Category Archives: How to Help

SSssssssssssnake 101

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BY: Monica Liszka UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

garter snake As the weather warms up, you may encounter a surprising native resident of Illinois: snakes! Illinois is home to over 30 species of snakes, most of which are harmless to humans but essential to the health of their natural habitats. Eleven of these species (as of 2015) are endangered or threatened in Illinois due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. Often living near meadows and swamps, some snakes can swim or even climb trees!

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For the Birds: The Ins and Outs of Bird Feeders

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BY: Mary kate feldner, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE CLASS OF 2021

bird sits on brach Warmer weather means more opportunities to get outside and enjoy all the wonderful nature that Illinois has to offer. For some, this means taking hiking trips to a variety of national parks. For others, this can mean enjoying the nature offered in their own backyard. One of the most common ways people enjoy nature in their own backyard is by hanging bird feeders.

Having a bird feeder in your yard can attract any number of songbirds and provide ample opportunities for bird watching. Offering a variety of feeder styles will maximize the number of bird species attracted to your yard and allow you to target specific bird species

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Boneyard Creek Community Day 2019

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Boneyard Creek Community Day is an event held one Saturday every April in Scott Park in Champaign. The purpose of this day is to “promote appreciation, stewardship, and naturalizing of our local stream corridors.” 2019 was the 14th year that community volunteers joined together to clean litter throughout Boneyard Creek and its surrounding parks. Members of the Wildlife Medical Clinic took a few hours out of their Saturday morning to dedicate time to cleaning these gorgeous parks! Continue reading →