The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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Monee Reservoir at sunrise.
Nature curiosity: Why do lakes turn over each spring and fall?
11/10/2022Each spring and fall, our lakes undergo a quiet but essential change that keeps them healthy for aquatic species.
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A male and female ring-necked pheasant in grass.
Ring-necked pheasants not native to U.S. but have thrived as a game bird
11/4/2022Ring-necked pheasants aren't native to Illinois or even the United States, but these birds have been common since the 1800s after being introduced as a game bird.
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A bison grazing in grass.
What's the difference?: Bison vs. buffalo
11/3/2022Buffalo and bison are not synonyms, although the term buffalo has been in widespread use in reference to bison for centuries.
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A deer hiding in tall prairie grasses.
What's the difference?: Prairie vs. savanna
10/20/2022When does a grassland become a prairie or a savanna? It has a lot to do with the trees, or lack thereof.
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A white-breasted nuthatch eating seed from a bird feeder.
Love feeding the birds? Keep them healthy with regular feeder cleanings
10/15/2022Keeping your bird feeders full is only half the equation when it comes to keeping the birds happy and healthy. In addition to keeping the food coming, you need to clean your feeders regularly too.
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A black-and-white warbler on a tree trunk.
Want to know if birds are on the move? Check the weather forecast
10/11/2022Birds make the same migratory journeys year after year, but weather can play a big role on how many birds are traveling at any given time.
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Ants moving from leaf to leaf.
Five fast facts about hard-working ants
10/7/2022Ants are powerhouses in the animal kingdom, always busy and able to carry many times their body weight. There's plenty about them that makes them interesting.
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The sun setting behind a tree.
Love a good sunset? Visit these preserves to soak up the setting sun
10/1/2022Love a good sunset? We have plenty of preserves that really shine when the sun starts to set.
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A stand of trees with the sun peeking through the trunks.
Trees and climate change: Even small actions can make a difference
9/29/2022Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a harmful greenhouse gas, and release oxygen into the atmosphere, which can help limit the effects of climate change.
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A stink bug on a leaf.
What's the difference: Bug vs. insect
9/16/2022It turns out bugs and insects actually exactly one and the same, but we'll look the other way if you use the words interchangeably.
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.