The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A sprout growing up from the soil.
Nature curiosity: Where does dirt come from?
3/23/2021The 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
3/15/2021The 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
3/4/2021Next 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
3/1/2021It'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
2/18/2021Great horned owls are one of our most beloved creatures of the night. Here are some things you might not know about them.
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A bird flying into a window.
Nature curiosity: Why do birds fly into windows?
2/17/2021Hundreds 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
2/15/2021You 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
2/7/2021A 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
1/28/2021Our 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?
1/25/2021Mange is an infection caused by mites and, while the mites themselves are not deadly, animals infected with mange can die if left untreated.
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.