The buzz

All Buzz Articles

  • A bird flying into a window.

    Nature curiosity: Why do birds fly into windows?

    2/17/2021

    Hundreds of millions of birds die every year from flying into windows. We understand why they do this, and there are things you can do at home to prevent it.

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  • A spider crawling on a bed while a man sleeps.

    Myth buster: We don't really swallow eight spiders a year while sleeping

    2/15/2021

    You can sleep soundly tonight knowing that there's no truth to the legend that we swallow eight spiders a year in our sleep.

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  • A muskrat and a beaver.

    What's the difference?: Beaver vs. muskrat

    2/7/2021

    A furry brown critter swimming around in the water can be any of several animals. Learn to tell the difference between two likely suspects.

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  • A dark-eyed junco squawking.

    Love birds? Here are six easy ways you can help them

    1/28/2021

    Our birds are disappearing at an alarming rate. Saving them may seem overwhelming, but there are many simple things you can do at home to help.

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  • A coyote with mange.

    Nature curiosity: What is mange?

    1/25/2021

    Mange is an infection caused by mites and, while the mites themselves are not deadly, animals infected with mange can die if left untreated.

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  • Three tubes of colorful glitter.

    Is glitter affecting our waterways? Yes, according to a study

    1/15/2021

    Adding a little sparkle to your life may have negative effects on our waterways when that sparkle comes in the form of glitter.

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  • A short-eared owl in flight.

    Creature feature: The state-endangered short-eared owl

    1/11/2021

    Short-eared owls are a little different than many of the other owls in Illinois. They are also endangered in our state.

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  • A red-headed woodpecker in a tree.

    Five things to know about those wacky and wonderful woodpeckers

    1/10/2021

    Among birds, woodpeckers stand out for their uniqueness. Learn what sets them apart from other birds.

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  • A bobcat walking

    Creature feature: The elusive bobcat

    12/17/2020

    Bobcats are the most abundant wildcats in the United States, but that doesn't mean you're likely to run into one. These elusive cats are masters at remaining unseen. 

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  • A northern cardinal in a tree

    Creature feature: The beloved northern cardinal

    12/1/2020

    The beloved cardinal is one of America's favorite birds. Learn everything about these creatures, from where they live to what they eat to how they got their name.

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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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