The buzz

All Buzz Articles

  • A wet dog shakes itself off and sprays water

    The dog days of summer are here, but it doesn't mean what you think

    7/3/2024

    The dog days of summer are here, both literally and metaphorically. Be sure to stay safe outdoors during periods of high heat and humidity.

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  • A Halloween pennant dragonfly perched atop a hoary vervain plant.

    Battling mosquitoes in your yard? Attract dragonflies

    6/28/2024

    Dragonflies can eat dozens of mosquitoes a day, so attracting them to your yard might help make your time outside more enjoyable.

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  • A periodical cicada on a tree branch with leaves in the background.

    Cicada summer continues as annual cicadas follow periodical counterparts

    6/28/2024

    Did you think we were done with cicadas for the summer? Think again. While the 17-year cicadas are winding down, another kind of cicada is just getting started. 

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  • A garter snake with its tongue sticking out.

    Quiz: What's your garter snake IQ?

    6/27/2024

    Test your knowledge with this 10-question quiz.

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  • A group of two adults and two kids looking at the night sky while laying on a blanket in the grass.

    Streaks of light in the night sky could be shooting stars not fireworks

    6/27/2024

    The arrival of July means the return of meteor shower activity, including the popular Perseids meteor shower.

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  • A person standing next to a large tree trunk in a forest.

    Meet a Naturalist: Brittany Schaller, at home in the outdoors

    6/26/2024

    Brittany Schaller is about as outdoorsy as it gets. She camps, she hikes, she fishes, and it’s been like that for as long as she can remember.

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  • Fireworks lighting up the night sky over a lake.

    Booms in the night: Fireworks displays pose risks for wildlife

    6/26/2024

    It's not just our pets who suffer around the Fourth of July. Loud, booming fireworks pose serious risks to wildlife too. 

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  • A bullfrog with its head sticking out of the water.

    Quiz: Test your knowledge on bullfrog basics

    6/25/2024

    Find out by answering these 10 questions.

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  • A rose-breasted grosbeak perched on a branch with a seed on its mouth.

    The rose-breasted grosbeak: A pretty bird with a pretty song

    6/24/2024

    With their recognizable namesake plumage, rose-breasted grosbeaks are a welcome sight. Learn what else makes these birds special. 

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  • A snapping turtle laying on a log above the water with its shell covered in duckweed and other vegetation.

    Quiz: Are you savvy about snapping turtles?

    6/21/2024

    Find out by answering these 10 questions.

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Current Headlines

Start your autumn with family-friendly fun at Fall on the Farm event on Sept. 14

8/31/2024

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. 

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Visitor centers to close on Labor Day, bait shops will be open

8/30/2024

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.

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