The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A turtle with a muddy shell sitting on a log in the water.
Nature curiosity: Why and how do turtles breathe with their butts?
2/5/2025How do turtles breathe while they are underwater all winter? Through their butts, so to speak.
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Canada geese swimming in the water with steam rising up from the water.
Nature curiosity: What is the polar vortex?
2/4/2025When winter temperatures get really cold, the polar vortex is to blame. But what, exactly, is the polar vortex and why does it sometimes affect our weather.
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Quiz: What animal is this?
2/3/2025Think you know our local wildlife? Prove it with this 10-question quiz.
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A groundhog coming out of a burrow with the surrounding ground covered in show.
Five things to know about groundhogs, the star of the day
2/2/2025Groundhogs are enjoying their annual day in the spotlight, but there's a lot more to them than just the silly notion that Punxsutawney Phil can predict when winter will end.
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A blue jay perched on a tray feeder with a cardinal approaching and a light snow falling.
Be bird-friendly this winter: How to keep them visiting all season
1/30/2025The days have become noticeably colder and shorter, and food supplies have become more scarce for many birds. But you can keep birds visiting your yard all year long by providing the right foods.
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A red-tailed hawk seen in silhouette while perched on a bare tree. The sky is bright shades of yellow and orange.
February's silver lining: The days get longer as the month creeps on
1/29/2025February might be a short month, but it feels like a long one. One silver lining: As they days creep on, we will be experiencing more and more daylight.
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A groundhog in the grass with tall prairie grasses in the background.
Quiz: What's your groundhog IQ?
1/28/2025Groundhogs aren't just for Groundhog Day, so test your knowledge on Punxsutawney Phil and his many friends.
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De-icing salt on a sidewalk.
You're probably using too much salt to deice your driveway
1/27/2025Winter's wacky weather keeps us on our toes, but before you stock up on salt to keep your driveway and sidewalks clear, make sure you know how much you really need to use.
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A winter scene with snow-covered trees lining a snow-covered trail.
Myth buster: Too cold to snow? Never
1/24/2025On our coldest days people often say "At least it's too cold to snow." Turns out that's not really true. It's never too cold to snow.
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A muskrat eating a cattail at the water's edge.
Quiz: How well do you know muskrats?
1/22/2025Find out by answering these 10 questions.
Current Headlines
The artist behind the Smokey Bear paintings; Wendelin’s daughter talks about her dad’s career
Elizabeth C. Wendelin talks about her dad, Rudolph Wendelin, and his life growing up in Kansas and becoming the artist who made Smokey Bear the beloved mascot that he is. Nineteen of Rudy's Smokey Bear paintings are on display now through March 2 at four Forest Preserve visitor centers.
Avoid sick or dead wildlife due to avian flu risk
Due to the detection of avian flu in Illinois, the Forest Preserve District is reminding visitors to refrain from touching or getting near dead or sick animals. Pets also should be kept from carcasses or feces and feathers of animals.