The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A woman poses in a forest.
Meet a Naturalist: Alexis Lyons, helping people connect to nature
11/1/2023Meet Alexis Lyons, an interpretive naturalist at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center.
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A ladybug on a green leaf.
Myth buster: Can you tell a ladybug's age by its spots? In a word, no
10/27/2023What can a ladybug's spots tell us? Not much, although in some cases you may be able to determine the species from its spot pattern.
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A male wood duck standing on a tree branch.
Five fast facts about ornate wood ducks
10/24/2023It should come as no surprise that wood ducks love trees, but that's not all that is unique about them.
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An oak tree with the sun shining through its leaf-filled branches.
Mighty oak trees have a long and storied history
10/13/2023All trees provide us benefits, but oak trees are particularly vital and important because of how much life they support.
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A coyote is seen on the left and a grey wolf on the right.
What's the difference?: Coyote vs. wolf
10/5/2023While coyotes are a common sight in Illinois, wolves are seen only very rarely, having been extirpated since the 1800s. In areas where both coyotes and wolves live, however, it can be tricky to tell them apart without knowing the key differences.
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A person standing on a wooden bridge over water.
Meet a Naturalist: Jenna Krukowski, always curious about the past
9/27/2023Meet Jenna Krukowski, an interpretive naturalist at Isle a la Cache Museum.
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A green praying mantis on a sidewalk.
Five fast facts about easy-to-miss praying mantises
9/20/2023Praying mantises are among the largest insects we see, but that doesn't mean they are easy to find. Learn more about these insects that stand out at blending in.
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A pink common milkweed bloom.
When a weed is something more: Milkweed vital for many species
9/18/2023Have you heard the buzz about monarchs and milkweed? Monarchs are far from the only animals that rely on milkweed.
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A woman sits on a log in the woods.
Preserves We Love: O'Hara Woods, for delivering nature's gifts
9/11/2023Interpretive naturalist Sara Russell tells us why she loves O'Hara Woods Preserve.
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A woman stands along a boardwalk.
Preserves We Love: Thorn Creek, for the endless discoveries
9/5/2023Interpretive naturalist Brittany Schaller tells us why she loves Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve.
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.