Get Outside

Willy's Wilderness

4 days ago3 min read

'Tis the Season to Embrace the Dark

For thousands of years, people from all over the world celebrated the darkest day of the year — the winter solstice. What exactly is the...

Oct 223 min read

Feed the Birds This Winter With Homemade Suet

As the weather turns cooler, some birds start migrating to warmer locations. But many of our backyard birds stay right here in Illinois....

Sep 33 min read

Let the Prairies Inspire Your Next Artistic Creation

Prairies are gorgeous, packed full of interesting sounds, details, colors and life! Summer is the best time to appreciate them. Why not...

Aug 63 min read

Standing Tall: Be a Tree on Your Next Trip Outside

We talk about trees a lot, whether it’s about the new buds, the changing colors or who is living inside. But what is it like being a...

Jul 123 min read

Let's Count Bugs! What an Insect Census Can Tell Us

An insect census is a bug count. Scientists will count insects to determine the biodiversity of an ecosystem. These surveys are taken at...

Jun 72 min read

Head Outside This Summer for After-Dark Scavenger Hunt

Have you ever completed a scavenger hunt? They are a great way to slow down and focus on all the details while on a forest preserve hike...

May 74 min read

The Sounds of Spring Are in the Air

Spring is one of the best times to discover the soundscape all around you. There is so much new life happening — with chirps, tweets,...

Apr 303 min read

How Does Your Garden Grow? As a Family

Native plants have been getting plenty of buzz lately, and for good reason. There are many reasons to garden with native plants. For...

Mar 13 min read

Take Time to Celebrate the Wildlife All Around Us

World Wildlife Day is celebrated every year on March 3. This day is meant to celebrate the beauty of wild animals and plants on Earth....

Feb 132 min read

Let Them Eat Cake — Snow Cake That Is

You’ve probably heard of birdbaths and maybe even put up a bird feeder or two at home. These are great ways to feed birds (and other...

Jan 162 min read

Bundle Up! It's Time to Play in the Snow

Sculpt with snow! It’s amazing stuff that you can use to build everything from forts to sculptures. In winter, try your hand at a...

Dec 13, 20234 min read

Look for Lichens on Your Next Winter Walk

Even in the colder months it is fun to get outside and explore the world around you. There are birds visiting just for winter, mammals...

Nov 28, 20233 min read

Get Outside and Start Building Like Our Wildlife

With most of the leaves gone, you might start to notice something super fun outside — all the animal homes! Come November, bird nests,...

Oct 10, 20233 min read

Looking for a New Hobby? Give Birding a Try

So you want to be a birdwatcher? Great! You picked a hobby that can be done almost anywhere outside. You can watch from your yard, a...

Sep 26, 20233 min read

Try These Ideas To Elevate Your Campfire Treats

Campfires are always fun! Maybe you are camping or just hanging out in your back yard. But almost always you are enjoying the company of...

Aug 17, 20233 min read

Head Outside at Night for Some Flashlight Fun

Summer nights are a great time for fun! Bedtimes might get pushed back, the heat cools off and there are fantastic evening sights and...

Jul 18, 20233 min read

Want Wildlife in Your Yard? Just Add Water

A habitat is where an animal lives. So many different types of habitats exist in our world — forests, deserts, lakes and more. Even with...

Jun 6, 20233 min read

When Rain Falls, It's Time To Get Out and Dance

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” — Vivian Green The author of this quote is...

May 30, 20232 min read

Magnify Your World on Your Next Outdoor Adventure

When you go outside, what do you see? A tree, a pond, the sun … all big things. But do you ever stop to look at the little, itty, bitty...

Apr 28, 20232 min read

Get Outside and Take a Closer Look With Binoculars

High in the sky or deep in the trees you see a flutter of activity. Who’s flying? A shape flits from branch to branch or scampers up the...

Willy's Wilderness

Willy's Wilderness

Willy's Wilderness

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