O'Hara Woods Preserve

06/25/2026

Most spiders have eight eyes, but all those eyes don't necessarily help them see better. In fact, most spiders don't have very good vision.

Most spiders have eight eyes, but not all spiders have good vision.

06/23/2026

The plains pocket gopher spends most of its life beneath our feet, tunneling through the soil and helping improve it as it goes. Get to know these underground wonders.

A furry critter tunneling around below our feet could be any number of animals. Plains pocket gophers are one that fits the bill, but they are often confused with moles.

06/16/2026

A predatory mushroom? Program coordinator Jess McQuown tells us all about the oyster mushroom.

06/13/2026

Program coordinator Jess McQuown explains ladybugs' predatory lifestyle.

06/11/2026

We don't have many lizards here in Will County, but here's one you might be lucky enough to see — if you are in the right kind of habitat.

Legless reptiles are snakes, right? Not always. The slender glass lizard is one of many legless lizards in the world, and it lives right here in Will County.

06/06/2026

Have you noticed that crayfish look a lot like little lobsters? There's a good reason for that. The two crustaceans are closely related.

Tiny crayfish, also known as crawfish or crawdads, look like and are closely related to lobsters. These ten-legged crustaceans can regrow lost limbs, molt as they grow, and eat plants, animals, and decaying matter. Found across the U.S., including Illinois, some species like the rusty crayfish are i...

06/03/2026

Have you ever seen globs of spit on plant stems along a trail? It's not actually spit. It's a protective bubble home built by a tiny insect called a spittlebug. Take a closer look next time you're on the trail.

Those globs of spit you see on plants aren't spit at all. They are the safe and comfortable homes of spittlebug nymphs.

05/30/2026

African painted dogs are some of the most successful hunters in the animal kingdom. When you get to know more about them, they may remind you a little of the coyotes that roam across Illinois.

Our domesticated dogs have many wild relatives roaming the world. In Africa, that includes the colorful and distinctive African painted dog.

05/26/2026

Salamanders are among the most mysterious animals in the preserves. Learn five fascinating facts about these hidden amphibians, from regeneration to their secretive lifestyles.

05/23/2026

You probably know spending time outdoors is good for your physical and mental well-being, but just how much time does it take to reap the benefits?

How much time should you spend outdoors? Use the 20-5-3 rule as a guide.