The Buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A turtle on a log with another turtle smaller turtle on top of it.
In early spring, wetlands are abuzz with seasonal activity
3/19/2024Read moreAfter a long, quiet winter, our local wetlands are among the first places that begin to wake up, showing some of the earliest signs of spring.
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A closeup of bluebell blossoms.
Five things you might not know about spring
3/18/2024Read moreWhen it comes to spring, there's so much to love. But there's also probably a lot you don't know about our most-anticipated season.
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A chorus frog with its throat outstretched.
Happening now: Chorus frogs are loudly seeking mates
3/13/2024Read moreIf you venture out into the preserves these days, there's a good chance you'll hear chorus frogs making a racket as they call out looking for a mate.
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Two American woodcocks in the grass.
Happening now: Male woodcocks performing their elaborate courtship ritual
3/12/2024Read moreNow is the time to see woodcocks out in the preserves, and there's a lot to love about these birds — from the males' elaborate courtship ritual to their cute nicknames.
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Two sandhill cranes flying overhead.
Migration watch: Sandhill cranes are heading north, so keep your eyes and ears peeled
3/1/2024Read moreIt's peak migration season for sandhill cranes, so don't be surprised if you hear their loud, bugling call overhead.
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A red-winged blackbird on a cattail with its mouth open.
Two words perfectly describe red-winged blackbirds: Feisty and familiar
2/29/2024Read moreSeveral birds are known for their aggressive behavior, but perhaps none as much as the red-winged blackbird, a bird that isn't afraid to pick on creatures much larger than itself.
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A person standing in front of a forest.
Meet a Naturalist: Jess McQuown, an inquisitive mind
2/26/2024Read moreMeet Jess McQuown, a program coordinator at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center.
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A block calendar showing the date changing to Feb. 29
Why do we have leap days? Get ready for a math lesson — and a history lesson
2/23/2024Read moreIt's a leap year, and here's your chance to learn why we add an extra day every four years and why that day is on Feb. 29.
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A vole on the ground surrounded by dried and green grasses.
Five fast facts about little-known voles
2/22/2024Read moreAmong rodents, mice, rats, squirrels and chipmunks are all well known. Voles, however, often fly under the radar, either because they aren't known or because they are confused with another species.
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A skunk walking in the grass.
Love is in the air? It's just skunk mating season
2/11/2024Read moreIt's skunk mating season, and as male skunks are out and about searching for mates, we may have more close encounters with these animals, resulting in that telltale smell in the air.
Current Headlines
Nature Foundation's first in-person plant sale set for May 18-19 at Isle a la Cache
The Nature Foundation of Will County's first in-person plant sale of the season will be held on May 18 and 19 at Isle a la Cache preserve in Romeoville. More sales are scheduled throughout the summer and a native plant garden tour is set for July 13.
All-terrain wheelchair opens 'a whole new world' for nature exploration
The first person to test the new GRIT Freedom Chair at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center said she loved that she could travel over grass, roots and mud and feel secure while doing so. The wheelchair is available for public use at no cost.