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A closeup image of a Brood X cicada shows off its bright red eyes.

Cicada Central: Why These Noisy Insects Are Important

By now you have heard the buzz about the insects that will soon be taking over the tri-state area. But you may be wondering what are these noisemakers good for? Outreach Manager Sarah shares why this once-in-a-generation event shouldn’t be taken for granted and just how important cicadas are to the environment.

45 Years of Counting Birds

“There are two northern cardinals and three dark-eyed juncos on the trail!” Julie yelled back at me. I faithfully recorded the sightings into my log while the 14 kids between us all jostled to get… 

Unwrapping the Secret Lives of Birds

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… 

Plant Surveys Help Set Park Priorities

In 2013, Great Parks began a park-wide assessment of habitat quality through plant surveys. FQAI, short for Floristic Quality Assessment Index, allows us to compare habitats in different parks, as well as to other preserves…