Park guest Lisa spotted this hopping mad frog at Glenwood Gardens earlier this fall. It’s cool to see a not-quite-grown frog still with its tail, but this guy also has an extra leg! We asked our nature interpreters what may have caused this odd phenomenon. Though we can’t say for sure what caused this frog […]

We’re giving you tips to improve wildlife viewing at home and at parks.

I have the rare privilege and opportunity to share significant experiences and information in the natural world through blogs. And in doing so, I never know the true impact. A few days ago, I received this special surprise email. Susan, I was riding my bicycle through the park behind my house this beautiful spring day […]

May 22 is recognized as International Day for Biological Diversity. Areas or ecosystems with high biodiversity have a wide variety of species present, across multiple groups, such as trees, wildflowers, birds and mammals. Undisturbed natural areas typically have high biodiversity, while those modified by humans tend to have much lower biodiversity. You may have seen […]

Stripes may look good on your cat, but don’t get the striations from Mephitis mephitis mixed up with your pet. You might end up with an acrid stench you won’t be able to easily get rid of. About the same size as the average pet cat, striped skunks have a small head and short legs. […]

If you were to make a list of animals rarely seen in our area, you probably would not put a salamander on that list. However, spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) are one our region’s most elusive finds. Surprisingly, it is not due to their rarity. But rather, their lifestyle. Scientists group spotted salamanders into a family […]

Typically when we think snowbird, we think of our grandparents heading to Florida for the winter. They escape the cold and fly south to the sunny shores of the Gulf of Mexico. But did you know there are also snowbirds who fly south to your backyard every winter? Before you call the police, don’t worry; […]

While out on a hike recently, I came across a neat discovery of a moving stick. What could it be? A northern walkingstick (Diapheromera femorata)! Not just one, but about six of them gathered together on a small sapling. I rarely find this insect, and was surprised to see multiples in one spot. They are a […]