The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A jumping spider.
Nature curiosity: Why do spiders have so many eyes?
5/11/2021Read moreMost spiders have eight eyes, but not all spiders have good vision.
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A goldfinch standing on a purple coneflower.
Tired of filling your bird feeders? Grow your own bird seed
5/6/2021Read moreSkip the middleman and grow plants that birds will eat seeds and fruit from rather than filling your feeders with store-bought seed.
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A wetland with tall grasses.
What's the difference?: Forest preserve vs. nature preserve
5/6/2021Read moreWhen is a forest preserve something more? State nature preserves are specially designated lands that protect a variety of high-quality natural areas as well as rare and endangered plants and animals.
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A boy holding out his dirt-covered hands.
Nature deficit disorder is real: Kids need to spend time outdoors
5/4/2021Read moreSending your kids outside to play is good for their mental and physical health.
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A mother opossum carrying three babies on its back.
Oh, baby! These names for baby animals are just too cute
4/30/2021Read moreSometimes the terms used for baby animals are about as cute as the animals themselves.
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A stand of evergreen trees.
Five mind-blowing facts about trees
4/29/2021Read moreHere's a look at some of the many reasons we should appreciate trees.
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A tree canopy as seen from the ground.
Amid rampant deforestation, every tree counts. You can help by planting one at home
4/25/2021Read moreTrees are disappearing at alarming rates, but don't think your actions are too small to make a difference. Planting a tree at home will have long-lasting positive effects on you and the world around you.
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Virginia bluebells.
Five facts about those beloved blooming bluebells
4/22/2021Read moreIt's bluebell season, so brush up on these spring beauties before planning a trip to see them in bloom.
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An oriole nest in a tree.
Nature curiosity: Is it OK to leave nesting material out for birds?
4/16/2021Read moreBirds will build their nests out of just about anything they can find, but is it OK to leave materials out for them to use?
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A fawn standing in tall vegetation.
Hey folks, nature is not a petting zoo. Leave the animals alone
4/11/2021Read moreThe wildlife you see in the preserves and elsewhere is just that — wild. The preserves aren't petting zoos, and people should not touch or otherwise handle animals they encounter.
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.