Max Touchette and Kate Katauskas
Communications Associate and Communications Intern
Your Illinois native species is calling! Find out which critter matches your birth month and see how you can join a movement protecting Illinois’ rivers, prairies, and wildlife.
Table of Contents
January
American Bobcat
– cute but fearless
– jumps without asking how high
– unbothered by a little snow
February
Groundhog
– scared of their own shadow
– digs their own holes a lot
– treats their birthday like a national holiday
March
Least Weasel
– mood and wardrobe changes by the season
– a great hunter
– lives on the edge
April
Northern Long-eared Bat
– can be happy anywhere
– prefers to hang in small groups
– true creature of the night
May
Painted Turtle
– very resilient
– timid at first with a colorful personality
– just likes to lay in the sun
June
Rusty Patched Bumble Bee
– lives to serve the community
– sweet as honey
– hard worker but takes joy in the little things
July
Eastern Mole
– nocturnal but no night vision…
– will undermine authority
– probably has an underground lair
August
Raccoon
– incredible dexterity
– loves grapes but who doesn’t
– extremely resourceful
September
American Bison
– appreciates a good patch of grass
– self-assured
– gentle but not to be messed with. just in case.
October
Little Brown Bat
– always has something to say
– just a baby
– might drink blood. not sure.
November
Virginia Opossum
– generally introverted but
– a bit too tolerant
– the mom friend
December
American Beaver
– hard worker
– love-hate relationship with water
– gorgeous smile
Bison, bee, turtle… no matter your critter, there’s a place for you in our movement! Members get insider updates, invites to the Legislative Kickoff, discounted Environmental Leadership Dinner tickets, and the chance to join hundreds of people and organizations fighting for a greener Illinois. 💚
About the Authors
Max Touchette
Max is IEC’s Communications Associate. A painter originally from Canada and now based in Chicago, Max explores the intersection of art, psychology, and the environment through crafting effective climate communication. They hold bachelor’s degrees from the University of Illinois, where they developed a passion for combining creative expression with advocacy. At the Illinois Environmental Council, Max leverages over five years of experience in graphic design, grassroots campaign organization, public outreach, social media, and digital marketing. Their work is deeply rooted in climate and environmental justice, and they actively participate in local environmental coalitions, prioritizing the amplification of voices affected by climate injustice.
Kate Katauskas
Kate is IEC’s Communications Intern, creating content to inspire Illinois’ environmental community to take action. Her past work highlights sustainability, environmental policy, and environmental justice. She is passionate about inclusive scientific communication and strives to turn complex issues into actionable advocacy.
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