The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A pair of bald eagles on their nest.
Nature curiosity: Why do eagles lay their eggs in winter?
1/19/2024Winter might seem like an odd time for laying eggs, but it's the perfect timeline for bald eagles.
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A snow-covered trail and trees.
Five freezing facts about snow to tide you over this winter
1/9/2024Love it or hate it, snow is as essential as rain. Learn to appreciate it with these five fun facts.
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A squirrel on a tree branch.
Five fun facts about our squirrelly squirrels
1/3/2024Squirrels are common enough that they are just part of the background in nature, but they are pretty interesting creatures when you learn more about them.
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An eastern bluebird on a tree branch.
Not all blue birds are bluebirds: Learn the difference between our blue-hued birds
12/22/2023Not all blue birds are bluebirds. In our area, we see eastern bluebirds, blue jays and even indigo buntings sporting blue feathers. Learn the differences between these blue-hued birds.
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A woman standing in front of a tree along a trail.
Meet a Naturalist: Heather Van Zyl, always curious and always learning
11/28/2023Meet Heather Van Zyl, an interpretive naturalist at Plum Creek Nature Center.
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A crow on a branch.
Five things about misunderstood crows
11/22/2023Crows are highly sociable and among the most intelligent animals around, but they don't have the best reputation.
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The green glow of the northern lights in the night sky.
Nature curiosity: What are the northern lights?
11/17/2023The northern lights are always happening, but you have to be at the right place at the right time to view them.
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Side-by-side photos of a long-eared owl and a short-eared owl perched atop tree stumps.
What's the difference: long-eared owl vs. short-eared owl
11/13/2023Their so-called ears aren't the only difference between short-eared owls and long-eared owls.
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A red fox standing in a forest with the ground covered by fallen leaves.
Nature curiosity: Why don't humans have tails?
11/3/2023Being tailless is a rare trait among mammals, but us humans aren't quite alone.
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A bison in a prairie.
Five fun facts about our national mammal, the American bison
11/2/2023What you don’t know about these scraggly bearded giants might surprise you.
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.