Chicago Wildlife News: Endangered herons find shelter at Park Ridge prairie

Endangered herons find shelter at Park Ridge prairie

(POSTED: 7/6/10) Not far from the bustle of the Tri-State Tollway and O'Hare Airport, a pair of black-crowned night-herons have found sanctuary.

The birds -- relatively common in some parts of the country, but endangered in Illinois -- reside among the trees and other wildlife at Wildwood Nature Center's prairie in Park Ridge, a northwest suburb.

This type of heron has been visiting the prairie since at least 1996, said Wildwood supervisor Jenny Clauson.

"They arrive in early to middle May and nest for a couple of months until it's time to leave again," Clauson said.

The herons aren't usually seen together, she added. While one is protecting a nest, the other is away gathering food.

With a blackish back and a pale or gray underside, the herons are usually seen hunched over and relatively inactive.

"Sometimes when one sits high in the trees, it looks like a penguin," Clauson said.

Mature black-crowned night-herons look much different from younger ones, who have a brown and yellowish color, made to blend in with their scenery to protect themselves from predators.

Wildwood is proud the herons have chosen the prairie as their home.

Hillary Wells-Pranga, a naturalist at Wildwood, said the center is a good fit for the birds.

"Herons are always found around bodies of water, where they can find fish and frogs to eat," she said. "They like smaller lakes and bodies of water. The prairie has great water sources and food for them."

James Mountjoy, a biology professor at Knox College in Galesburg, described the herons as an uncommon summer resident.

"Most of the black-crowns in Illinois nest either in the Chicago region or in St. Clair County," Mountjoy said. The species used to be more common in Illinois, but with the decline in wetlands, the number has likewise slipped, he said.

Because of this, Mountjoy said, the birds are officially listed as an endangered breeding species in Illinois.

By Kayla Harris, for ChicagoWildlifeNews.com
Contact: [email protected]

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(APRIL 6) Coyote captured on Northwest Side to be "transferred to a wildlife rehabilitation program."

(APRIL 5) Coyote spotted at Luther North, captured on Northwest Side.

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(APRIL 2) Loyola donates scanner for Brookfield Zoo's animals.

(APRIL 1) New plan to keep out Asian carp involves reducing oxygen "in stretch of water."

(APRIL 1) McHenry County Health Department warns about ticks, which are most active in April, May and June in Illinois.

(APRIL 1) Brush fire rages across prairie land, yards in Lake in the Hills area.

(MARCH 31) Controlled burn planned for McHenry.

(MARCH 31) American white pelicans "are back in Batavia, but not for much longer, so get out and see them while you can."

(MARCH 31) Swans arrive in Schaumburg pond to help control population of geese.

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(MARCH 31) "Don't be shocked if you see white deer as you hike through the thousands of acres of forest preserves in the Chicago Southland."

(MARCH 31) Thousands of fish die off at Long Grove pond.

(MARCH 31) Compromise reached on Chicago Botanic Garden fence designed to keep out deer.

(MARCH 31) More on Wheaton's decision to halt coyote culling program.

(MARCH 30) Wheaton formally halts coyote culling program.

(MARCH 30) Coyote spotted within "stone's throw" of United Center.

(MARCH 30) Environmental Defenders of McHenry County turns 40 years old.

(MARCH 30) Attorney general accuses sanitary district of polluting Kane County creek.

(MARCH 30) Public meetings scheduled on proposal to allow deer hunting in Will County forest preserves.

(MARCH 29) No Asian carp found in local waterways after six-week search. (Note: registration might be required to view story.)

(MARCH 29) Libertyville wind turbine controversy heads back to court in April.

(MARCH 29) "The American white pelicans are back! One of the species that helped hook me on birding years ago, these guys are huge, and unmistakable."

(MARCH 29) Will County may allow hunting in forest preserves to reduce deer population.

(MARCH 26) "Pelicans with nine-foot wingspans in a Kane County pond aren't exactly an everyday occurrence."

(MARCH 25) Kenosha tries to eradicate invasive type of crawfish.

(MARCH 25) "Six states have sued Illinois to make us stop the Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes. Is there a chance in hell we can?"

(MARCH 24) Controlled burn at northwest Indiana parkland aims to help native plants flourish.

(MARCH 24) Chicago Botanic Garden readying to install controversial deer fence.

(MARCH 24) "Density" and Illinois' deer harvest.

(MARCH 23) Purchase of 208 acres "signals the culmination of nearly a decade of preserving open space."

(MARCH 23) Michigan isn't giving up on Asian carp fight, following loss in court.

(MARCH 23) Cougar conference being held here. It's only a matter of time, experts say, before another puma turns up in Chicago region.

(MARCH 23) Chicago-area congresswoman says: "Our goal should be to kill the Asian carp -– not jobs."

(MARCH 22) U.S. Supreme Court turns down Michigan's request to close Chicago-area waterways to keep out dreaded Asian carp.

(MARCH 22) Wilmington hawk dies, from poisoning.

(MARCH 22) Farmers are buying more and more land during recession as banks reel. (Note: registration might be required to view story.)

(MARCH 22) Wisconsin beekeeper "led a drive for a new state law establishing standards for honey sold."

(MARCH 22) Woodpeckers are nature's "noisy little harbingers of spring."

(MARCH 22) Many of the same tools "scientists used to save the lakes' from the sea lamprey will be part of their defense against the Asian carp."

(MARCH 20) More on purported wolf found in Illinois.

(MARCH 20) Hundreds of fish found dead at Homewood lake.

(MARCH 20) "If Naperville decided to hire trappers to come around the woods by my house" looking for coyotes, "I might just have to set up some traps of my own -- to catch the trappers."

(MARCH 19) Court expected to take up Asian carp issue again today.

(MARCH 19) Deer gets stuck in fence in Joliet, put down by police officer with shotgun. (Note: after visiting link, scroll down to see story.)

(MARCH 19) Deer rams into squad car in Wisconsin, apparently causing rollover. (Note: after visiting link, scroll down to see story.)

(MARCH 18) Timber wolf captured on camera in Illinois -- perhaps a first.

(MARCH 18) In Kane County, new rules emerging for wind turbines.

(MARCH 18) In Lake County, new program "to recover, breed and repopulate the smooth green snake."

(MARCH 18) Campton Township drops $7 million on preserving land.

(MARCH 18) Glenbard West students light up -- in controlled burn of prairie land.

(MARCH 17) Board approves land purchase to expand Pine Dunes Forest Preserve in Newport Township.

(MARCH 17) Green snakes to be reintroduced into Lake County woods, in conjunction with Lincoln Park Zoo.

(MARCH 17) Controlled burns planned over next month in McHenry County.

(MARCH 17) Coyote spotted in Grant Park, in Loop.

(MARCH 17) Not a lot of data backing up Botanic Garden's plans for fence to keep out deer.

(MARCH 17) Conservation group hosting "green voice" meeting that will deal in part with open space, water quality.

(MARCH 16) Wheaton taking a wait-and-see approach now to coyotes.

(MARCH 16) Was deer-plane incident a freak accident, or a harbinger?

(MARCH 16) No more coyotes have been trapped in Wheaton, and some "residents are hoping it stays that way."

(MARCH 15) One of top DNR officials in Illinois to speak at Liberty Prairie Conservancy gathering.

(MARCH 15) Apparent wolf shot and killed Downstate. At least four have been killed in Illinois in 21st century.

(MARCH 15) Will County tries to figure out what to do about massive deer population.

(MARCH 13) Trees coming down in Batavia because of emerald ash borer.

(MARCH 13) Wind turbines stirring up trouble in DeKalb County.

(MARCH 12) Deer carcasses found in Joliet. (Note: after visiting link scroll down to view item.)

(MARCH 12) Profile on Tinley Park man who has been training hawks since age 14.

(MARCH 11) Wheaton municipal government suspends the killing of coyotes.

(MARCH 11) "In the midst of our befuddlement, how do we play out our role in ecology and culture?"

(MARCH 10) Dredging planned in Wonder Lake, in far northwest suburbs.

(MARCH 10) "Kane County will have up to 1,500 acres of new wooded areas if the Kane County Forest Preserve District continues to plant trees to restore what once was a more heavily forested part of the state."

(MARCH 10) Not everyone happy with proposed deer wall at Chicago Botanic Garden.

(MARCH 10) Trapper nabs, kills four coyotes near Wheaton.

(MARCH 9) Deer "a part of life" at small Lake County airport.

(MARCH 9) Wheaton municipal government hires coyote trapper from DeKalb.

(MARCH 8) Bones found at Barrington-area forest preserve.

(MARCH 8) Northwest Indiana river "has the most problems of any river in the United States," according to EPA.

(MARCH 8) Plane hits deer, makes emergency landing at Chicago Executive Airport.

(MARCH 7) Reader pleads: "Please reconsider the killing of these coyotes. They are fellow travelers of ours on the path of life."

(MARCH 6) "Invasive plants gone, wildlife returns to Cranberry Lake" following restoration effort in Lake County.

(MARCH 6) Controlled burn held at state park in far northwest suburbs.

(MARCH 5) Recession means Kendall County Forest Preserve Commission able to buy big tract.

(MARCH 5) Helping the herons of Lake County.

(MARCH 4) Police looking for whoever ran down, killed eight deer by Downstate lake.

(MARCH 4) Forest preserve near Hoffman Estates renamed after late commissioner.

(MARCH 3) Feds considering making part of McHenry County, southern Wisconsin a national wildlife refuge.

(MARCH 3) Johnsburg junior high students get grant to develop own prairie space.

(MARCH 3) A "dozen things about redbirds that perhaps you didn't know."

(MARCH 3) Tour boat operators "are bracing for a possibility that once was unthinkable — closure of the Chicago River," because of Asian carp fight.

(MARCH 2) "Major" restoration of Grainger Woods in Lake County is planned, meaning rare plants and a "unique ecological environment will be protected."

(FEB. 27) Forest preserve near Elgin could be renamed for late commissioner.

(FEB. 27) Wheaton leaders consider hiring trapper for coyotes.

(FEB. 26) "Both camps acknowledge the coyote was here first; they simply differ on the matter of how to deal with it."

(FEB. 26) "Will County has too many deer," with 153 per square mile in one forest preserve, when 20 is the "accepted maximum."

(FEB. 26) Wheaton leaders to meet again March 1 and address coyote issues.

(FEB. 25) Will County forest restoration leaves some neighbors with concerns, questions.

(FEB. 25) Emerald ash borer found in Bloomingdale trees.

(FEB. 25) Chicago Botanic Garden plans eight-foot-tall fence to keep out deer.

(FEB. 25) Deer rescued from Wisconsin pond.

(FEB. 24) Will County forest preserves looking for ways to "control" deer population.

(FEB. 24) Oak Forest "ponders strategy" to rid town of emerald ash borer.

(FEB. 24) Illinois tries to block Michigan's legal moves in Asian carp case.

(FEB. 22) Obama offers plan to help Great Lakes, described as "a sprawling ecosystem plagued by toxic contamination, shrinking wildlife habitat and invasive species."

(FEB. 22) Web site created to help people avoid conflicts with coyotes.

(FEB. 22) Profile on Flint Creek and one of its wildlife rehabilitators.

(FEB. 22) Steel industry jobs could be impacted if channels are closed because of Asian carp.

(FEB. 19) Business professor casts doubt on economic damage estimates of closing locks to keep out Asian carp. (Note: registration might be required to view story.)

(FEB. 19) A sure sign of spring: the smell of skunks in the Chicago area.

(FEB. 19) Rather than ripping into Wheaton for its handling of the coyote issue, "it should be commended for airing this out in public, despite the backlash."

(FEB. 18) Indiana attorney general to file brief in lawsuit brought over Asian carp in Great Lakes.

(FEB. 18) Gun laws might need to be changed in Wheaton to allow coyote abatement.

(FEB. 18) Hawk burned in Sugar Grove plane crash is euthanized. (Note: after visiting link, scroll down to see item.)

(FEB. 18) "Search-and-destroy" mission to root out Asian carp in Chicago-area waterways.

(FEB. 18) Coyotes still spurring debate in western suburbs.

(FEB. 17) Search goes on for Asian carp in Chicago area.

(FEB. 17) DuPage County Forest Preserve District OKs fish barrier to keep out Asian carp.

(FEB. 17) Debate over plan to trap and kill coyotes in western suburb.

(FEB. 17) Eight-foot fence proposed for Chicago Botanic Garden, to keep hungry deer out.

(FEB. 17) Is chronic wasting disease on the decline in Illinois deer?

(FEB. 17) Does solution to Wheaton coyote problem involve "bear spray?"

(FEB. 16) Bird count draws several dozen participants in northwest Indiana.

(FEB. 15) South suburbs get visited by wind turbine pitchman.

(FEB. 15) Great Backyard Bird Count underway.

(FEB. 15) Suburbs debate how to respond to coyote incursions.

(FEB. 15) The new front line in Illinois in the battle against Asian carp.

(FEB. 13) Glen Ellyn deluged with coyotes, reaching out trapper.

(FEB. 13) Environmentalists rap feds' Asian carp plan, saying it has "serious flaws."

(FEB. 12) What to do with those fur coats? Give them back to nature.

(FEB. 11) Libertyville extends its moratorium on wind turbines.

(FEB. 11) Proposal to excavate gravel in Kane County forest preserve drawing consideration, controversy.

(FEB. 11) "If the carp get into Lake Michigan, I believe it will end the salmon fishery and the whitefish population out there."

(FEB. 11) Feds' Asian carp strategy excludes "most promising weapon available."

(FEB. 10) Another "targeted removal" of Asian carp planned for Chicago-area waterways.

(FEB. 9) Wheaton municipal government plans to start trapping, euthanizing coyotes.

(FEB. 9) Feds might have locks closed more often to keep out Asian carp.

(FEB. 9) Federal government ramps up fight against ravenous Asian carp, trying to prevent the fish from taking over the Great Lakes.

(FEB. 9) Indian chief's descendants want back land -- now part of Cook County forest preserves.

(FEB. 8) "So how does eating a meal become newsworthy? When the diner is a coyote and the dinner is a small dog."

(FEB. 8) Midwest governors meeting at White House over keeping Asian carp out of Great Lakes.

(FEB. 8) Emerald ash borer proves a costly pest for communities.

(FEB. 7) South suburban grasslands restoration project moving along.

(FEB. 6) By the way, don't feed the coyotes -- at least not in Orland Park.

(FEB. 6) Avoiding conflicts with coyotes, who are on the rise in the south suburbs.

(FEB. 5) Lake County adds seven-acre parcel to forest preserves.

(FEB. 5) Oswego residents want help for injured deer.

(FEB. 4) Environmental activists push for more federal funding for Great Lakes.

(FEB. 2) Heron nesting platforms erected near Grayslake.

(FEB. 2) Swan with bullet wound recovering at wildlife center.

(FEB. 2) Groundhog indicates it'll be an early spring.

(FEB. 2) Wolves, coyotes once were big "problems" in Chicago area.

(FEB. 1) "Great Backyard Bird Count" being held later this month.

(FEB. 1) "The odds of seeing a wild bald eagle here in DuPage County have never been better."

(JAN. 31) Thief steals macaw from Naperville pet shop.

(JAN. 31) Lockport wildlife center includes cougar, coyote, skunk, fox and black bear.

(JAN. 30) Coyote attacks another dog, this time in Palos area.

(JAN. 29) "Removing the biggest fish will manage the population somewhat. I wonder. Do Asian carp eat zebra mussels?"

(JAN. 29) Evanston targets feral cats -- 100-strong colony.

(JAN. 29) DuPage County forest preserve board candidates "spar" over land use issues.

(JAN. 29) Coyotes spotted in Hobart, Ind.

(JAN. 28) Hawk burned in plane crash expected to recover.

(JAN. 28) Deadly fish virus found in Great Lakes.

(JAN. 28) Congress seeking more money to fight Asian carp invasion.

(JAN. 28) Dog who keeps geese off Northbrook golf course set to retire in spring.

(JAN. 28) Dog mauled by coyote in Wheaton had been attacked before.

(JAN. 27) Dog euthanized after coyote attack in western suburbs.

(JAN. 27) "Several sightings of coyotes in Hinsdale have residents there on alert."

(JAN. 27) Chicago's Animal Care & Control requiring background checks of its volunteers, which has some of them howling.

(JAN. 27) Durbin, Biggert calling summit to address Asian carp invasion.

(JAN. 26) Hawk burned in plane crash getting rehabbed at suburban wildlife center. (Note: after visiting link, scroll down for story.)

(JAN. 26) Two new executives join Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum to plan exhibits and raise money.

(JAN. 25) Red fox not the only fox variety around.

(JAN. 25) "Assault" begins at Palatine-area forest preserve, where invasive species are being targeted.

(JAN. 25) Dreaded emerald ash borer has "invaded" Matteson.

(JAN. 25) Deer smashes into home Downstate, stunning occupants.

(JAN. 25) "Chicagoans are still getting their coyote-legs."

(JAN. 24) Sport fishermen worry about impact of Asian carp.

(JAN. 22) Hunters bag almost 200,000 deer in Illinois in latest season.

(JAN. 21) Rivers in the region to be tested for dreaded Asian carp.

(JAN. 21) "Summit" on Asian carp threat being planned.

(JAN. 21) Major "assault" planned at Deer Grove forest preserve "on invasive plants and trees including European buckthorn, box elder, honeysuckle, green ash, bass and maples."

(JAN. 20) Land Conservancy inviting public to help clear far northwest suburban prairie of invasive species.

(JAN. 20) Lake County Forest Preserve District planning to spend millions more on land purchases.

(JAN. 20) Asian carp DNA found in Lake Michigan, officials reveal.

(JAN. 19) U.S. Supreme Court declines to take up Asian carp case.

(JAN. 19) Crows flock to Indiana town year after year, and nobody knows why.

(JAN. 19) Chicago lawyer, who worked on eagle recovery programs along the Mississippi River, dies.

(JAN. 18) Mount Prospect residents complaint about feral cats.

(JAN. 15) ComEd pledges to do better while cutting trees, brush.

(JAN. 15) "Once they became established in cities, it turned out cities weren't all that bad as far as coyote life is concerned, so they've been thriving."

(JAN. 14) Local group advocates use of native plants in landscaping.

(JAN. 14) Closing off local waterways to protect Lake Michigan from Asian carp could have dramatic impact on businesses, way of life for some.

(JAN. 13) Mount Prospect tries to deal with feral cats.

(JAN. 13) Profile on Willowbrook vet, who treats all kinds of animals, including opossums with frostbite.

(JAN. 13) Sen. Durbin on Asian carp in Illinois: "We are not in denial about the threat of this invasive species."

(JAN. 13) Farmland disappearing in Lake County.

(JAN. 12) Asian carp DNA -- but no live fish belonging to the invasive species -- found in Chicago River. (Note: registration might be required to view story.)

(JAN. 12) U.S. Supreme Court to listen to Asian carp case on Friday.

(JAN. 11) "Land of Oz" preserve opening in McHenry County.

(JAN. 11) On the growth -- and noise -- of our Canada geese population.

(JAN. 8) Lake County officials take step closer to creating new forest preserve after committee votes on 59-acre parcel.

(JAN. 8) Muskie show in Palatine expected to draw 5,000 people.

(JAN. 8) Stricter smog rules proposed by EPA.

(JAN. 7) More on snake relocation project in Lake County.

(JAN. 7) Illinois attorney general said states suing over Asian carp shouldn't be able to force the closure of local waterways.

(JAN. 7) Snakes released into "hibernaculum" as part of Lake County relocation project.

(JAN. 7) "What to do about those monstrous Asian carp"?

(JAN. 6) Science questioned in Asian carp case.

(JAN. 6) Plane crashes in forest preserve, river in north suburbs.

(JAN. 5) Illinois to fight efforts to close "Chicago-area shipping to keep the voracious Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes." (Note: registration might be required to view story.)

(JAN. 4) New York's attorney general joins growing effort to fight Asian carp in Chicago area, Great Lakes.

(JAN. 3) Asian carp not only threaten Great Lakes, but they "are now setting off strife on land as well."

(JAN. 3) Bison at Elgin zoo dies.

(JAN. 1) Indiana backs lawsuit aimed at keeping Asian carp out of Lake Michigan.

(DEC. 31) Ferruginous hawk hit by train in Canada, ends up in Chicago area, where it's found and rehabbed.

(DEC. 31) Hunters likely responsible for dead geese in Naperville.

(DEC. 30) Grisly discovery in Naperville: four Canada geese found "mutilated."

(DEC. 29) The number of deer killed in Illinois during firearm season is down.

(DEC. 28) Minnesota taking sides in court fight over Asian carp entering Lake Michigan through Chicago's waterways.

(DEC. 28) Beavers causing flooding problems in Merrillville.

(DEC. 26) Rare murrelet, which resembles penguin, spotted in northwest Indiana.

(DEC. 26) Willowbrook Wildlife Center looking for old Christmas trees to enhance habitats for critters.

(DEC. 25) Coyote busts in to Cook County Jail. (Note: after visiting link, scroll down in column to read item.)

(DEC. 24) More signs of gypsy moth turn up in Mount Prospect.

(DEC. 23) More swans being spotted on Chicago-area ponds.

(DEC. 21) Michigan suing "to force Illinois to close Chicago-area locks to try to stop the advancement of invasive Asian carp into the Great Lakes."

(DEC. 21) A slew of fish at the Slough: "By last winter, the Slough was returning to its old glory as a top panfish spot near Chicago."

(DEC. 18) More than 2,000 coyotes estimated in Chicago region; there's a coyote explosion nationwide.

(DEC. 18) Driver in Downstate Illinois swerves to avoid deer, ends up dying in wreck.

(DEC. 16) Millions of dollars going to keep Asian carp out of Lake Michigan.

(DEC. 14) Cranes over Chicago.

(DEC. 13) New flap over backyard chickens.

(DEC. 12) Fish kill shows other invasive species in area.

(DEC. 11) So far chronic wasting disease not a big deal with wild game in McHenry County.

(DEC. 11) "Pricey options" for Oak Forest as it weighs how to eradicate ash borer bugs.

(DEC. 10) Oak Park resident tracks "rapid evolution."

(DEC. 9) No Asian carp found in channel south of Chicago, among 800 netted.

(DEC. 8) Golf courses enlisting plywood dogs to shoo away geese.

(DEC. 7) Fishermen using nets in Cal-Sag to try for dreaded Asian carp.

(DEC. 7) How plants, animals handle the "stress" of winter.

(DEC. 7) Wildlife officials worry about spread of bat disease.

(DEC. 7) Proposed road widening has some worried about fate of wildlife in area.

(DEC. 6) Chicago Park District restoring two swaths of lakefront land in projects that should attract more wildlife.

(DEC. 4) One Asian carp found in canal fish kill.

(DEC. 4) Bird count planned in Kane County.

(DEC. 4) Spate of coyote sightings in Illinois. One of the animals was shot by a cop Downstate.

(DEC. 3) After canal laced with poison, no Asian carp have yet to turn up belly up.

(DEC. 3) Geneva deals with feral cats.

(DEC. 3) Poison dumped in six-mile stretch of canal to kill off Asian carp.

(DEC. 2) Fox goes after dachshund in Elgin, but is chased away before making off with meal.

(DEC. 2) Coyotes go suburban -- to Evanston -- where they find plenty to eat, but a leery human population.

(DEC. 1) "Unprecedented fish kill" planned for six-mile stretch of Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, aimed at Asian carp.

(NOV. 30) Assistant football coach at Eastern Illinois University killed in car crash after vehicle swerved to avoid deer.

(NOV. 26) Spike in coyote sightings has west suburb issuing "safety suggestions" for residents.

(NOV. 25) Deer spotted in abandoned section of Bensenville that Daley administration wants for O'Hare expansion.

(NOV. 25) Was a cougar spotted in West Chicago?

(NOV. 25) Glenview parks enlist coyote decoys to keep away geese. Do they work? "Sort of."

(NOV. 24) Emerald ash borer claiming trees in St. Charles.

(NOV. 24) Asian carp worry fishermen in Lake Michigan.

(NOV. 23) At least 17 people in the Elgin area have reported seeing a panther-like creature since 2007.

(NOV. 23) Romeoville barrier may have failed to contain Asian carp.

(NOV. 21) Asian carp found in waterways within seven miles of Lake Michigan.

(NOV. 19) Community grapples with what to do about feral cats.

(NOV. 19) Deer smashes through storefront window -- belonging to shop that processes deer meat Downstate.

(NOV. 18) St. Charles cops shoot two raccoons in recent days.

(NOV. 18) Wildlife in Indiana dunes threatened by climate change.

(NOV. 17) Plan to poison Asian carp could kill off numerous other fish.

(NOV. 16) Throngs of people migrate to northwest Indiana to view visiting sandhill cranes.

(NOV. 16) Conservation group lays out ambition plans to preserve land.

(NOV. 16) Nature Conservancy buys nearly 140 acres adjacent to other parcels that are rich with wildlife.

(NOV. 14) Poison being tapped to wipe out Asian carp.

(NOV. 13) Coyotes stirring up trouble in St. Charles; one spotted dragging deer across lawn.

(NOV. 13) Officials in West Chicago respond to concerns over coyotes.

(NOV. 13) Scientist on monk parakeets in Chicago: "We're watching an invasion."

(NOV. 12) Elk, bison win reprieve at Elgin zoo.

(NOV. 9) Whooping cranes get fixed-wing escort over Illinois.

(NOV. 8) Lake County looking to expand its forest preserves.

(NOV. 6) Are wind farms bad for the birds? Event to focus on that question.

(NOV. 6) Wheeling streambank project completed.

(NOV. 6) Love is in the air -- so drivers should beware of deer in the roadway.

(NOV. 5) Mountain lions reportedly spotted in southern Wisconsin.

(NOV. 5) Coyote near St. Charles school making residents uneasy.

(NOV. 5) Cook County Forest Preserve District gets 176 acres from Oak Forest Hospital.

(NOV. 3) More on Chicago-area coyote study.

(NOV. 2) Kane County forest preserve the "front line" against deer disease.

(NOV. 2) Dyer, Ind., tries to cope with pesky geese.

(OCT. 28) White deer reported in south suburbs.

(OCT. 28) Cook County leads the state in deer-car collisions.

(OCT. 24) Forest Preserve near Lake Villa being restored.

(OCT. 23) The focus is on owls in Northwest Indiana.

(OCT. 23) Feral cats "stir passions" in far western suburbs.

(OCT. 21) Cook County Forest Preserve District budget: no tax or fee hikes.

(OCT. 21) A Frankfort farmer tries "to undo decades of farming techniques he believes are harmful to your health."

(OCT. 20) Write-up on Chicago's urban coyote project.

(OCT. 20) DuPage forest preserve district sues former fund-raising arm.

(OCT. 20) Naperville's "most enigmatic neighbors" are its owls.

(OCT. 20) Bodies found in forest preserve near Calumet City.

(OCT. 19) Girls sickened in salmonella outbreak had been swimming in backyard pool with pet turtles.

(OCT. 19) Resident finds coyotes only ones to help clean up deer carcass.

(OCT. 18) Bear visits Wisconsin grocery store, heads to beer cooler.

(OCT. 17) Volunteers to remove trash, invasive species from Kishwaukee River in Woodstock.

(OCT. 17) Elmhurst man cited for illegally trapping skunk, which he later killed with pellet gun.

(OCT. 17) Cougar sightings in Midwest rarely legitimate -- but tell that to the public.

(OCT. 16) Fox roams Chicago's Morgan Park neighborhood.

(OCT. 15) School district uses coyote decoys to keep away geese.

(OCT. 15) Motorola workers comb woods for buckthorn.

(OCT. 15) Montgomery man shoots neighbors dog, mistaking it for coyote.

(OCT. 14) With the change of seasons, drivers are being warned to be on the lookout for deer.

(OCT. 14) New forest preserve opens this weekend in Kane County.

(OCT. 13) Bolingbrook woman runs exotic bird rescue operation.

(OCT. 13) Are beavers just "ordinary rodents"?

(OCT. 12) Volunteers "re-green" forest preserves.

(OCT. 11) Two hundred pounds of garbage cleared from Fox River.

(OCT. 11) Brookfield Zoo keeper going on polar bear quest.

(OCT. 11) Homer Glen looks to drop millions on 98-acre farm parcel that would be converted into park.

(OCT. 10) Former Wheaton mayor to run for DuPage County forest preserve post.

(OCT. 9) Tentative OK given for Lake County Forest Preserve District to expand, including new perserves near Lake Villa and Wadsworth.

(OCT. 9) Event in Lake Villa to benefit foundation that helps ferrets.

(OCT. 8) Emerald ash borer found in Arlington Heights.

(OCT. 7) Des Plaines River clean-up planned in far north suburbs.

(OCT. 7) Lake County Forest Preserve district looking to pay out $10 million for more land.

(OCT. 7) Study looking at Chicago's monk parakeets.

(OCT. 7) "Delineated wetland" in McHenry should be saved, not turned into disc golf course, according to reader.

(OCT. 6) More "hobby farms" springing up.

(OCT. 6) The horses of Oak Brook.

(OCT. 5) Animal rescue center discussed near Tinley Park.

(OCT. 5) Oak Park tries to improve canopy by increasing planting distance between trees.

(OCT. 5) Roughly 200 species of birds in the Chicago area "are headed for their winter digs."

(OCT. 4) Wildlife expert Jeff Corwin to appear at event in Elgin.

(OCT. 1) "You, too, could have a canoe for a day."

(SEPT. 30) Horse ban at Joliet park irks riders.

(SEPT. 30) Genoa girding for emerald ash borer "invasion."

(SEPT. 30) Economic downturn responsible for more folks abandoning horses.

(SEPT. 29) Bird exhibit being held at Aurora University.

(SEPT. 29) Large marijuana-growing operation unearthed in cornfields of McHenry County.

(SEPT. 29) Old racetrack in suburban forest preserve getting new surface.

(SEPT. 29) Now's the time to plant trees.

(SEPT. 29) One in every 228 Illinois drivers will hit a deer this year, according to an analysis by an insurance company.

(SEPT. 28) Suburban school districts look to wind farm to save on power costs, help environment.

(SEPT. 28) Wildlife park in southwest Michigan, owned by Chicagoans, closing because no bidders stepped up.

(SEPT. 27) Chicago students participate in bog restoration project in dunes.

(SEPT. 27) Invasive plant overtaking nature area in south suburbs.

(SEPT. 26) Emerald ash borer found in Buffalo Grove.

(SEPT. 26) Would Chicago Olympics facility "squeeze out" bird sanctuary?

(SEPT. 26) Grant money coming through to help repair Little Calumet levies.

(SEPT. 26) Big stink in Evanston over skunk population.

(SEPT. 26) Anglers, hunters "serve community in many ways."

(SEPT. 26) West Dundee woman ordered to pick up roadkill for stabbing two pet lizards.

(SEPT. 26) Yorkville man arrested for allegedly growing pot in forest preserves.

(SEPT. 25) "Women work to bring Lyme disease to surface."

(SEPT. 25) South suburban resident on marsh restoration: "The land was very beautiful, and it's all ruined now. When you walk through the trails, it's like a cemetery."

(SEPT. 24) Beach Park tightening up leaf-burning rules.

(SEPT. 24) Wind turbines eyed for Waukegan lakefront.

(SEPT. 24) Controlled burn considered at Batavia marsh.

(SEPT. 24) Kane County woman cares for red-tailed hawk.

(SEPT. 24) NW Indiana town braces for emerald ash borer.

(SEPT. 24) Dreaded emerald ash borer beetle found in LaGrange.

(SEPT. 24) Curious find in DuPage River near Bolingbrook, Naperville.

(SEPT. 24) Madigan going after Bloomingdale animal rescue shelter in lawsuit.

(SEPT. 24) Two carriage drivers found guilty of mistreating horses.

(SEPT. 23) Highwood rolling out the barrels -- rain barrels for residents.

(SEPT. 22) Learning about the animals of the dunes.

(SEPT. 22) So long summer, welcome autumn.

(SEPT. 22) Kane County forest preserve cops may get new headquarters.

(SEPT. 22) Visitors to the Botanic Garden can check more than plants -- they can watch researchers at work.

(SEPT. 22) A snapshot of some of the area's hiking spots.

(SEPT. 22) Several local colleges tracking Chicago's monk parakeets.

(SEPT. 21) So, is it a weed, a wildflower?

(SEPT. 21) Suburb considers "leaving" the leaf pick-up business.

(SEPT. 21) Will Oak Forest farm, buildings be saved?

(SEPT. 20) Orchard in Hobart, Ind., now "branching out."

(SEPT. 20) Three Addison students turn science experiment into lesson on recycling, environment.

(SEPT. 20) Morton Arboretum revisits Darwin in exhibit that "shows how Darwin studied plants to help validate his theories of evolution."

(SEPT. 20) Butterfly experiment taking flight in suburbs. "This is one of the flashier butterflies in this state."

(SEPT. 19) Naperville Park District planning garden plots at DuPage River Park.

(SEPT. 18) Rolling Meadows park district official has elephants in "his blood."

(SEPT. 18) "Urban refuge" being restored on Northwest Side, on one of the last big swaths of nature in the city.

(SEPT. 17) Developing the Waukegan "savanna" -- could be trails, an organic farm, even a dog exercise area at 772-acre site.

(SEPT. 17) Pottawatomie Garden Club plants flowers on bridges -- been doing it for more than 30 years.

(SEPT. 17) Bizarre find in DuPage River: statues of Hindu gods.

(SEPT. 17) Emerald ash borer found in West Dundee.

(SEPT. 17) Waukegan Police Department trying to keep mounted unit amid budget cuts.

(SEPT. 17) St. Charles-area woman killed in horse incident.

(SEPT. 16) Wildlife park animals OK for sale in SW Michigan, official insists.

(SEPT. 16) Naperville plans to clear 20 acres of trees, brush for new park.

(SEPT. 16) Founder of Lake County forest preserve system dies.

(SEPT. 15) Animals at amusement, wildlife park that's for sale to be quarantined before auction.

(SEPT. 15) Coyote pup spotted on South Side. More]

(SEPT. 14) "Bioneer" symposium being held in McHenry County.

(SEPT. 14) Arlington Heights woman and sister -- both senior citizens -- embark on 2,700-mile cycling "adventure" along East Coast.

(SEPT. 14) Daley administration proposing new lakefront bike path. (Note: registration might be required to view story.)

(SEPT. 13) Homewood has cut down 623 trees since November "to combat the onslaught of the emerald ash borer." Now residents are being urged to plant more.

(SEPT. 13) Once an active quarry, now "area is flush with flora and fauna as well as hikers, fishermen and tour groups."

(SEPT. 13) River flooding, inspections and money.

(SEPT. 13) "Glorious gardens" in Chicago region revealed.

(SEPT. 12) Chicagoans trying to sell amusement, wildlife park in southwest Michigan. "Ever wanted to own a bobcat or a cougar?"

(SEPT. 12) Wildlife regulators in Wisc. thinking about extending deer hunting season to better control herds.

(SEPT. 11) "We, and the world we live in, have a remarkable capacity to recover and renew."

(SEPT. 11) Profile on Deer Grove's hiking trails.

(SEPT. 10) Tinley Park teenager tends to a "flying squirrel, three bearded dragons, an African gray parrot, a blue and gold macaw, two leopard geckos and two parakeets."

(SEPT. 10) Zebra mussels making deeper incursion into Indiana.

(SEPT. 10) New eco-friendly path at Morton Arboretum built with help from Wisconsin beer drinkers.

(SEPT. 10) Indiana dunes park to grow after land donation from conservation group.

(SEPT. 10) DNR offering free fishing day at state parks this month.

(SEPT. 10) Woodstock High School's "envirothon team" does well at national competition focusing on natural resources.

(SEPT. 10) Mosquitoes with West Nile virus detected in Homer Glen.

(SEPT. 9) Let the hiking season commence.

(SEPT. 9) Chicago Botanic Garden furthers "mission of conserving the world's flora" by opening multimillion-dollar Plant Science Center.

(SEPT. 8) Wisconsin motorcyclist severely injured after apparently hitting deer.

(SEPT. 7) Column on an "odd little chunk of vestigial prairie south of Kaneville."

(SEPT. 7) New book by Chicago-area ecological designer and restorationist. He "offers an intriguing vision for sustainability that includes shared hiking trails, floodwater-management landscapes and organic farming."

(SEPT. 7) Bobcat population growing in parts of Indiana.

(SEPT. 7) "Neighbors may shudder at the sight of such botanical anarchy, but my lawn -- rather, my un-lawn -- is a paragon of health."

(SEPT. 7) Lake County poised to add a new forest preserve, expand another.

(SEPT. 7) Horse shelter hosting auction to raise funds.

(SEPT. 6) McHenry woman's passion for art being tapped by Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources.

(AUG. 30) Suburban coyotes subject of upcoming presentation.

(AUG. 30) Naperville naturalist seeks out "urban landscapes."

(AUG. 25) Elgin zoo's days could be numbered.

(AUG. 25) Petition drive launched to save Elgin zoo.