The Clear The Shelters event in 2024 sees a record-breaking 2,819 pets adopted in the Chicago area, contributing to the nationwide total of 168,832 pets finding homes.

NBC Chicago reports a massive bird migration over Illinois, with alerts for Chicago to turn off lights to protect the 70 million birds traveling during peak migration nights.

Lincoln Park Zoo's ZooLights returns for its 30th year, featuring over three million lights and a new "Light Lounge," with free admission on select nights.

Southside Blooms is transforming a vacant lot in Chicago's West Garfield Park into a flower farm that also provides jobs and peace of mind for local youth.

Ferne Clyffe State Park celebrates its 75th anniversary with outdoor activities including guided hikes, fishing, and rock climbing. The event invites nature enthusiasts to enjoy the park's history and amenities.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is holding public meetings to discuss managing chronic wasting disease in deer, now found in 21 counties.

Residents of Wilmette are protesting the erection of a fence and new fees at Gillson Park Beach, arguing that the decision was made without proper public consultation.

Nagamo, a piping plover chick from Chicago’s Montrose Beach, has embarked on its migration south, following the departure of its parents and siblings.

Brookfield Zoo in Chicago euthanized a 24-year-old bison named Judy, following a decline in health. A Native American blessing ceremony honored her before she was put to rest.

An abandoned baby Eastern screech owl rescued and released back into the wild contrasts with three great horned owls in Lincoln Park dying from rodenticide poisoning.

Brookfield Zoo in Chicago welcomes four baby flamingos with the newest hatching on August 7. Their genders are unknown and their public debut is set for August 19.

The Oak Brook Park District received a $1.4 million federal grant for the Ginger Creek Pedestrian Bridge and Shoreline Improvement project, as part of a broader $6 million enhancement plan for local park facilities.

The Washington Heights community holds the 28th Stop the Violence Picnic at Brainerd Park to unite and engage youth, aiming to reduce violence and build community pride.