The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A red-bellied woodpecker and a red-headed woodpecker side by side.
What's the difference?: Red-bellied woodpecker vs. red-headed woodpecker
12/16/2021Red-headed and red-bellied woodpeckers are often confused with one another, but not because they look alike. Instead, it's because the name red-headed woodpecker is fitting for both birds.
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A tick on skin.
A mild winter means no break from ticks
12/15/2021The arrival of winter isn't a guarantee that ticks don't pose a threat to you or your pets. If the temperature is above freezing and the ground isn't frozen, some ticks are still active, which means they can still spread tick-borne illnesses.
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A short-tailed shrew on the ground.
Five fun facts about wonderfully weird northern short-tailed shrews
12/13/2021You may have seen a short-tailed shrew and mistaken it for a mouse, but these animals are entirely different. And the shrews are about as weird as it gets.
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A pileated woodpecker on a tree trunk.
Creature feature: The raucous pileated woodpecker
12/8/2021The pileated woodpecker is one of our most striking forest dwellers, and you can learn more about them in this creature feature.
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Four wild turkeys in the grass.
These birds aren't just for Thanksgiving: Five facts about wild turkeys
11/21/2021It's time to talk turkey, but not just the birds that grace our holiday tables. Take some time to learn about the wild turkeys that inhabit our woodlands.
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A black-crowned night heron at the water's edge.
How you can help endangered species
11/19/2021Saving endangered and threatened species from extinction is a complicated task and requires action at every level. Here's a look at the steps you can take to help.
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A person using a cell phone outside.
Check out these apps to enhance your outdoor adventures
11/12/2021Let technology enhance your outdoor adventures with these apps recommended by Forest Preserve District interpretive naturalists.
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Prairie grasses and a lone tree all covered in hoar frost.
Nature curiosity: Why do we have seasons?
11/9/2021No matter what your favorite season is, you have the sun to thank for it.
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A hand throwing away trash in a garbage can.
What's the difference: Biodegradable vs. compostable
11/8/2021Think biodegradable and compostable products are best? Make sure you do your homework.
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A skunk walking in the grass.
Creature feature: The foul-smelling striped skunk
11/3/2021You know a skunk when you see one, but there's probably a lot you don't know about these animals.
Current Headlines
Channahon teacher wins first place in fall Take It Outside Challenge
Sarah Goodin of Channahon won first place in the Fall Frolic installment of the 2024 Take It Outside Challenge. She completed all 212 missions to win a $500 gift card for first place.
Forest Preserve Board reorganizes, elects new officers
The Forest Preserve District's Board reorganized on Dec. 19 and elected officers for the next two years. Destinee Ortiz of Romeoville was selected as president for the first year of a two-year term, and Judy Ogalla of Monee will serve as president for the second year of the term.