The Dawes Arboretum is a protected natural haven where everyday adventurers escape the ordinary.
Stumbling upon a giant spider in a giant web may seem like something out of a nightmare, but don't worry! Our next highlighted bug is too fascinating to be scary! This friendly 60 pound spider made…
We are excited to share with you that during the month of September, members of The Dawes Arboretum can enjoy free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. This is a reciprocal agreement, so members…
While you’re on your journey to find all of the David Roger’s Big Bugs, hop in the car and take the Auto Tour along the South Loop! Just past the Conifer Glen, take a look out your window to see the…
Our Bald-Cypress Swamp is definitely a location on grounds that is a visitor favorite. This vernal pool is man made and was introduced to the property in approximately 1929. The water level of the…
Just before you hop on the Parkwoods Trail from the Visitors Center, you’ll come face-to-face with this larger-than-life assassin bug! It is 7’ in length, 7’ in width and 3.5’ in height. The body and…
Eastern bluebirds have historically faced drastic population decline due to a lack of cavities for nesting. With being obligatory cavity nesters, the loss of habitat and the introduction of invasive…
This striking damselfly is located in our Stumpery Garden. It is 10’ in length, 3’ in width and 10’ in height. The body is made up of carved red cedar, the wings are made up of willow on armature and…
Did you know? Moths are great for our ecosystems. They are also just as beautiful and intriguing as their butterfly cousins. There are over 10 times more species of moths than butterflies in the…
This spectacular praying mantis is located next to our Parkwoods Trail. It is 18’ in length, 20’ in width and 2’ in diameter. The sculpture is made up of carved black locust and the overall weight…
These three magnificent ants are located along our Japanese Garden Trail. It is 25’ in length, 12’ in width and 10’ in height. The body is made up of bent willow on armature and the eyes are carved…
