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  • A tree burl that looks like a very big butt

    Tree burls create optical illusions in the forest

    6/15/2020

    If you've ever seen a monkey in a tree in an Illinois forest, chances are it was really a tree burl creating an optical illusion. 

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  • View of a wetland at Rock Run Preserve

    What's the difference?: Wetland vs. marsh vs. swamp

    6/11/2020

    Wetlands link land and water, creating a crucial habitat with many important roles.

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  • A 13-lined ground squirrel on the ground

    Creature feature: The often-misidentified 13-lined ground squirrel

    6/8/2020

    That chipmunk you see may be a 13-lined ground squirrel. Learn how to tell them apart and everything you need to know about these ground squirrels. 

     

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  • Female rabbit nursing its young

    Breeding like rabbits? What does that mean anyway?

    6/1/2020

    Rabbits are well-known for their ability to reproduce, but what makes them more prolific than other animals?

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  • Natural surface trail at Thorn Creek Woods

    Skip the sunbathing and give forest bathing a try instead

    5/28/2020

    Instead of sunbathing, give forest bathing a try. All you need is a little free time and access to a forested or tree-covered spot. 

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  • Fox snake on a path

    Myth buster: Snakes are not slimy

    5/27/2020

    Another myth busted: Snakes are not slimy at all. 

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  • Multiple worms on pavement

    Nature curiosity: Why do worms come to the surface when it rains?

    5/26/2020

    If you've ever taken a walk outside after it rains, you know that worms tend to congregate above ground after wet weather. The reason why is a mystery, although scientists have a few theories.

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  • Baby opossums on their mother's back

    Things we love: Those precious possums

    5/21/2020

    Opossums deserve our love and respect because they provide many benefits, and they're pretty cute too. 

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  • Two men in a fishing boat

    Hey anglers, don't dump your unused bait. It can ruin our waterways

    5/19/2020

    Dumping unused bait in the water seems like an innocent way to end a fishing trip, but it is detrimental to the health of our waterways.

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  • Green heron perched on a branch

    Creature feature: The clever green heron

    5/18/2020

    The green heron isn't as well known or as frequently seen as the great blue heron, but these birds are interesting in their own right.

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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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