Winter Birrrrrrrding
Birds are tough little creatures, enduring harsh conditions that we tend to avoid at all costs. Many birds build up fat stores before winter, which can serve dual purposes. For birds that migrate south, this…
Why is the Water Orange?
Imagine you are enjoying a nice walk on one of the many Great Parks trails and in a nearby stream you see this: What is it? A) Some strange chemical B) An incredibly large orange…
What Does it Mean to be Rich?
In ecology jargon, “species richness” is a term we use to describe a habitat that teems with many plant and animal species. While biking the Shaker Trace Trail at Miami Whitewater Forest with my family…
Managing a Space for All Species: Monarchs in Great Parks
Over the past few years, the Great Parks Stewardship department has been aware of declining monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) sightings. The department has since taken steps to help promote and protect their habitat. In the…
Silent Symphony
Most commonly called fireflies or lightning bugs, these interesting insects are in fact a beetle and members of the family Lampyridae, Greek for “shining ones.” The familiar luminescent beetles are recognized for their nighttime display…
Ladybugs to the Rescue!
Every year throughout the spring, summer and fall, we see thousands of insects around us outdoors. The majority of these insects are not a problem for us. However, some are a problem for certain plants,…
Outdoor Activities Can Lead to a Lifetime of Appreciation
Your everyday interactions with those around you can have a lifelong impact. I have early childhood memories that I now realize helped shape who I am today. I can remember when my school principal shared…
Top Trail Picks from Stewardship Staff
The Stewardship Department really knows the parks inside and out. They’re almost always out in the field collecting water samples, conducting plant surveys, tracking native species or any number of behind-the-scenes conservation activities. As the…