Centennial Trail/I&M Canal Trail

06/12/2026

One of the coolest things about wildlife is that many creatures have tails, but each has it's own unique purpose.

06/05/2026

What looks like a simple spring puddle may actually be a vernal pool.

These temporary wetlands are vital breeding habitats for frogs, salamanders and other wildlife because they provide seasonal water without fish predators. Though they may disappear by summer, the life they support is incredibly important.

Vernal pools are temporary waterways that are teeming with life in spring, but our way of life threatens their existence. 

05/29/2026

Opossums may be misunderstood, but they’re incredible animals.

They help control ticks and pests, rarely carry rabies, and usually want nothing more than to avoid conflict. Plus, baby opossums riding on their mother’s back might be one of the cutest sights in nature.

Opossums deserve our love and respect because they provide many benefits, and they're pretty cute too. 

05/22/2026

Are you able to name this bird?

05/15/2026

Rainbows form when sunlight passes through water droplets, bending and reflecting to split light into its different colors.

They may look like an arc, but every rainbow is actually a full circle. We just cannot see the whole thing from the ground.

Learn the science behind a rainbow and why you might even be able to see one in the dark.

05/01/2026

Ever wonder how an American robin finds worms without digging everything up?

That classic head tilt might look like they’re listening… but they’re actually looking. Robins rely on their eyesight to spot worms, often peeking into tiny holes in the ground to see if a meal is hiding below. That head tilt helps them get a better view with each eye.

Even more impressive - a single robin can eat up to 14 feet of earthworms in a day.

Next time you see one in your yard, take a closer look. What seems like a simple snack hunt is actually a pretty clever strategy.

Finding worms below ground is a sensory experience for robins, but they might not be using the senses you think.

04/24/2026

Some of these spring buds grow so fast! Were you able to catch any of these in bloom?

04/23/2026

You've probably seen these trees, but can you name it?

04/17/2026

Snapping turtles can be found in southern Illinois, and while they may look intimidating, they’re not as aggressive as they seem.

They typically only snap when they feel threatened. And despite their reputation for a powerful bite, it’s actually weaker than a human’s. A human bite can range from 300 to 700 Newtons, while a snapping turtle’s bite is around 208 to 226 Newtons.

As always, the best approach is to give them space and admire from a distance.

The snapping turtle isn't hunted by many animals, but it does face many risks in the wild, including being hit by cars and having their nests hunted.

04/10/2026

Hummingbirds are starting to return to Illinois! Want to attract them to your backyard?

Make a simple nectar at home by boiling 1 cup of water, then adding ¼ cup of sugar. You can scale it up or down—just keep the 4:1 water-to-sugar ratio. Let it cool completely before filling your feeder.

Last year’s first sighting in Will County was April 12 in Channahon, and feeders at Plum Creek Nature Center go up April 15 to welcome early arrivals. Keep your eyes open—you might spot one soon!

Seeing hummingbirds in the wild is a true delight, and you can attract these tiny birds to your own yard following this simple hummingbird nectar recipe that only includes sugar and water.