Quest for the Star-nosed Mole BioBlitz Report
More than 750 species of larger life forms: slime molds to fungi, plants, invertebrates from planaria to insects, and vertebrates from fish to birds and mammals were documented at the Natural Land Institute’s Silver Creek Woods Preserve during its bioblitz on June 19 and 20, 2026.
Allée of Historic Sugar Maples is July Tree
An Allée of historic Sugar Maples (Acer saccharum) is being recognized as the 2026 July Tree of the Month through NLI’s Legacy Tree Program.
Welcome Marketing Outreach Intern Isabelle Molitor
Natural Land Institute welcomes Isabelle Molitor, the summer Marketing Outreach Intern, who will be working with Director of Marketing & Membership, Kim Johnsen. Read her story here.
New Free Two Day BioBlitz for All Ages
All ages are invited to join scientists and citizen scientists in discovering what plants and animals live in the diverse habitats of Silver Creek Woods Preserve, a private protected natural area owned by NLI during BioBlitz on June 19 and June 20, 2026.
Magnificent American Elm in Capron
NLI’s Legacy Tree Program announces the June Tree of the Month is an American Elm (Ulmus americana) located at Capron United Methodist Church, 250 W. North St., Capron, IL 61012. This magnificent American Elm is a standout in the Village of Capron in northern Boone County, just a block off busy highway 173.
No Fogging! Take Mosquito Bucket Challenge Instead
The typical treatment for getting rid of mosquitos is by spraying with pesticide called fogging. We don’t like that option because it impacts a lot more than just mosquitos.
Doing the Right Things for Wildlife
Rob and his wife Cassi Paslick live on a beautiful 5-acre piece of land a little north and west of Rockton. Having lived there for 28 years, they’ve been able to make some changes in their landscape. Cassi told me that when they first started planting flowers, their focus did not include native plants. Over the years, the inclusion of native plants has enhanced their landscape and been able to attract a nice variety of birds, bees and butterflies.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence Under Historic White Oak
The community is invited to step back in time and experience history as it was meant to be shared during a live reading of the Declaration of Independence on Wed., July 8, 2026 at Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum, 411 Kent St., Rockford.
Tulip Tree Is Special Spot for Keller Family
NLI’s Legacy Tree Program announces the 2026 May Tree of the Month is a Tulip Tree. Tulip trees are in the Magnolia Family and are the tallest non-conifer tree native to Eastern North America (Eastern White Pines grew taller). Trees readily top 100-feet in their native range and were known to grow to heights approaching 175 feet.
Geologic Study of Boone County Advances!
The Illinois State Geological Survey is preparing to conduct the 2026 fieldwork for the Boone County 3-Dimensional Geologic Mapping Project. Boone County initiated this study to learn more about our local water sources located under foot.