The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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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.
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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.
Current Headlines
Half-price dog park permits go on sale July 1
Half-price dog park permits will be available for purchase starting July 1 online and at Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. The permits can be used at all six Forest Preserve dog parks through the end of 2025.
Volunteer opportunities abound in the preserves this summer
The Forest Preserve District is offering a variety of short-term volunteer opportunities this summer, from hands-on habitat restoration to helping at public programs and events. With limited space and high demand, early registration is encouraged.