The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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An indigo bunting on a branch.
Head outside and listen to nature. It's good for you, a new study shows
4/9/2021Read moreWhat's that sound? If it's the sounds of nature, it's good for your health, according to a new study.
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Dandelions growing in the grass.
Five facts about those delightful dandelions
4/1/2021Read moreThe dandelion is probably the most hated plant in America, but it actually is an important part of the landscape.
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A young skunk on a log.
The animal kingdom is full of stinkers
3/29/2021Read moreSkunks are certainly the most famous stinkers in the animal kingdom, but they are far from the only ones.
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A brown recluse spider.
What's the difference?: Poisonous vs. venomous
3/25/2021Read moreAre animals poisonous or venomous? They can be one or the other, but not usually both. It all has to do with how they deliver their toxins.
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A bald eagle soaring through the air.
Bald eagle numbers have quadrupled since 2009 thanks to conservation effort
3/24/2021Read moreThe bald eagle population in the contiguous 48 states has quadrupled since 2009, according to a new report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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A sprout growing up from the soil.
Nature curiosity: Where does dirt come from?
3/23/2021Read moreThe dirt on dirt — what's in it, where it comes from and why you should call it soil instead.
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Jack-o'-lantern mushrooms growing on the ground.
Five fabulous facts about fungi
3/15/2021Read moreThe world of fungus is a literal kingdom, with tens of thousands of species including far more than the familiar mushrooms.
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A Canada goose and goslings eating bread.
Don't feed ducks and geese bread; you're making them sick
3/4/2021Read moreNext time you're at a local pond, resist the urge to feed the ducks and geese. They don't need our help, and we are actually making them sick.
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A cedar waxwing eating fruit from a snow-covered tree.
Drunk birds? It does happen from time to time
3/1/2021Read moreIt's not exactly a common occurrence, but birds do get drunk, especially at this time of year when the fruit they eat becomes fermented.
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A great horned owl.
Five things to know about great horned owls, the quintessential owl
2/18/2021Read moreGreat horned owls are one of our most beloved creatures of the night. Here are some things you might not know about them.
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.