The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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Green moss growing on the base of a tree
Myth buster: Moss doesn't only grow on the north side of trees
2/28/2020Read moreIf you rely on the myth that moss only grows on the north side of trees to guide you through a forest, you're likely to get lost.
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A man hiking on an ice covered path
Nature curiosity: Why is ice so slippery?
2/28/2020Read moreIcy is slippery; it's one of those things people just know to be true, like water being wet. But the science behind this fact has only recently become well understood.
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A badger on the forest floor
Creature feature: American badgers are digging machines
2/21/2020Read moreThe American badger isn't as well-known as many of the other mammals that call Will County home, but these fascinating creatures are exceptional diggers that are known to work alongside coyotes to hunt.
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A white-breasted nuthatch hanging from a feeder while eating
Don't feed the wildlife? What about the birds?
2/13/2020Read moreDon't feed the animals. We hear it all the time. Yet many of us make a habit of feeding wild birds. Why are birds any different than other wildlife?
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Baby opossums on their mother's back
Nature curiosity: Why do marsupials have pouches?
2/12/2020Read moreFor marsupials, only adult females have pouches, and they serve an important role in the reproductive process.
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Scenic view of a wood bridge at McKinley Woods
What's the difference?: Woods vs. forest
2/6/2020Read moreA walk in the woods or a walk in the forest? Is there even a difference?
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A downy woodpecker in a tree
Creature feature: The diminutive downy woodpecker
2/5/2020Read moreDowny woodpeckers are the smallest woodpecker in North America. Learn more about these birds in this creature feature.
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A frog in a wetland
Myth buster: Frogs and toads don't cause warts
2/3/2020Read moreToads and frogs can give you warts? Think again. Warts are caused by a human virus, and you won't get them from handling an animal.
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Scenic view of colorful sunset over the lake
Forget the groundhog, just watch for these signs for a weather prediction
1/29/2020Read moreGroundhogs get a lot of credit as weather prognosticators, but there's no science to back up their predictions. If you really want to know what the weather holds, look for these clues from the natural world.
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A squirrel hanging from a feeder
Has your bird feeder become a squirrel feeder? Here are some ideas to keep those rascals away
1/16/2020Read moreAre your attempts at feeding the birds inadvertently keeping the neighborhood squirrels well fed? We're here to help.
Current Headlines
Start your autumn with family-friendly fun at Fall on the Farm event on Sept. 14
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.
Visitor centers to close on Labor Day, bait shops will be open
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.