The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A raccoon standing in grass.
Quiz: Are you an authority on raccoons?
9/3/2024Find out by answering these 10 questions.
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Three people walking side by side together on a trail seen from behind.
Need a good reason to take a hike? Here are four
9/2/2024Looking for a reason to it the trails and stretch your legs on a hike? Here are a few.
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A great blue heron, with its white stripe on its head surrounded by blue feathers, sits along the water's edge.
Quiz: How good is your great blue heron knowledge?
8/27/2024Take this quick quiz to test your knowledge of these amazing birds.
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A spotted crane fly on grass.
Don't swat these bugs! Harmless crane flies aren't super-sized mosquitoes
8/22/2024Crane flies aren't just supersized mosquitoes. These harmless insects don't bite or sting.
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The many colors of the spotted lanternfly — red, black, gray and beige — can be seen in this photo.
You've heard the buzz on spotted lanternflies. Should you be worried?
8/20/2024The spotted lanternfly won't bite you or your pets, but it just might be one of the most dangerous insects around. Learn why these invasive insects need to be taken seriously and how you can help prevent them from spreading.
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A 13-lined ground squirrel on the ground.
Quiz: Are you an expert on 13-lined ground squirrels?
8/19/2024Test your knowledge on this 10-question quiz.
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A goldfinch perched atop a tree with bare branches.
Mellow yellow: Delightful goldfinches a common sight
8/14/2024Goldfinches are common and recognizable thanks to their bright yellow plumage, but not all goldfinches are golden in color, and even the ones that are aren't always yellow.
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A Eurasian beaver eating vegetation while sitting on a piece of wood just above the water.
What's the difference?: North American beaver vs. Eurasian beaver
8/12/2024The world is home to two beaver species, and it would be easy to confuse them if they didn't live on different continents.
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A northern water snake swims in the water with its head above water.
Quiz: Are you a water snake expert?
8/11/2024Find out by answering these 10 questions.
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An eastern box turtle on the ground covered by dead leaves and other vegetation.
Not all turtles love water. Box turtles thrive on land
8/9/2024Not all turtles prefer life in the water. Box turtles live most of their lives on land.
Current Headlines
Half-price dog park permits go on sale July 1
Half-price dog park permits will be available for purchase starting July 1 online and at Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. The permits can be used at all six Forest Preserve dog parks through the end of 2025.
Volunteer opportunities abound in the preserves this summer
The Forest Preserve District is offering a variety of short-term volunteer opportunities this summer, from hands-on habitat restoration to helping at public programs and events. With limited space and high demand, early registration is encouraged.