The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A squirrel eating in a tree
Nature curiosity: Why don't squirrels throw up?
4/23/2019Read moreSquirrels and other rodents are incapable of vomiting. Why they can't is related to their anatomy and physiology.
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A killdeer along the water's edge
Creature feature: The crafty killdeer
4/22/2019Read moreOne of most common birds in North America, the killdeer has a few tricks up its sleeve when it comes to protecting its nest from potential threats.
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A closeup of a dandelion in the grass
The war on dandelions is killing bees, but it doesn't have to
4/17/2019Read moreAs we prepare to declare war on dandelions, it's important to remember just how important these "weeds" are for bees.
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A roly poly on the ground
Roly-poly bugs: Appreciated but misunderstood
4/11/2019Read moreRoly-polies are a rare bug that draws appreciation rather than ire, but most of us don't know much about these creatures beyond that they can roll themselves up into a ball as a defense mechanism.
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A snapping turtle on the trail
Creature feature: The powerful snapping turtle
4/10/2019Read moreThe snapping turtle isn't hunted by many animals, but it does face many risks in the wild, including being hit by cars and having their nests hunted.
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A ruby-throated hummingbird at a feeder
The recipe for success with hummingbird feeders: Sugar and water
4/4/2019Read moreSeeing hummingbirds in the wild is a true delight, and you can attract these tiny birds to your own yard by stocking hummingbirds with food made simply by mixing sugar and boiling water.
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Sandhill cranes flying overhead
Nature curiosity: How do migratory birds know where to go?
4/1/2019Read moreMany birds travel hundreds if not thousands of miles twice each year during their migration with no map to guide them. How do they know what route to take?
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A red-headed woodpecker drumming on a tree
The telltale sights — and sounds — that woodpeckers are living nearby
3/29/2019Read moreWoodpeckers leave both visual and auditory clues of their presence, and with a good eye and a good ear you can see and hear the signs.
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Man watched a prescribed burn
Nature curiosity: What happens to the animals during a prescribed burn?
3/26/2019Read moreThe animals may seem most vulnerable to the flames in a prescribed burn, but the burns are planned in a way to minimize danger.
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Great blue heron flies low over the water
Creature feature: The gangly and graceful great blue heron
3/21/2019Read moreWith their long legs and necks and striking plumage, great blue herons somehow manage to be both gangly and graceful all at once. These birds are commonly seen throughout Will County, particularly near water.
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.