Weather

Periodical cicadas are predicted to emerge throughout northern Illinois in just a few weeks.  But will their appearance live up to all the hype?  Credit: Valerie Blaine

Good Natured: Periodical Cicadas

​In just a few weeks, one of the year's biggest natural phenomena will...
2024 Earth Day celebrations are being held throughout Kane County.

Earth Day Celebrations in Kane County

​Earth Day celebrations are taking place in a number of Kane County co...
Its wings angled toward the afternoon sun, a red admiral soaks up some warming rays at Delnor Woods Park in St. Charles

Good Natured: Red Admirals

​I don't think of admirals often (you can blame my family's Army herit...
As a female yellow-bellied sapsucker methodically drills her sapwells, two flies (left) arrive to inspect her progress and, soon, partake of a sweet treat.  Credit:  Banu R

Good Natured: Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker

​Ten years ago I purchased a small shelving unit built by a local craf...
Compost bins and rain barrels are available for a limited time through Kane County Recycles, Clean Water for Kane and The Conservation Foundation.

Kane County's Sprout 'n' Spout Rain Barrel and Compost Bin Program is Back!

​Kane County Recycles and Clean Water for Kane are part...
After being counted, measured and sexed, tiger salamanders in the St. Charles Park monitoring program are released in their  breeding pond.  The presence of a healthy population of salamanders is an indicator of a healthy habitat.

Good Natured: Salamander Season

​My three-year-old self couldn't believe her eyes...
Odorous house ants' natural habitat is outdoors but, drawn by easy access to food and shelter, they often find their way into homes. Credit:  Wirestock

Good Natured: Odorous House Ant Part 2

​With Illinois' General Primary just around the corner, I'm inclined t...
Small bordering on teensy, Tapinoma sessile measures just under 1/8-in. in length.  Pictured here next to a toothpick, it's an ant that shows up regularly in houses each spring.

Good Natured: Odorous House Ant

​Every year or so, right around this time, the dedicated staff at Good...
Smaller than most geese, the Ross's goose is an unusual sighting in Kane County.  Photo credits: Gordon Garcia

Good Natured: The Ross's Goose

​It's that time of year again folks—spring waterfowl migration...
This hairy woodpecker, identified by the size of its bill rather than its plumage, this winter has been an infrequent visitor to a birdfeeder in Campton Township. Credit:  Leslie Martin

Good Natured: Color Conundrum in Birds

​Last week when we took a look at the life and times of the hairy wood...
Hairy woodpeckers can be distinguished from downies by their larger size, larger bill in relation to the head and a lack of spots on the outer tail feathers. Credit:  Carol Hamilton

Good Natured: Hairy Woodpeckers

​Although the word “hairy" isn't itself inherently bad, it's ofte...
A little goes a long way when it comes to salting your driveway or walkway.

Smart Salting for a Better Environment

​​The next time a snow storm hits, hold the salt...