… a conference to evaluate what was happening and what needed to be done to reverse this trend. With much work and determination, it was discovered that the pesticide DDT was to blame for the … States. Today, there is a record high of 1,695 breeding pairs of bald eagles in Wisconsin, with at least one pair in all of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. In Illinois, there are at least 30 to … that it is now relatively common to see them here almost any week during spring and summer, with occasional sightings the rest of the year. Bald eagles start their courtship early in …
Type: Blog
… and ’60s. That big bump at the end of the long swizzle stick is a muddler. Infusion starts with muddling. Infusions Herbal infusions are a why-didn’t-I-think-of-that idea that’s easy, … of both will vary according to taste—feel free to experiment!) Bruise fruit and herb leaves with muddler to release some of the juices and flavor. Do not pulverize! Fill jar with ice and water. Cover and refrigerate for two hours. Strain water into glasses. Refrigerated …
Type: Blog
… National Aquarium. This opportunity made me think that I actually could have a career working with bonsai. Then, during a Baltimore Bonsai Club event at the National Arboretum’s Bonsai and Penjing Museum in Washington, D.C., I had a chance meeting with the curator Jack Sustic. I introduced myself by saying, “Hi, I’m Chris Baker. I have … the first full-time curator here at a collection of this caliber is a dream job, which comes with a lot of expectations and responsibility. During the display season (April to November), …
Type: Blog
… flexibility is that they construct the nest of soft plant fibers and then wrap the whole thing with spiderweb silk. This creates an elastic nest that has the ability to expand as the contents … you imagine yourself going out and plucking a strand of sticky silk from a spider web with your fingers and then trying to use it to build something out of lightweight fuzzy plant … often the case that hummingbirds in these colder situations will locate their nests on a limb with an overhanging branch acting as a sort of roof to help block the nest from the night sky. …
Type: Blog
… thing, there are several wild species of Rudbeckia growing in the region and several cultivars with bigger and/or fancier flowers that have been developed for people’s gardens. My favorite, … the familiar common black-eyed Susan is a short (about 1 – 2 feet), often annual or biennial with simple leaves, whereas sweet black-eyed Susan is a much taller (3 – 5 feet) perennial with three-lobed leaves. Also, sweet black-eyed Susan begins blooming when common black-eyed …
Type: Blog
… from the ootheca all at one time. During their first hour, they darken in color to blend in with their surroundings. After our praying mantises hatched inside an insect cage, I discovered … plants ( Heliopsis helianthoides) in the Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden was infested with red aphids. I released the praying mantises, and the hungry babies immediately began to … to the disappointment of our eighth grade Camp CBG helper, Joshua, who assisted me with the release—but the young predators did appear to enjoy their first meal. It may surprise …
Type: Blog
… the eastern screech-owl (Megascops asio) is primarily found in woodlands; it prefers trees with natural cavities near a field with a stream or shallow river. But it can also be found in wooded residential neighborhoods, … or in its daytime roosting hole will see a dark streaking on the owl’s breast that blends well with the tree’s bark. It has a 20-inch wingspan, piercing yellow eyes, and tiny ear tufts. …
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… front and center during our previous Science After Hours event. Mix up your own potion at home with these fun botanical cocktail recipes. Herbal experts Nancy Clifton of the Chicago Botanic … pepper shrub or sparkling water Stir ingredients together and serve over ice. *garnish with orange slice The Cherry Blossom 2 ounces vodka or whiskey 2 ounces tart cherry juice 1 … syrup *Optional ginger simple syrup Stir ingredients together and serve over ice. *Garnish with fresh mint leaves Science Thyme 2 ounces vodka or whiskey 1 ounce thyme simple syrup .25 …
Type: Blog
… sun. Around noon, the rain finally stopped and the clouds parted, saturating the exhibition with hot, bright sunshine. The exhibition had become a steamy hothouse. At that moment, almost … flying. They had been waiting all morning for this. The air in the exhibition was laced with pheromones from many different butterfly species, driving the males into a frenzy. I looked … of nature going on during this incredible spectacle. Some butterflies would attempt to mate with a different species. Sometimes males would try to mate. I even spied a trio of butterflies …
Type: Blog
… scientist here at the Chicago Botanic Garden. I have an incredible job that allows me to work with many wonderful graduate students and a team of researchers to study ways to restore natural … such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens) . Working with many partners, including the Bureau of Land Management, we are studying which native plants … adapting to be better competitors. Three Northwestern University graduate students are working with me. Master’s student Nora Talkington is testing how different populations of a native grass …
Type: Blog
