The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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An eastern gray squirrel sitting on a stump
Creature feature: The agile gray squirrel
1/15/2020Read moreDo you know what kind of squirrel is taking up residence in your yard? Learn more about eastern gray squirrels and how to differentiate them from other squirrels that live in Illinois.
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Moss and lichen growing on a log.
What's the difference: Lichens vs. mosses
1/14/2020Read moreCan you tell the difference between a lichen and a moss? They often look very similar, but there are a few key differences.
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A coyote on the prairie after a prescribed burn
How to stay safe and avoid unnecessary coyote encounters
1/9/2020Read moreSeeing coyotes in your neighborhood is not cause for alarm because these animals are common throughout all of Illinois. You can keep yourself and your pets safe from them by following some simple, common-sense precautions.
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Scenic view of a full moon on a winter night
Myth buster: The full moon doesn't really change human behavior
1/2/2020Read moreThink the full moon makes people act a little batty? Think again. This belief has existed for many moons, but it simply isn't true.
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A trumpeter swan flying low over the ground
What's the difference: Trumpeter swan vs. tundra swan vs. mute swan
12/27/2019Read moreThree types of swans populate our waterways, but these white birds can be hard to tell apart from one another. Learn what features can help you distinguish between trumpeter swans, tundra swans and mute swans.
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A barn owl on a stump
Five fascinating facts you probably don't know about owls
12/20/2019Read moreMany owls are masters of camouflage, far more often heard than seen.
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A mink looking off in the distance
Creature feature: The mysterious mink
12/17/2019Read moreThe mysterious mink lives across Illinois, but are not often seen by humans.
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A great blue heron flying low over the water
Birds are modern-day dinosaurs? Believe it!
12/12/2019Read moreDespite what you learned in school many years ago, dinosaurs do still exist. The birds we see today are actually modern-day dinosaurs.
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A muskrat in a wetland
Creature feature: The mighty muskrat
12/2/2019Read moreIf you've ever caught a glimpse of a muskrat, it was probably near water. These rodents spend most of their time in and around water, feasting on aquatic plants and animals.
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A wild turkey in a field.
What's a turkey wattle for anyway?
11/25/2019Read moreThe wattle on a turkey is its most identifiable feature, but what's it for anyway?
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.