The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A cottonmouth and a northern water snake side by side.
What's the difference?: Northern water snake vs. cottonmouth
7/15/2021Harmless northern water snake or venomous cottonmouth? In northern Illinois, there's no doubt it's a harmless water snake.
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A colorful sunset.
Just relax: How to enjoy your time in the great outdoors
6/29/2021Spending time outdoors is good for you, but it can be tough to find the time. Here's some simple and easy ideas for enjoying the great outdoors.
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A river otter.
Five fun facts about those playful river otters
6/25/2021Playful river otters were once endangered in Illinois, but they now live in every county in the state. Here's five fun facts about these semi-aquatic animals.
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A mussel in a stream.
Life under water: Freshwater mussels an indicator of healthy habitat
6/22/2021Freshwater mussels are an indicator of clean water, but as we have changed the flow of our rivers, their population has plummeted.
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A monarch on a wildflower.
The monarchs are disappearing, but here's how you can help
6/21/2021Monarch populations continue to plummet, but there are things you can do to help.
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Mosquitoes swarming in the air.
Hate mosquitoes? Try these tricks to keep the buggers at bay
6/18/2021From herb gardens to bug repellents to Skrillex music, here's a primer to stop mosquitoes from ruining your time outside.
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An algae bloom.
Nature curiosity: What is an algal bloom?
6/17/2021Algae are always present in water, but in certain conditions they reproduce quickly, resulting in potentially harmful algal blooms.
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An alligator snapping turtle and a common snapping turtle side by side.
What's the difference?: Common snapping turtle vs. alligator snapping turtle
6/9/2021Common snapping turtle or alligator snapping turtle? In Will County, the answer is easy.
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A red-spotted admiral butterfly on a leaf.
Five things about those beautiful butterflies
6/3/2021Brush up on butterflies with these five fascinating facts.
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A raccoon peering out from a tree cavity.
Is your yard a hotspot for local wildlife? Get it certified
6/2/2021If your yard is abuzz with wildlife, see if it meets the criteria to become a certified wildlife habitat.
Current Headlines
Channahon teacher wins first place in fall Take It Outside Challenge
Sarah Goodin of Channahon won first place in the Fall Frolic installment of the 2024 Take It Outside Challenge. She completed all 212 missions to win a $500 gift card for first place.
Forest Preserve Board reorganizes, elects new officers
The Forest Preserve District's Board reorganized on Dec. 19 and elected officers for the next two years. Destinee Ortiz of Romeoville was selected as president for the first year of a two-year term, and Judy Ogalla of Monee will serve as president for the second year of the term.