The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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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.
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A stand of evergreen trees.
Five mind-blowing facts about trees
4/29/2021Here's a look at some of the many reasons we should appreciate trees.
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A tree canopy as seen from the ground.
Amid rampant deforestation, every tree counts. You can help by planting one at home
4/25/2021Trees are disappearing at alarming rates, but don't think your actions are too small to make a difference. Planting a tree at home will have long-lasting positive effects on you and the world around you.
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Virginia bluebells.
Five facts about those beloved blooming bluebells
4/22/2021It's bluebell season, so brush up on these spring beauties before planning a trip to see them in bloom.
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An oriole nest in a tree.
Nature curiosity: Is it OK to leave nesting material out for birds?
4/16/2021Birds will build their nests out of just about anything they can find, but is it OK to leave materials out for them to use?
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A fawn standing in tall vegetation.
Hey folks, nature is not a petting zoo. Leave the animals alone
4/11/2021The wildlife you see in the preserves and elsewhere is just that — wild. The preserves aren't petting zoos, and people should not touch or otherwise handle animals they encounter.
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An indigo bunting on a branch.
Head outside and listen to nature. It's good for you, a new study shows
4/9/2021What's that sound? If it's the sounds of nature, it's good for your health, according to a new study.
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.