Ohmerryoutdoors

09/26/2026

09/26/2026

09/18/2026

It's National Pawpaw Day!🌳

The common pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is North America's largest native fruit yielding tree. The fruit itself has a soft, custard-like texture that tastes similar to a banana, and is Illinois' only tropical fruit. They are commonly found in the central and southern parts of Illinois in deciduous forests as an understory tree.

Have you ever had a chance to taste this unique fruit? Let us know in the comments!

09/10/2026

286 million birds take off tonight.

The biggest wave is over Minnesota and Wisconsin. Duluth, Minneapolis, Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, the whole UP.

Songbirds, most of them, flying in the dark on a light northwest wind behind today's front. Clear skies up there tonight.

Last night 51 million crossed Minnesota alone, peaking around 10:40 PM.

If that's you, turn off the outside lights tonight, dusk to dawn. Lights pull them off course.

Step outside late. You might hear them.

Map: BirdCast, Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

09/07/2026

09/02/2026

Forest Service Road No. 345, Snake Road, is temporarily closed now through October 30 to ensure safe crossing for several species of snakes and amphibians during their bi-annual migration.

The gravel road is temporarily closed to vehicles, but it is open to people traveling on foot.

LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond is a federally designated Research Natural Area and the following should be kept in mind during visits:
❌ Do not collect or handle any snakes and amphibians, it is against the law and can lead to personal injury.
✅ For your safety, stay on the gravel road. This also reduces stress on animals during their critical movement.
🐍Snake movements occur in random individual pulses, at any point in the day. They do not form groups or cross the road in large masses.

For more information about the snake migration and LaRue-Pine Hills Research National Area visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/shawnee/safety-ethics/respect-wildlife

(Forest Service photo by Mycah Scoggins)

08/29/2026