The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A ruby-throated hummingbird perched at the end of a twig surrounded by leaves.
Nature curiosity: When do hummingbirds migrate?
8/1/2022Hummingbirds are here in Will County for a good portion of the year, but knowing when they migrate can help determine when to have hummingbird feeders out.
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A natural surface trail in a forest.
Want to elevate your walk to a hike? Check out these natural surface trails
7/30/2022What makes a hike more than a walk? A natural surface trail certainly helps.
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An armadillo in the grass.
Seen an armadillo or a bear? IDNR wants to know
7/27/2022Armadillos aren't normally seen in the northern part of Illinois and, when they are, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources wants to know about it. Same for black bears, cougars and gray wolves.
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A colorful sunrise at Monee Reservoir.
You don't even have to leave your car to take in the sights at some preserves
7/25/2022Not everyone is able to hike along trails to enjoy nature and all it has to offer, so the Forest Preserve has many spots where you can take in the sights from your car or an easy-to-get-to bench.
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Earthworms in soil.
Five fun facts about subterranean earthworms
7/14/2022Learn all about the earthworms crawling just below the surface.
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A man using a tape measure to measure the circumference of a tree.
How to tell how old a tree is — without cutting it down
7/8/2022Want to determine the age of a tree without cutting it down? As long as you know what kind of tree it is, all you need is a measuring tape and a calculator.
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A snail on a leaf.
When it comes to creeping along at a snail's pace, snails and slugs really take the cake
7/7/2022Turtles have nothing on snails when it comes to creeping along at a snail's pace, and while we may not give much thought to snails and slugs they are quite numerous around the world.
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A carrot seed moth on a pink flower.
Five fast facts about underappreciated moths
6/24/2022In the animal kingdom, moths are considered something akin to butterflies' ugly stepsisters, but moths are special too.
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A soldier beetle on a yellow flower.
Insects are disappearing, but you can help reverse the trend
6/23/2022Insect populations are declining, and that's bad news for us and our ecosystems. Learn what you can do to help reverse the trend.
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Two people, one pushing a stroller, walking along trail next to waterway.
Have stroller, will travel? Check out these preserves for stroller-friendly adventures
6/22/2022Looking for a place to explore with a stroller in tow? We've got plenty of places for you to plan an adventure.
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.