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A bee lands on the pink Rosa palustris flower.

The Best of Native Roses

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Did you know that there are roughly 20 species of roses indigenous to the U.S. and seven of those species grow in the Midwest? Conservation & Parks Technician Lauren shares more about the benefits (and beauty) these native species provide to our local ecosystem.

Red currants hang from a vine.

The Experimental Garden

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Have the itch to grow some new plants? At Highfield Discovery Garden, trying something new is always encouraged. Nature Interpreter Allyson is back, sharing her top three favorite garden experiments that you can give a try in your garden at home.

A lightning bug sits on a blade of grass.

The Magical World of Fireflies

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It’s a dark and steamy night. This isn’t the beginning of a horror story, but one of a love story! Did you know that fireflies glow in order to attract a mate? Follow along as we dive into their magical (and often, deceitful) world.

Yellow Dandelion

The Weedy Garden

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What is a weed but a plant in the wrong place? Nature Interpreter Allyson shares which weeds are actually a gardening opportunity in disguise. Check out how these weeds deserve more love for their versatility in a garden.

A bright yellow sunflower is fully open.

The Vertical Garden

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When you think of a garden, do you think of a plot of land set aside to grow specific plants? Nature Interpreter Allyson challenges you to look in a new direction for this type of garden: Look up to create your own vertical garden.

A look between the leaves of a green bean plant.

The Summer Garden

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The summertime garden is like no other garden throughout the year. While we get two cool seasons and one season that requires a greenhouse, the summer garden is prime seasonal real estate. Nature Interpreter Allyson shares the secret gardening technique to have the optimal number of plants grow in a small garden space that Great Parks staff uses at Highfield Discovery Garden.

An eastern screech owl has its beak open. It is screeching at the camera.

5 Myths of Nature

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Nature is full of mysteries. Through scientific discovery, some myths can be dispelled regarding a few of our local critters. Which of these “untruths” have you believed?

A deer fawn turns its head toward the camera as it walks in a field.

Help Deer Fawns by Leaving Them in the Wild

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Have you spotted a fawn in your yard or a park recently? Nature Interpreter Ellen wants you to know the best way to help is to leave them be! Read on to learn how the best way to keep young wildlife like deer fawns safe is by leaving them alone.