The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A chimney swift in flight.
Five fast facts about always flying chimney swifts
5/11/2022Read moreChimney swifts are almost always seen in flight, and their silhouette in the air gave rise to their nickname, flying cigars.
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A six-lined racerunner on sandy soil.
Creature feature: The silky-looking six-lined racerunner
5/5/2022Read moreGet to know a little about the six-lined racerunner, one of only two lizard species that live in Will County.
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A robin fledgling on the ground.
Nature curiosity: When does a bird need help?
5/3/2022Read moreIt’s a question that comes up often: I found an injured bird that might be injured, so what should I do? The answer depends on many factors, including the age and type of bird, but in many cases the best course of action is contacting a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who can help the animal.
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A field of weeds.
Nature curiosity: What makes a weed a weed?
4/20/2022Read moreEssentially, weeds are any plants that are growing in an area where they are not intended to grow, but it's a little more complicated than that, legally speaking.
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Bikers ride along a paved trail.
The trails are for everyone, so mind your manners out there
4/8/2022Read moreThe trails can be crowded on nice days, so make sure you're being a good neighbor by practicing proper trail etiquette.
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A Canada goose and goslings in the water.
How to stay safe around feisty geese during nesting season
4/6/2022Read moreIt's nesting season for Canada geese, so don't be surprised if they seem a little more feisty and aggressive than usual. If you happen come face to face with one, don't turn your back and run.
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The white flowers on a Bradford pear tree.
The stinky scourge of suburbia: Bradford pear trees
4/5/2022Read moreThat fetid smell in the air may be coming from your own yard. Bradford pear trees are in full bloom, revealing beautiful white blooms but also emitting a stench that's similar to that of rotting fish.
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A blue racer on the ground.
Amazing find: Rare blue racer caught on camera
4/4/2022Read moreIn another case of you never know what you'll find when out in the preserves, District staff spotted a pretty cool creature on Friday in the form of a blue racer within the 1,200-acre Kankakee Sands preservation system.
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A great egret wading and leaning into the water.
Five things about those graceful great egrets
4/1/2022Read moreOur tallest birds are among our most striking and elegant, and the great egret certainly fits into this group of regal birds.
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A spongy moth caterpillar on a leaf.
What you need to know about invasive and destructive spongy moths
3/22/2022Read moreNot all moths and butterflies should be treasured. Some, like the spongy moth, are invasive and are harming local habitats.
Current Headlines
Start your autumn with family-friendly fun at Fall on the Farm event on Sept. 14
Fall on the Farm is set for Saturday, Sept. 14, at Riverview Farmstead Preserve. Attendees can explore the 19th-century buildings, visit a petting zoo, try their hand at farm chores, view antique tractors and enjoy live bluegrass music.
Visitor centers to close on Labor Day, bait shops will be open
Forest Preserve visitor centers will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2, for the Labor Day holiday, but concession stands will be open at Monee Reservoir in Monee Township and Hidden Lakes Trout Farm at Hidden Oaks Preserve in Bolingbrook.