The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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View of lightning strike off in the distance
Myth buster: Lightning can strike the same place twice
4/8/2020Lightning can — and will — strike the same place twice, so always head indoors when thunder roars.
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A crappie fish being held in a hand
Things we love: Those fiercely protective crappies
4/7/2020Spring is spawning season for crappies, which offers an opportunity to get a good look at these fish.
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A blue-spotted salamander draped on top of a down log
Creature feature: The secretive blue-spotted salamander
4/6/2020Have you ever seen a blue-spotted salamander? Most people haven't, but they do live in Will County. Finding one is a matter of knowing where to look.
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A fox snake slithering on a trail
What's the difference?: Fox snake vs. eastern massasauga rattlesnake
4/4/2020Is that snake you saw a dangerous eastern massasauga rattlesnake or a nonvenomous fox snake? If you saw it in Will County, it was a fox snake. The massasauga does not live in Will County. In fact, no venomous snakes do.
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Yellow and green lichen on a log
Things we love: Those lovely lichens
4/2/2020Lichens are little known and not well understood, but they deserve our appreciation.
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Blue-spotted salamander on a log
Things we love: Those sneaky salamanders
3/27/2020When it comes to salamanders, a big part of the thrill is the hunt.
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Red-headed woodpecker perched on a branch
Nature curiosity: Why don't woodpeckers get brain damage?
3/23/2020Woodpeckers can peck up to 12,000 times a day! So how do they do it without hurting their brains?
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White-breasted nuthatch eating on a feeder
How to turn your yard into a haven for birds
3/20/2020Want to attract birds to your yard? You'll need to meet their basic needs: food, shelter and water.
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Great blue heron in the water on the hunt
Things we love: Those gangling great blue herons
3/19/2020Birds in Will County come in all shapes, sizes and colors, but it doesn't get any better than spotting a great blue heron gliding over a preserve or patiently stalking its prey on the ground.
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Spring peeper frog on a branch
Creature feature: The season-announcing spring peeper
3/18/2020Soon, spring peepers will be calling out in the night, letting us know spring has arrived.
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.