The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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Dandelions growing in the grass.
Five facts about those delightful dandelions
4/1/2021The dandelion is probably the most hated plant in America, but it actually is an important part of the landscape.
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A young skunk on a log.
The animal kingdom is full of stinkers
3/29/2021Skunks are certainly the most famous stinkers in the animal kingdom, but they are far from the only ones.
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A brown recluse spider.
What's the difference?: Poisonous vs. venomous
3/25/2021Are animals poisonous or venomous? They can be one or the other, but not usually both. It all has to do with how they deliver their toxins.
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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.
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.