago native as first African American CEO in its history – ABC 7 Chicago – July 25, 2022
A Chicago native is making history at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Erin Amico will be the first African American to lead the museum in its 165-year history.
Monarchs, a rarer sight around Chicago, now ‘endangered’ – The Chicago Sun-Times – July 23, 2022
“This year has not been particularly good for monarchs so far and not particularly good for butterflies in general so far,” said Doug Taron, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum’s chief curator. “It’s probably because we had prolonged periods of cold weather in the spring.”
How You Can Help Monarch Butterflies as They Reach Endangered List – NBC Chicago – July 22, 2022
Dr. Doug Taron, chief curator of the Chicago Academy of Sciences at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, said those looking to aid the monarch butterfly population can plant milkweed for caterpillars to eat or plant things like black-eyed susans or asters.
Monarchs classified as endangered: ‘There is something you can do’ – Daily Herald – July 21, 2022
Doug Taron, the director of the Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network, said the group’s leading theory as to why the organization hasn’t seen a notable decline is that there have been fewer changes in agricultural practices that were previously reducing the amount of milkweed for monarch caterpillars to feed on.
Monarch butterflies can still be seen around Chicago despite being declared endangered – WBBM Newsradio – July 21, 2022
“They’re huge, they’re brightly colored. They fly fairly slowly, so you can get a good look at them. It’s a wonderful opportunity to interact with nature,” said Dr. Doug Taron, PhD., chief curator at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
Meet the new head of the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum – Crain’s Chicago Business – July 18, 2022
Erin Amico writes children’s books and once won a cooking show on British TV.
Exhibit focuses on rapidly warming Arctic region – AccuWeather – June 21, 2022
Climate change is leading to less ice cover in the Arctic Ocean. Photographer David Thoreson has seen the decline firsthand.
David Thoreson highlights changing climate with new exhibit at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum – WBBM Newsradio – June 19, 2022
David Thoreson has sailed 65,000 miles around the globe, and he’s documented that journey in 150,000 photographs. On Saturday, Thoreson was at the Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, where his photos are on display as part of his new exhibit “An Explorer’s Journey into a Changing Climate.”
Chicago Academy of Sciences & Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum name new president and CEO – Crain’s Chicago Business – June 10, 2022
On Friday, the Chicago Academy of Sciences and its Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum announced Erin Amico as their new president and CEO. Amico will be the first Black person in the position at the 165-year-old institution when she starts on July 18, succeeding Deborah Lahey, who is retiring after 12 years as the lead.
Two different broods of cicadas will emerge at the same time in 2024 – AccuWeather – June 1, 2022
Entomologists are preparing for 2024, when two groups of cicadas will emerge at the same time — a rare synchronized occurrence in the insect world.
Towering swarms of nonbiting flies called midges are blanketing Chicago: ‘A little disturbing but cool’ – Chicago Tribune – May 3, 2022
It’s unclear exactly why this is such a good year for midges, according to Allen Lawrance, an associate curator of entomology at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, who noted he was speaking from an office with a window screen covered in — you guessed it — midges. Midge populations can be affected by weather, climate, disease and predators.
Little Flies Everywhere: Huge Swarms Of Midges Take Over Lakefront During Unseasonably Cold And Wet Spring – Block Club Chicago – May 3, 2022
The insects are seasonal and are usually seen this time in the spring, when they hatch from bodies of water including Lake Michigan. But this year has been especially productive for midges, said Allen Lawrance, associate curator of entomology at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
‘Unusually Large’ Swarm of Gnats Arrive in Chicago for Spring 2022. What to Know – NBC Chicago – May 3, 2022
“This is a natural phenomenon,” Allen Lawrance, associate curator of entomology at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, told NBC Chicago. “We’ll see big emergences of them from time to time, but this year, we’re definitely seeing a lot of them so it is a little bit unusually large, but it’s not the end of the world times or anything like that.”
New center at Peggy Notebaert museum aims to demystify sustainability – Chicago Tribune – April 13, 2022
“Humans from all cultures with different values and practices have learned to live within their means and balance the environment,” said Ramos, chief curator and vice president of museum experience. “That is what we want to show people.”
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum’s $1.5 Million Renovation Will Add Climate Change Exhibit – Block Club Chicago – April 7, 2022
The museum’s Sustainability Center will highlight the importance of living in balance with the environment, according to museum officials.
Chicago’s Peggy Notebaert Museum brings nature indoors for kids – WBEZ Chicago – December 15, 2021
Are you looking for something for your kids to do this winter break that’s fun, educational and won’t break the bank? Chicago’s Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum says it has what you’re looking for.
‘I swear to God, he’s the image of my neighbour’: Do you recognise anyone in this 100-year-old film? – The Irish Times – December 15, 2021
Footage shot in Ireland in the 1920s by a US ornithologist is being restored. Can you help?
Peggy Notebaert Museum Restoring Nearly Century-Old Films By Ornithologist Benjamin Gault, Showing Rare Scenes Of 1920s Ireland – CBS Chicago – December 14, 2021
“He was fascinated by birds, and he was highly organized and methodical in his study,” said Dawn Roberts, senior director of collections for the Chicago Academy of Sciences’ Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
Century-Old Silent Films Of Ireland To Be Digitally Restored By Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum – CBS Chicago – December 14, 2021
The films by ornithologist Benjamin Gault show not only birds, but many scenes of life in Ireland in the 1920s. CBS 2’s Charlie De Mar reports.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum opens new ‘Secret Forest’ exhibit for kids – Fox32 Chicago – December 14, 2021
At the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Lincoln Park, a new exhibit allows crawlers and tots to touch, observe and experience wilderness safely. It’s called the Secret Forest and is included in general museum admission.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum opens new Secret Forest exhibit – ABC 7 Chicago – December 13, 2021
The outdoors come in with a new exhibit at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Lincoln Park.
Rare footage documents life in 1920s Ireland – Irish Central – December 13, 2021
Footage shot by American ornithologist Benjamin Gault was recently uncovered in Chicago, offering a glimpse into daily life in Ireland during the 1920s.
Silent Films Offer Rare Glimpses of Life in 1920s Ireland – The New York Times – December 11, 2021
Shot by an American ornithologist in the early years of Irish independence, the footage turned up in the archives of the Chicago Academy of Sciences and is being restored.
Nature museum building $4 million play area for kids – WBBM Newsradio – November 4, 2021
Chicago’s Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is undertaking its first major building reconstruction in 20 years.
Notebaert Nature Museum begins $4 million project to create Nature’s Playspace – Chicago Tribune – November 4, 2021
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, a museum devoted to all things nature and run by Chicago Academy of Sciences, on Thursday breaks ground on a new, $4 million exhibit, the first big construction project for the museum in two decades.
Why Are There So Many Butterflies in Chicago Right Now? – NBC Chicago – September 24, 2021
We invited Associate Curator of Entomology Allen Lawrence from the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum to explain why butterflies have taken over the city.
How to Attract Monarch Butterflies Into Your Yard During Their Migration – NBC Chicago – September 23, 2021
According to experts at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the beautiful butterflies are now in what’s called the Great Monarch Migration, where butterflies in the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains, travel south to survive the winter.
Where’s the Best Place to Spot Monarch Butterflies as Migration Passes Through Chicago – NBC Chicago – September 9, 2021
One wave of monarch butterflies has been in Chicago for about the past week and a half, with another likely on the way down from Wisconsin that should be in the city “soon,” according to Doug Taron, chief curator for the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
How to spot migrating monarch butterflies in Chicago this week – TimeOut Chicago – September 8, 2021
“We’re seeing migratory behavior here in Chicago already, but the real peak of the migration appears to be in Wisconsin at the moment,” says Dr. Doug Taron, chief curator at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
Monarch butterfly migration makes its way to Chicago – Fox 32 Chicago – September 8, 2021
Dr. Doug Taron from the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum talks about the migratory habits of the monarch butterflies and where Chicagoans can expect to see them.
An Orland Park woman’s home-raised monarch butterfly makes it to central Mexico, 2,000 miles away: ‘What are the chances?’ – Chicago Tribune – September 8, 2021
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum chief curator Doug Taron, who has tagged hundreds of monarchs over the past eight years, said he has never had a monarch turn up on a list of recovered tags.
Monarch Migration Likely to Touch Down in Chicago Next Week – Chicago Tribune – September 2, 2021
The fall monarch migration, in which millions of butterflies travel up to 3,000 miles south to California and Mexico, is already underway in Wisconsin and Canada, with reports of the intrepid insects gathering in large groups to rest in trees or refuel in nectar-rich fields. And the spectacle will likely reach Chicago next week, according to Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum chief curator Doug Taron.
It’s National Moth Week, And Boy Do These Underappreciated Creatures Deserve the Spotlight – WTTW – July 20, 2021
The thing is, there aren’t a whole lot of people looking. When moths come out to play, most folks are sleeping. What we’re missing out on, said Allen Lawrance, an entomologist at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, is moths’ incredible diversity.
A Nooks-And-Crannies Field Guide To Chicago Plants – WBEZ – June 21, 2021
These ten tenacious plants grow everywhere from railroad tracks to sidewalk cracks. Three experts explain how they survive city life.
17-year cicada swarm to begin in Illinois, Indiana in a couple of weeks – Fox 32 Chicago – May 11, 2021
The 17-year cicadas are returning by the trillions to a large portion of the Midwest, including some Illinois counties south of Chicago. “You’re going to see them everywhere. They’re going to be screaming at you,” said Allen Lawrance, Associate Curator of Entomology at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago.
Trillions of cicadas about to emerge in 15 states, including Illinois and Indiana – Fox 32 Chicago – May 5, 2021
Soon, trillions of cicadas will be emerging. These are the noisy insects that have been growing underground for the past 17 years. We talk with Allen Lawrence, Associate Curator of Entomology at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
Monarch butterfly population declining, won’t receive protections anytime soon – Fox 32 Chicago – December 17, 2020
The benefits of the monarch butterfly are vital to Chicago’s ecosystem, and yet they are dying. This week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department announced the monarch won’t be receiving protections as an endangered species anytime soon. Doug Taron, chief curator at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, comments on these developments.
Monarch Doesn’t Make Endangered Species Cut, Gets ‘Wait-Listed’ – WTTW – December 15, 2020
It may not have been the decision the monarch’s champions were hoping for, but Doug Taron, curator of biology and vice president of research and conservation at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, said the agency’s statement includes a number of positive takeaways, including the annual review.
How to visit Chicago museums online during the pandemic – Chicago Tribune – November 25, 2020
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Lincoln Park is one of the larger museums that chose not to open back up this summer. Beginning in July, it’s been crafting a series of “Curious By Nature” YouTube videos that run 3 to 10 minutes long and are aimed at younger viewers.
Peak season for monarch butterflies reaches Chicago – Fox 32 Chicago – September 18, 2020
Doug Taron, chief curator at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, talks about the phenomenon of monarch butterflies making their way through Chicago.
Monarchs Are on the Move. Catch One Last Colorful Look Before They Flit Away – WTTW – September 18, 2020
The butterflies have been spotted taking a collective breather in trees at Lurie Garden and the Shedd Aquarium, among other locations, which makes sense, according to Doug Taron, curator of biology and vice president of research and conservation at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
Monarch Migration Leads to Some Dead Butterflies on Chicago Lakefront – WTTW – October 10, 2019
These same butterflies that emerge in northeastern North America at the end of the summertime will fly down to the mountains about 100 miles east of Mexico City,” said Doug Taron, chief curator at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
Fearing the ‘Insect Apocalypse’? Renowned Entomologist Says ‘Get Rid of Your Lawn’ – WTTW – October 2, 2019
On Thursday, Berenbaum will visit Lincoln Park’s Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum to lead a public discussion about the importance of pollinators and the growing body of research pointing to the rapid decline of some insect species, a trend that has been labeled the “insect apocalypse.”
Chicago Museum Tags Monarch Butterflies to Follow Migration – NBC Chicago – September 17, 2019
You’ll find several species in the butterfly garden at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, but the monarch butterfly’s brilliant orange-patterned wings stand out. For years, the monarch population was dwindling.
52 Endangered Blanding’s Turtles Released in DuPage County – WTTW – September 11, 2019
After spending their first year at Chicago’s Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 52 endangered Blanding’s turtles were released into the wild Wednesday morning in DuPage County.
