Hyde Park Nature Stories

From underground mycorrhizal networks to ultrasonic sound emissions and chemical signaling through the air. The plants and trees of the forest have a language and ability to communicate that science is only beginning to understand.

Water striders effortlessly float and skate over the surface of water bodies around the world. Learn how they do it, and how they can be a good sign of water quality.

Moose have long been revered animal by native peoples. In recent decades it has been suffering from a combination of warming winters, parasitic brainworms, and winter ticks. Biologists across its range are working on ways to hwlp.

Box turtles have evolved the familiar turtle shell to near perfection, holding the ability to close of its head and legs within its hinged under shell.

Bears have endured a paradoxical reputation for centuries. At once being associated with cuddly teddy bears and the helpful Smokey Bear, as well as a ferocious, blood-thirsty beast. As we learn more about their mind-boggling biology however, they may start to occupy a new niche in the popular mind - that of a natural marvel.

Legendary for their cunning cleverness, red fox are equally at home in the trackless wilderness as they are in a tract-housing development. It has established itself world-wide, and it's very particular set of skills makes it a nightmare for hapless meadow voles.

Barnacles may at first glance appear to have the most boring of lives. But dig a little deeper into these crafty crustaceans, and you'll learn they are among the most fascinating of seashore creatures.

Puffballl mushrooms offer many joys - from stomping on them as children to eating them fried with butter. Learn more about this natural history of this fascinating fungi.

The Paper Birch is undeniably a tree of the north woods. Entwined in lore and legend, it has been a key part of ecosystems and cultures since well before the time of the Neanderthals even.

The northern short-tailed shrew seems like an impossible mash-up of different creatures. From venomous saliva to echolocation, this tiny predator employs many tactics to satiate an endless appetite.