Wild DeKalb

12/11/2025

The approval of another data center suggests that the county prioritizes economic gain over quality of life, which are not the same.

Can the region's farmland be protected from large-scale industrial development, or will its history and natural beauty be compromised?

The light pollution map illustrates the gradual encroachment of urbanization, a trend that seems irreversible. Soon, I will need to rename this page to something like 'Mediocre DeKalb County' with a slogan such as 'A place just like every other.'

I tried. 😞

11/22/2025

I want to share a coyote report I received from a photographer who visited Afton Forest Preserve this morning. He observed a coyote in the distance that began to approach him. The photographer maintained a firm defensive stance but was not aggressive, so the coyote would not mistake him as prey.

We both agreed that someone might be feeding the animals, causing the coyote to associate people with food, not as prey, but as a food source. This is why feeding wildlife is discouraged.

If an animal approaches someone and they run away, the coyote might instinctively chase, which could lead to the animal needing to be euthanized. Please avoid feeding the wildlife.

10/20/2025

Autumn is in full swing, and with the leaves changing colors, it's wonderful to be back on the trails. Although DeKalb County doesn't have its own mountain biking trails, we are fortunate to be centrally located near at least five different mountain bike trail systems.

Atwood is 28 miles northwest.
RaceWay Woods, 28 miles northeast.
Paul Douglas, 38 miles east.
Palos, 40 miles east.
Saw Wee Kee, 35 miles southeast.

Trail difficulty levels range from green to double black diamond, and DeKalb County sits right in the middle. Be sure to go get some.

08/29/2025

I experienced my first encounter with a deranged woman screaming obscenities and shining her light while attempting to observe from what I had hoped to be a quiet evening in one of our local cemeteries. I was set up and in the process of capturing the ghost of Cassiopeia when I received an unexpected visit. I did end up contacting the Sycamore police, and she subsequently decided to relocate.

Unfortunately, having dark sites where one can observe in peace is not always guaranteed.

07/22/2025

Be sure to check out the NIU Observatory page and hit that like button! Staying connected will keep you informed about all the exciting updates and events. Don't miss out!

Send a message to learn more

07/21/2025

Astronomy fun.

The Eagle Nebula, or Messier 16, was captured here in DeKalb County. If you zoom in on the nebula's center, you'll notice some tower-like structures known as the Pillars of Creation. This area serves as a stellar nursery where new stars are born.

Similar objects are scattered throughout our galaxy and the universe, contributing to the formation of the stars that illuminate our night sky. It is said that there are approximately ten thousand stars in the universe for every grain of sand on Earth.

This image was created using 11 minutes of total integration time, an equatorially mounted telescope, and 20-second exposures.

07/02/2025

06/16/2025

Logo designs for an upcoming ride supporting the historic North Grove one-room Schoolhouse, a distinctive event similar to a group ride with FVBSC members and fellow cycling enthusiasts.

The routes have been revised to include a 45-mile option and a metric century.

Both routes have been reversed in direction to have the schoolhouse near the end of each route, and the tentative time frame for this is possibly September; however, it will not overlap with TOSOC Bike Ride.

That's the latest information.