The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A blacklegged tick on vegetation.
Tick safety 101: How to protect yourself outdoors
5/20/2025If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you need to be aware of ticks and how to help prevent tick bites ad tick-borne illnesses.
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A killdeer standing on the ground.
Quiz: Test your knowledge on the crafty killdeer
5/20/2025Can you ace these 10 questions?
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A spiny softshell turtle on a rock.
Quiz: Test your spiny softshell turtle knowledge
5/13/2025Find out on this 10-question quiz.
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Quiz: Which wild bird are you?
5/8/2025Take this 10-question quiz to find out.
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An indigo bunting with its wings outstretched in flight just after taking off from a tree snag.
Indigo buntings shine brightly in summer skies
5/7/2025We see plenty of blue birds here in northern Illinois, but none as brilliantly blue as the indigo bunting.
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A Cape May warbler perched at the end of a broken tree branch. Small spots of lichen dot the branch.
Warblers in the woods are one of spring's spectacles
5/2/2025Spring is a busy time for birds — and birders — as wave after wave of birds arrives locally. Included in the seasonal arrivals are the warblers, a group of tiny birds that flock to our forests.
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A river otter with just its head above the water.
Quiz: Can you ace this river otter quiz?
4/30/2025Test your knowledge on this 10-question quiz.
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A person standing in a field with a star-filled sky above. A meteor is streaking across the sky.
Spend spring nights gazing up at the stars
4/29/2025Enjoy warm spring nights under the stars, and don't miss the eta Aquariids meteor shower.
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A person pushing a lawn mower across a lawn. Half the lawn is freshly cut and half is full of dandelions.
Give your mower a rest in May. Do it for the bees.
4/28/2025Participating in No Mow May isn't just a way to cut down on your yardwork for a month. You'll be helping bees and other essential insects too.
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A Baltimore oriole on a tree branch.
Migration watch: Orioles have landed in Will County
4/24/2025Time to stock up on oranges and grape jelly. Baltimore orioles are back in Will County for the season.
Current Headlines
Volunteers needed for National Trails Day Cleanup on June 7
Join the Forest Preserve District for a National Trails Day Cleanup from 10 a.m. to noon June 7 at Forked Creek Preserve – Ballou Road Access. Volunteers of all ages will help beautify the site, enjoy giveaways and refreshments, and have a chance to win hiking gear by taking a stewardship pledge.
Sugar Creek headquarters closed, bait shops open for Memorial Day holiday
The Sugar Creek Administration Center will be closed Memorial Day, but preserves, trails, dog parks and bait shops will be open. Monee Reservoir and Hidden Lakes will offer bait, food and free loaner poles for anglers.