By Natural Resources Commissioner Meagan Provencher Our local tree canopy has been struggling as of late due to an onslaught of disease, bug issues, and climate stress. We are seeing a great decline in our tree numbers and the best way to fix that is to plant more trees. But we can’t just be “willy… Read More Planting Diverse Tree Species
by Natural Resources Commissioner Suzi Myers Remember last May when we turned off the outside lights to help the birds during their migration? One of these birds is the Chimney Swift, coming 3,000 miles from Peru to breed. They can fly up to 150 miles per hour when they are chasing prey. This bird is… Read More Chimney Swifts: Amazing Insect Eaters
From TriCity Family Services The transition to summer brings longer days and less homework, but the lack of schedule and open structure can create its own stress. Counselors at TriCity Family Services offer tips for embracing summer’s changes: Noticing your child is experiencing challenges during the summer transition (such as extreme changes in sleep, eating,… Read More Tips for Families: Managing Summer’s Changes
by Tom Galante, Commissioner City of St. Charles Natural Resources Commission How would you like to pat yourself on the back for helping the environment, feeding the hungry, and reducing greenhouse gases, all while using your other hand to pocket the money you’re saving? Does that sound good? Read on! Food waste, if it were a… Read More Food Waste: Save Money, Save Natural Resources
by Lee Haggas, Natural Resources Commissioner Looking for cheap (or cheep) entertainment this summer? Put a birdbath, or two or three, in your garden and watch the fun fly. Along with providing sources of food, shelter and nesting spots, giving birds access to water is one of the best things a homeowner can do for… Read More Bathing Birds Brighten Backyards
by Meagan Provencher, Natural Resources Commissioner There is nothing better than seeing all kinds of winged visitors in your garden. Butterflies dive-bombing the butterfly weed, hummingbirds buzzing around the salvia, tiny bees and insects visiting all the flowers in the garden. It’s fun to watch them go about their busy lives with no care for… Read More Attracting Pollinators To Your Yard
Spring, summer and fall are the best times of year for overnight camping or day trips, picnics in the park and on the beach, and tailgating. No matter what outdoor event you organize this year, food will surely play a major role in the festivities, and when you’re away from home, portable grills will most… Read More Outdoor Cooking Safety Tips
HorsePower Therapeutic Riding was founded in 2012 to provide creative, inspiring, and challenging therapeutic horseback riding lessons to children and adults with disabilities. Since our inception we have expanded to include equine-assisted learning, animal-assisted activities, and ranch connection programs. These programs have allowed our participants to experiencesocial, emotional, cognitive and physical growth in an inclusive… Read More Horsepower Therapeutic Riding Helps Children and Adults with Disabilities
As a leading provider of child development services, Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley is here to help raise healthy and happy children. Our free, online screening tool helps monitor the five key growth areas during a child’s critical years before kindergarten. We know during this time, a child’s brain develops connections that serve as the… Read More Monitor Your Child’s Social & Emotional Skills, Take Easterseals Free Online Screening Tool
By Natural Resources Commissioner Ryan Johnson Did you know that the mighty oak tree is the dominant tree type in northern Illinois forests? There are nine species of oak that are native to Illinois, but the white oak (Quercus alba), bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa), and the red oak (Quercus rubra) are the most common. These… Read More The Mighty Oaks in St. Charles