Past Articles

Why Kane

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...

Kane County 911 staff members enjoy a 'hoppy' reunion with Autumn and Winter.

911 Staffer 'Hops' into Action

Life as a 911 telecommunicator is like taking a ride on a rollercoast...

Danger, yellow bullheads! Danger! The schreckstoff, or 'scary stuff' present in the skin cells of the fish in this heron's bill likely saved other bullheads from a similar fate.

Good Natured: Fish Alarm Chemicals

“Ist das nicht eine Schnitzelbank...

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...

Osprey are currently listed as threatened in Illinois. Photo credit: Adobe Stock/Lauren Swanson

Osprey-Nesting Platform Installed at Dick Young Forest Preserve

Exciting news...

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...

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