The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A side-by-side comparison of poison ivy with its three leaflets and Virginia creeper with five leaflets.
What's the difference: Poison ivy vs. Virginia creeper
9/5/2024Read moreKnowing the difference between poison ivy and Virginia creeper can save you from a painful rash.
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A raccoon standing in grass.
Quiz: Are you an authority on raccoons?
9/3/2024Read moreFind out by answering these 10 questions.
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Three people walking side by side together on a trail seen from behind.
Need a good reason to take a hike? Here are five
9/2/2024Read moreLooking for a reason to it the trails and stretch your legs on a hike? Here are a few.
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A great blue heron, with its white stripe on its head surrounded by blue feathers, sits along the water's edge.
Quiz: How good is your great blue heron knowledge?
8/27/2024Read moreTake this quick quiz to test your knowledge of these amazing birds.
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Goldenrod and ragweed side by side.
What's got you sneezing? Blame ragweed, not goldenrod
8/22/2024Read moreSneezing a lot lately? Blame ragweed, not goldenrod.
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A spotted crane fly on grass.
Don't swat these bugs! Harmless crane flies aren't super-sized mosquitoes
8/22/2024Read moreCrane flies aren't just supersized mosquitoes. These harmless insects don't bite or sting.
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The many colors of the spotted lanternfly — red, black, gray and beige — can be seen in this photo.
You've heard the buzz on spotted lanternflies. Should you be worried?
8/20/2024Read moreThe spotted lanternfly won't bite you or your pets, but it just might be one of the most dangerous insects around. Learn why these invasive insects need to be taken seriously and how you can help prevent them from spreading.
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A 13-lined ground squirrel on the ground.
Quiz: Are you an expert on 13-lined ground squirrels?
8/19/2024Read moreTest your knowledge on this 10-question quiz.
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A goldfinch perched atop a tree with bare branches.
Mellow yellow: Delightful goldfinches a common sight
8/14/2024Read moreGoldfinches are common and recognizable thanks to their bright yellow plumage, but not all goldfinches are golden in color, and even the ones that are aren't always yellow.
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A Eurasian beaver eating vegetation while sitting on a piece of wood just above the water.
What's the difference?: North American beaver vs. Eurasian beaver
8/12/2024Read moreThe world is home to two beaver species, and it would be easy to confuse them if they didn't live on different continents.
Current Headlines
Hidden Oaks Nature Center on schedule to reopen in early 2025
Renovations are progressing at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook and the building is scheduled to reopen to the public in the first quarter of 2025.
Sugar Creek, bait shops to close for Indigenous Peoples' Day, Columbus Day holiday
In observance of the Indigenous Peoples' Day/Columbus Day holiday, the Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet and Forest Preserve bait shops will be closed on Monday, Oct. 14. Preserves, trails and dog parks will remain open.