Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Happy Amphibian Week! At the museum, we train our community scientists to collect important ecological data on our loudest amphibians, frogs and toads! Our volunteer frog monitors carry out at least three field surveys each season in local natural areas, corresponding to peak breeding activity for different suites of frog species. The rounds of sampling occur in late winter/early spring, late spring, and in the summer. These activity rounds are typically associated with the types of wetlands that different frog species use, with early species calling in temporary wetlands, late spring species calling in semi-permanent wetlands, and summer species calling in permanent wetlands. Frog Monitors listen for frog calls after sunset, from many species along an assigned route in a natural area. These observations help us which sites are being used for breeding, how frogs are responding to habitat restoration and climate change, and they help us understand timing of mating for different species across years. You can contribute to this important research too for next year by signing up at: https://bit.ly/3OR9qAu

Our training workshops are held online in late January and early February each year.

Swipe through to see examples of frogs and toads mid-call, as well as a shot of Dr. Allison in the field conducting a monitor survey!

Thanks to our friends Midwest Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation and Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation for hosting Amphibian Week 2026!

Sip a special Nature Museum-themed brew while you explore your creative side at Nature Night Out on May 21! 🍻

We’ve collaborated with our friends at Pig Minds Brewing Co. to create a special pale ale called Golden Chin, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Nature Museum. Grab a can during your visit to support our conservation work and this amazing plant-based Illinois brewery!

Stop by our crafting stations for a relaxed sip-and-paint experience — celebrate spring and decorate a flower pot or paint a prairie landscape while you enjoy a drink and good company. Enjoy a printmaking activity led by Lawndale Pop-Up Spot drop by one of the many Urban Sketchers Chicago stations to draw and learn how to capture the magical moments you experience, and meet some of our live animals up close! Then, drink and stroll while exploring our exhibits after hours, including live music in the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven by Jeremy Graeff.

As a special bonus, the first 50 guests will receive a one-of-a-kind, branded Nature Night Out pint glass. Every ticket comes with 1 complimentary alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage. Additional beverages and snacks will be available for purchase. Register today! https://bit.ly/467V5oQ

🌎 Happy Earth Day from the Nature Museum!

Our vision is a future where all people value and champion the science and wonder of nature. That vision helps shape the exhibits we feature, the programs we create, our institutional priorities, and so much more. Anyone can be a nature champion and have an impact! Not sure how to get started? Check out some of our suggestions below and get inspired!

♻️ Get involved with Chicago Conservation Corps! - The C3 team offers monthly opportunities to volunteer, learn, and build community through their Explorer events! This Thursday, they'll be hosting a special virtual lecture all about recycling in Chicago. Head to the link to reserve your spot or to learn more about C3 Explorers! https://bit.ly/48g4E62

🐝 Make a difference in your own backyard! - You can help bees, butterflies, and other pollinators just by making some small adjustments. Provide nectar sources by growing flowering plants if you have the space. Even potted plants or a container garden can provide a valuable food source for pollinators passing through. If you have a yard, you can provide shelter for pollinators and other insects. Leaving a brush pile in part of your garden can provide nesting habitat for bumble bees. Raising the bed of your lawn mower and mowing less frequently, if possible, can also provide additional habitat. For native bees, you can purchase a “bee hotel” or bundle together an assortment of hollow bamboo sticks. You can also help keep our pollinators safe by reducing or eliminating your use of pesticides and looking into integrated pest management strategies for any specific issues in your garden.

🦋 Contribute as a community scientist! - You can play a major role in helping our scientists gather data about local species! While our frog monitoring season is already underway, there's still time to apply to become a butterfly monitor, or apply to become an odonate monitor to observe dragonflies and damselflies! Not only do monitoring surveys give us insights into long-term population trends with our local species, they can also give us a glimpse into environmental change and help inform land managers' conservation efforts. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4rguz46