Cicadas

Morton Arboretum's research is part of a hypothesis that the excess amount of nitrogen and carbon contained in billions of dying cicadas creates a nutrient pulse, providing super-charged fertilizer to forest ecosystems.

Central Illinois offers learning adventures described as “field trips for grown-ups.”

Five weeks after their emergence, we find ourselves in the final two weeks of a once-in-seventeen-years-phenomenon in northern Illinois.

North Aurora resident Bettina Sailer has been traveling to areas of the state where cicadas are plentiful and bringing them back to her yard.

Seventeen years he’d waited for his one time to shine, and here he was in a cicada desert far away from millions of potential girlfriends.

These are the Forest Preserve District of Will County programs for the week of June 24. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org.

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County will provide an educational program on cicadas Tuesday, June 18.

Former Joliet resident Steve Kost of Palos Park, a member of The Art Movement in Joliet and the Romeoville Art Society, created 36-inch long, 65-pound cicada from scrap metal that he entered into the sculpture category at ScrapFest in Lansing, Michigan.

The Sycamore Public Library will host a “What’s the Buzz? Cicadas & their Significance in the Midwest” program Monday for patrons to learn about cicadas and their impact on the Midwest’s ecosystem.

While Illinois’ dual emergence of periodical cicada broods is harmless to people and animals, young trees may sustain serious damage if not protected by mid-June, experts at The Morton Arboretum said.

Several nature-related events perfect for families and their friends will be in Kendall County this weekend.

Kendall County Forest Preserve District will present a cicada-related event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at Hoover Forest Preserve.

McHenry County businesses and artists are making cicada-themed treats and art.

Joliet, Lockport park districts will feature cicada-themed activities.

Those in the suburbs can take full advantage of the rare occurrence by participating in contests and events that teach about the insects and celebrate them.

Noon Whistle Brewing described the drink as having a lobster-like flavor.

A brood of cicadas that has been underground since 2007 is emerging in McHenry County.

Cicadas can inspire fear, but it's best for parents and other adults to model enthusiasm rather than fright, experts say.

“It’s not like they come out of the ground and you hear this gigantic, deafening sound. They need time to complete their life cycle," said Nancy Kuhajda, program coordinator at the University of Illinois Extension in Will County, in describing the emergence of cicadas.

Two periodical cicada broods known for their exceptional size are beginning to emerge in Illinois, and experts said it’s the first time the two broods have emerged together since Thomas Jefferson was president. Northern Illinois could begin to see some by next week.

Don’t feel left out if you’re not seeing cicadas in your area. You still can participate in a community science project.

Not everyone is going to be a part of the coming Cicada-palooza.

Periodical cicadas are predicted to emerge throughout northern Illinois in just a few weeks. But will their appearance live up to all the hype?