The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A blue-winged teal in flight.
Creature feature: The blue-winged teal
5/28/2021Blue-winged teals are migratory ducks, one of the last to arrive here each spring and one of the first to head south each fall.
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A purple coneflower growing in a container.
No space? No problem. Small spaces still work for native plants
5/25/2021You don't need a big yard — or any yard at all — to add native plants to your outdoor space. A small garden plot or even a container garden are more than enough to attract pollinators and other creatures.
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Native wildflowers include black-eyed Susans.
Let it rain: How rain gardens can help keep our water clean
5/19/2021Adding a rain garden to your yard can help prevent flooding and also filter pollutants and chemicals out of the water supply.
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A Baltimore oriole on a branch.
Five things to know about our beloved Baltimore orioles
5/13/2021Baltimore orioles are one of the most anticipated birds each spring. Learn more about them with these five fun facts.
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An eastern bluebird on a bluebird box.
Want more birds in your yard? Try adding a birdhouse or two
5/12/2021Some birds can be easily attracted to your yard by adding a birdhouse nearby.
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A jumping spider.
Nature curiosity: Why do spiders have so many eyes?
5/11/2021Most spiders have eight eyes, but not all spiders have good vision.
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A goldfinch standing on a purple coneflower.
Tired of filling your bird feeders? Grow your own bird seed
5/6/2021Skip the middleman and grow plants that birds will eat seeds and fruit from rather than filling your feeders with store-bought seed.
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A wetland with tall grasses.
What's the difference?: Forest preserve vs. nature preserve
5/6/2021When is a forest preserve something more? State nature preserves are specially designated lands that protect a variety of high-quality natural areas as well as rare and endangered plants and animals.
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A boy holding out his dirt-covered hands.
Nature deficit disorder is real: Kids need to spend time outdoors
5/4/2021Sending your kids outside to play is good for their mental and physical health.
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A mother opossum carrying three babies on its back.
Oh, baby! These names for baby animals are just too cute
4/30/2021Sometimes the terms used for baby animals are about as cute as the animals themselves.
Current Headlines
Rock Run Preserve – Black Road Access reopens after trail improvement project ends
Rock Run Preserve – Black Road Access in Joliet has reopened to the public after being closed for an asphalt improvement project on the Rock Run Greenway Trail since late October.
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.