Pumpkins at this time of year usually look one of two ways: Plump and firm, or soft and saggy. At my house, I’ve got one of each. The firm one will probably go outside soon so it can become squirrel food. And the saggy one? Well, she’s going to stay right where she is, on the kitchen counter. […]
Last week as I strolled with my dogs Joey and Kit around our neighborhood in St. Charles, we came upon a honey locust tree and decided to give it a look. Now, hear me out on this. Given that honey locusts are one of the most popular tree species, planted by homeowners […]
Every year, in early spring, someone notices an American robin, and people rejoice. “Spring is here!” they exclaim, even though we might still have temperatures in the 30s and snow in the forecast. (And despite the fact that more and more robins are choosing to overwinter right here in northern Illinois […]
Wahoo! Fall color is at its peak here in the TriCities! The leafy fireworks are a little later in arriving this year, perhaps due to the number of cloudy and/or rainy days we’ve endured these past few weeks. But now that the trees have begun to cut back on the production […]
As fall migration continues, it’s time once again to play that favorite game of birdwatchers and Sesame Street watchers alike: One of These Things (Is Not Like the Others). During the summer breeding season, many birds in our area stay with their family units. […]
When was the last time you got scolded? I can recall, as a kid, how pretty much every Great Idea my friends and I had would end up with just such a reprimand. The scolder would usually start with the classic “Hey you kids!” and continue on to detail exactly what it was we were doing wrong, […]
It was an “Eek!” heard round the world. Or at least in every corner of our humble campus apartment. My college roommate Alisan, one of three people with whom I shared the tiny unit, had uncorked the shriek, the likes of which I hadn’t heard since my box turtle Arthur crawled […]
Good Natured
Every year when Mother’s Day rolls around, Hallmark reminds us just how many animals are great moms. We see cards with dogs and their puppies; cats with their kittens; a polar bear and her cub. But just once I’d like to see some cards featuring some of nature’s lesser-known, but still great, moms. […]
Good Natured
Some of you might be aware, I’ve been a naturalist my whole life. But it’s only been a career since the year 2000. Prior to then I worked as an editor in the world of trade publications, focusing mainly on magazines in the food industry. My first grown-up job, in fact, was […]
Good Natured
Some of you have noticed, and a few have even called to comment on the fact that my role at the St. Charles Park District has changed. After almost 12 years as manager of nature programs and interpretive services, I’m now the district’s outreach ambassador. I’ll still be producing this weekly nature commentary; […]
Good Natured