Midwest Native Species Profiles

Bald-faced hornets are one of our most misunderstood native insects. Far from villains, they are beneficial predators that hunt flies, support food webs, and even contribute to pollination. Understanding their behavior and diet reveals why peaceful coexistence matters in healthy ecosystems.

Meet the Fireflies of the Midwest, the bioluminescent beetles that illuminate our summer nights. Discover how leaf litter and moist soil provide the habitat they need and how you can support them.

Ticks are native, widely hated, and deeply misunderstood. They have a complex lifecycle, real predators, and population limits that operate mostly out of sight. When those limits fail, tick pressure can spike in ways that feel sudden and extreme.

Why woodpeckers matter more than you think, and how they shape native habitats across the Midwest.

Often overlooked, meadow voles quietly shape the land. They build soil, feed predators, and leave behind nests that bumblebees reuse each spring.

Meet the Eastern Giant Swallowtail, the largest butterfly in North America. Discover how Wafer-ash and Prickly-ash provide the habitat they need and how you can support them.