The buzz
All Buzz Articles
-
A monarch on a wildflower.
Monarch population plummeting, and a known parasite may be killing millions a year, study finds
3/21/2022Read moreMonarch populations have plummeted by more than 80% over the past two decades, and a known pathogenic parasite may be contributing to the devastating decline more than previously thought.
-
Two pileated woodpeckers on the ground.
What's the difference?: Male vs. female pileated woodpecker
3/19/2022Read moreMale and female pileated woodpeckers look similar, but they are not identical. If you look closely at the coloring on their heads and faces, you can tell the difference.
-
A rat on the ground.
Using rat poison to control rodent infestations can have devastating effects on other wildlife
3/17/2022Read moreEverything in nature is connected, so when you use rodenticides to control rodent infestations in and around your home the effects may be more far reaching than you intended.
-
Two Canada geese in the grass in a defensive posture.
Five feisty facts about Canada geese
3/8/2022Read moreGet the lowdown on Canada geese, one of our most common and widespread birds.
-
A closeup of snowflakes on a dark background.
Myth buster: No two snowflakes are alike? Very likely, but it's hard to prove
2/17/2022Read moreEvery snowflake is unique, or at least as best as we can figure out. It's probably true that no two snowflakes are alike, but the sheer number of snowflakes makes it virtually impossible to determine with certainty.
-
A cedar waxwing perched on a branch with fruit in its mouth.
Cedar waxwings are eye-catching birds that you won't confuse with anything else
2/16/2022Read moreCedar waxwings are unique in appearance and are also different from most birds in that they can exist on fruit alone for months at a time.
-
Two deer standing in a shallow stream.
Five things about those shy and inquisitive white-tailed deer
2/15/2022Read moreHere are five fun facts about our curious white-tailed deer.
-
Four swallows in various habitats.
What's the difference?: How to identify some of our most common sparrows
2/14/2022Read moreIllinois is home to many sparrow species, and telling one from another is no easy task. Learn some of the key ID features among our most common sparrows.
-
A woolly bear caterpillar on wood.
Nature curiosity: Why don't woolly bear caterpillars freeze to death?
2/10/2022Read moreWoolly bear caterpillars can't predict how bad the winter weather will be, but they do have a pretty cool way to survive even the coldest of temperatures.
-
A wooden bridge spanning a ravine in winter.
What's the difference?: Blizzard vs. snowstorm
2/10/2022Read moreSnowstorms are often anticipated for days ahead of their arrival, but when does a snowstorm become a blizzard?
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.