The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A dog with its tongue sticking out
Myth buster: Dogs' mouths aren't really cleaner than humans
11/25/2020Read moreContrary to popular belief, dogs' mouths are just as dirty as humans'.
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A dog walking on a trail
Whether around the block or at a preserve, walking your dog is a win-win
11/19/2020Read moreTaking your dog for regular walks has physical and mental health benefits for both you and your dog. If you need a change of scenery, bring your dog to one of Will County's preserves to check out some new sights — and smells.
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An eastern screech owl perched on a branch
Creature feature: The compact screech owl
11/13/2020Read moreScreech owls aren't the large, imposing creatures most people think of when they think of owls, but these small owls still play an important role in the ecosystem.
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A side by side comparison of a turtle and a tortoise
What's the difference: Turtle vs. tortoise
11/12/2020Read moreTurtle or tortoise? There are some key differences between these animals, but if you saw it here in Illinois you can rest assured it was a turtle.
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A woolly bear caterpillar walking on the ground
Myth buster: Woolly bear caterpillars don't really predict winter weather
11/4/2020Read moreThe bands on woolly bear caterpillars are said to be a sign about what Mother Nature has in store for us each winter, but in reality these insects can't tell us anything about the weather.
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An eastern bluebird on a branch
Nature curiosity: Why is blue so rare in the animal kingdom?
10/24/2020Read moreCreatures come in all sizes, shapes and colors, but not all colors are represented equally. Find out why blue is so rare in the animal kingdom.
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An apple core discarded on the ground
Think twice before your drop that apple core on the ground; it's still littering
10/21/2020Read moreFood scraps don't decompose as fast as you might think, so leaving your apple cores and banana peels behind is bad news for many reasons.
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A wolf spider walking on pavement
Creature feature: The creepy, crawly wolf spider
10/19/2020Read moreWith eight long legs, eight eyes and fangs for mouthparts, wolf spiders look scarier than they are. In reality, they aren't dangerous at all, and they play an important role in the ecosystem.
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Ladybugs on a log
What's the difference?: Ladybug vs. lady beetle
10/15/2020Read moreLadybug or lady beetles? Are these creatures one and the same?
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A beaver swimming in water
Nature curiosity: How do beavers hold their breath for so long?
9/30/2020Read moreHow do beavers stay under water for so long? Their bodies are specially designed for it.
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.