Aurora Wards 8, 9, and 10 shred event
Volunteers dump boxes of paper to be shredded Saturday at the annual Aurora Wards 8, 9, and 10 shred event.
The great race: Excessive population, deep deserts
First of two parts It borrows its name from the massive stone structure built by the Qin Dynasty. But the purpose of the Green Great Wall in China is not to hold back the barbarians, it’s to stop the ever-encroaching deserts. The following article was submitted by Antony Funnell/ABC Radio
Kane County solar field project: Financial savings
A two megawatt solar (2MW) field to be installed at the Kane County Judicial Center in Geneva will generate enough energy to save taxpayers $5 million over the next 25 years. The solar field project, approved by the Kane County Board at the September 14 meeting, will generate more than
Reader’s Voice: Habitat restoration at Bliss Woods
September 14, 2021Dear editor; A habitat restoration work day will be held at Bliss Woods Forest Preserve from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 25. Honeysuckle and other invasive woody plants will be targeted for removal in addition to seed collecting and dispersal. Tools will be provided, but feel free
Fox River clean-up Saturday, Sept. 18
The Fox River clean-up will be held at two locations this year by the Friends of the Fox River in its third annual, “It’s Our Fox River Day”. The events will be from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 18 at Glenwood Park Forest Preserve,1644 S. River Street, Batavia, and
Howling Wolfe Canoe and Kayak trip benefit to Friends of the Fox
Howling Wolfe Canoe and Kayak ran a trip from North Aurora to Aurora and all the proceeds were donated to Friends of the Fox.
Tips helpful: Fall planting of balled-and-burlapped trees
Fall is a great time to plant trees, many of which are originally grown at a nursery either in a plastic container or in the ground before they are balled and burlapped. How the tree is grown in its first years and then planted affects the long-term health of the
Kane County’s Recycling collection event, Sept. 11, final of year
The next one-day event will be from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 11 at 540 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Electronics, books, and latex paint will be accepted at this event. The event will be the last event for the year to recycle paint, aerosol cans, small propane canisters,
Reader’s Voice: Innovative carbon tax best solution
August 29, 2021Dear editor; Our national (and global) climate crisis is becoming more visible now. Some Republican leaders in Congress are shifting their posture amid deadly heat waves, devastating drought and ferocious wildfires that have bludgeoned their districts. Even senator Rick Scott (R) of Florida said he wants to address
Aurora City Council: Civilian Review Board (CRB) to native plants along Fox River
By Jason Crane At the Aurora city government City Council meeting Tuesday, Council members listened to an update on the Civilian Review Board (CRB). Communications director for the city of Aurora government, Clayton Muhammad, said the nine- member Board was sworn in Thursday, Aug. 19 and will review complaints against
Climate activists seek results with climate bill
Climate activists and union members who live in Illinois’ 19th State Senate District will deliver a letter to senator Michael Hastings at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27 urging him to pass a strong climate bill without the $700 million nuclear bailout. Hastings is the chairman the Energy and Public Utilities
Tiny sweat bees bring importance to healthy ecosystem
Although the bumblebee is likely the most well-known pollinator, pollinators come in a variety of shapes, species, and sizes. “Many entomologists believe the tiny sweat bee nectaring on your flowering weed is just as important to a healthy ecosystem as the more well-known bumble bee and honey bee,” said Kelly
Decline of birds in wildlife caused by decline of insects
The following article by Dana Kobilinsky printed in The Wildlife Society addresses a decline of birds because of fewer insects. “ Researchers say caterpillars are one of the most important food sources for insectivorous birds, but they are declining. Credit: Doug Tallamy “Some studies have documented insect declines. Others have
Asters provide bright colors to Fall flower gardens
Fall gardens may need some added pops of color this time of year to maintain beauty and diversity until Winter arrives. Asters are a late-blooming, pollinator-friendly flower that looks great in the garden and in a Fall floral display. “Think beyond the obvious, fall-blooming favorite mums this year,” said Brittnay
Mosquitoes: West Nile Virus near Geneva
The Kane County Health Department has been alerted to mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile Virus. This batch was collected by an independent contractor near Geneva and is the first that has tested positive this year. West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has
Small green spaces can provide happy habitat for birds
North America has lost three billion birds since 1970, according to a study from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It is a 30% decrease. This statistic may feel devastating and overwhelming, but Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle, a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator, said you don’t have to feel helpless. There are
Recycling focus in Aurora
More than 300 vehicles take part in the shred and recycling event sponsored by District 84 State representative Stephanie Kifowit on a hot day Saturday, July 24.
Rusty Rodeo stops little bullies’ reign
A curious visitor asked a naturalist to describe the appearance of a rusty crayfish. When she said, “It looks like they’ve been pinched with Cheetos fingers,” the mind wanders to something kinda cute, maybe even a bit cuddly. “But,” continued Christy Graser, environmental education supervisor at Red Oak Nature Center
Dandelions colorful, composite of several flowers
By Jennifer Fishburn To a child, a dandelion is a magical thing. It’s one of the first plants we learn to recognize. The bright yellow flowers make cheerful bouquets, necklaces, and crowns. The fluffy white seed heads become wishes when we squeeze our eyes shut and blow. Adults, especially home
Pollinators on the Prairie for youngsters
As part of their month-long indoor and outdoor exhibit, “Pollinators on the Prairie: Little Helpers, Big Results,” the Little White School Museum will offer a special program aimed at youngster ages eight to 12 years, “All About Hummingbirds.” The hour-long program will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 17, at