Autumn is the perfect time of year to gather around the fire for storytelling. What many people may not realize is that many of the ghost stories and legends told this time of year are actually a great way to learn about history, culture and even nature. Many campfire stories involve creatures that may or […]

For many people, with cooler weather come thoughts of the holidays, snowball fights and sitting by a crackling fire. These are all things that I love, but my personal favorite winter activity is watching the birds visit the feeders outside of my window. For years, my family has enjoyed observing our feeders, and we always […]

As soon as the click of the key turning in the lock gives me away, I can already hear the repetitive chirp coming from behind the building in the outdoor compound. This is how Missy, one of our red-tailed hawk educational ambassadors, greets me every morning. During my nearly 20 years with Great Parks, I’ve […]

Early settlers were toiling in the fields, cooled by the morning dew that burned away under the sun. Smoke was rising from the chimney as venison was being cooked for lunch. Children were playing Graces in the front yard while others picked pawpaws, patiently waiting for the first frost when the persimmons would be ready. […]

Last weekend, I headed out to the Shaker Trace Trail at Miami Whitewater Forest to get some photos of my favorite prairie flower that’s currently in bloom: royal catchfly. Around the 4-mile marker, I thought I hit the jackpot. I snapped pictures of different types of coneflower, milkweed and wild bergamot…but no royal catchfly. Riding […]

Look out! The next bird you see might be shedding light on the secret lives of birds. Great Parks utilizes the skills of bird banding researchers to uncover some of these mysteries. Bird banding requires special permits and at least two years of training from a master bander, but the information attained is invaluable. Bird banding […]

What’s 2-4 inches long, has an impressive set of pincers and could be lurking in a creek near you? It’s a hellgrammite! I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve never encountered one of these interesting critters, even if you spend much of your time outside. These secretive aquatic insect larvae (the juvenile stage of the dobsonfly) […]

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? Myth: Nocturnal animals are never active in the daytime There are at least three animals that prove this myth false. Owls will call to announce their territorial boundaries […]