Good Natured | Hickory Knolls Discovery Center

Artie the Turtle

Ah, 1978. Things were sure were different then. Jimmy Carter was president. I remember this because I drew his portrait, and all those pearly white teeth, for an assignment in art class at Wheaton North High School. Gas was 59.9 cents a gallon. […]

Beavers

When it comes to conversation, and newspaper columns, we all know that certain topics are sure to cause a stir. Politics is one, religion another. And then there is the subject of rodents. These furry, gnawing critters, famous for their ever-growing incisors and often impressive reproductive rates, never fail to provoke a response. Folks either love ’em, or hate ’em. […]

Woolly Bear Caterpillars

“Where are they now?” It’s a phrase that seems custom-made for former child stars-those little darlings who sang, danced or acted their way to fame and fortune, only to fade into oblivion the moment a tooth fell out or a pimple popped up. […]

Leeches

I know, leeches don’t have a great reputation. Thanks to movies like Stand By Me (“Aaaah! Leeches!!”) and The African Queen (“If there’s anything in the world I hate, it’s leeches. Filthy little devils!”) leeches’ mud-dwelling, bloodsucking nature has been touted far and wide. […]

American Plum

I don’t mean to brag, but I’ve had quite the plum job these past couple of weeks. Since early September we’ve been conducting Wetland Ecology field trips at Otter Creek Bend Wetland Park in St. Charles. Besides the obvious perks of being able to muck around in a marsh for hours at a time […]

Katydids

Long ago, the story goes, a newlywed couple was found murdered in their beds. Although the crime was never solved, the primary suspect was the bride’s jealous and jilted sister Katy. To this day, they say, Kate’s guilt is debated by one of summer’s most famous singing insects […]

Blue Jay Calls

There’s no mistaking the distinctive call of the blue jay. Or is there? Most folks can easily associate this common bird with its characteristic “Jeer!” It’s a sound blue jays uses early and often to stay in touch with one another. The call helps mates keep track of each other, and also serves to assemble the troops, so to speak, in response to a threat. […]

Elderberries

Given what I’ve been up to lately, I’d get it if you thought I was a Brewster. Old movie buffs and high school theater veterans might recognize the name as that of the family in Arsenic and Old Lace, a classic dark comedy that features Abby and Martha Brewster […]

Jewelweed

I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not very good at texting. Half the time I don’t realize I’ve even gotten a text. And when I do, my fat fingers mis-hit the ridiculously tiny keys. (Apologies to my friend Jennifer, who received an emoji of a camel instead of a hug.) […]

Black Swallowtails

All the hullabaloo about monarch butterflies and their potential endangerment has led me to wonder, What’s up with black swallowtails? I started looking for them a couple weeks ago when I realized I hadn’t seen any yet this year. Then, as if by magic, an adult female appeared, fluttering her way toward the swath of Queen Anne’s lace I’d been inspecting. […]

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Tuesday-Saturday	10am-4pm
Thursday	4-8pm
Sunday	12-4pm
Monday	Closed