Welcome

Our facility will be closed on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

Our building will reopen to the public at 10am on Sunday, July 5.

Everyday, our trails are free and open from dawn until dusk.

Our facility is open Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm, and from 10am to 2pm on weekends.

Visit us. Everyday, our trails are free and open from dawn until dusk.

Common Yarrow

A native perennial found throughout Eurasia and North America. Common yarrow thrives in dry, sunny habitats such as prairies, fields, and deciduous woodlands. Its tight, flat clusters of flowers have a distinctive fragrance, often described as a blend of chamomile and pine. Each tiny flower has five white petals surrounding a cream- to pale yellow-colored […]

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Spring Ephemerals

What’s blooming in the Kindergarten Woods? Spring ephemerals are the first perennial plants to emerge each year. They have a short growth and reproduction phase, with a brief blooming period followed quickly by seed production. As the season progresses, their leaves wither away, leaving only underground structures for the rest of the year. This strategy […]

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Early Spring Butterflies

Did you know it is possible to spot adult butterflies in early spring? While most species spend the winter as eggs, caterpillars, or chrysalises, a few survive the cold months as adults. Both eastern comma butterflies (Polygonia comma) and mourning cloak butterflies (Nymphalis antiopa) overwinter in this form and can sometimes be seen flying at […]

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Coyotes

Coyotes are in their peak breeding season. Coyotes are active year round, but you are more likely to see and hear them in February. Mating season begins in January and continues through March. During this time, they vocalize more frequently and may roam farther than usual in search of a mate. Coyotes are monogamous and […]

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Aldo Leopold Nature Center