The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A white mouse surrounded by mouse traps.
Buyer beware: Mouse traps used outdoors often injure other wildlife
9/30/2021Read moreIf not used properly, many popular rodent control measures can be dangerous for other wildlife.
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An opossum on a log.
Five fun facts about so-ugly-they're-cute opossums
9/24/2021Read moreFrom their appearance to their behaviors, opossums are unique in many ways.
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A river under a blue sky with puffy clouds.
What's the difference?: River vs. stream vs. creek
9/23/2021Read moreWhat's the difference between a river, a creek and a stream? When it comes right down to it, not much at all.
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A sweat bee on a flower.
No need to sweat non-aggressive sweat bees or lookalike hover flies
9/17/2021Read moreSweat bees and hover flies are often confused for both one another and for other bees. Neither poses any threat, however, and both are essential insects.
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A jumping worm on wood.
Invasion of the jumping worms: They're a big threat to soil quality
9/16/2021Read moreInvasion of the jumping worms isn't the next box-office thriller. These invasive worms are becoming widespread in Illinois, destroying the soil quality wherever they are.
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Maple leaves in the sunlight.
Nature curiosity: Why do leaves flip before it rains?
9/14/2021Read moreDo leaves tell us when it's going to rain? They can, but as with most weather forecasts, there are no guarantees.
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A colorful sunset.
The science behind those picture-perfect sunsets
9/10/2021Read moreA picture-perfect sunset is far from a guarantee, and a lot of factors play into whether the sun's inevitable slip below the horizon each day will take your breath away.
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A monarch chrysalis.
What's the difference?: Chrysalis vs. cocoon
9/3/2021Read moreA chrysalis and a cocoon are not one and the same. Learn the differences between them, starting with which insect uses which.
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Prairie wildflowers in a field.
Five facts about America's once vast prairie
8/27/2021Read moreAmerica's prairies have long been celebrated, but they've mostly disappeared.
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A woman in a raincoat standing in the rain.
Nature curiosity: Why does rain smell so good?
8/27/2021Read moreWho doesn't love the sweet, earthy smell of rain?
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.