The buzz
All Buzz Articles
-
A mosquito biting a person's arm
A world without mosquitoes? It's not as great an idea as it may seem
3/11/2020A world without mosquitoes might sound nice, but removing one species from its habitat can have far-ranging and devastating consequences.
-
A queen snake slithering on a leafy branch
What's the difference?: Reptile vs. amphibian
3/8/2020Is a snake a reptile or an amphibian? How about a frog? These two classes of animals have some similarities, but some key characteristics also set them apart.
-
Green moss growing on the base of a tree
Myth buster: Moss doesn't only grow on the north side of trees
2/28/2020If 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.
-
A man hiking on an ice covered path
Nature curiosity: Why is ice so slippery?
2/28/2020Icy 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.
-
A badger on the forest floor
Creature feature: American badgers are digging machines
2/21/2020The 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.
-
A white-breasted nuthatch hanging from a feeder while eating
Don't feed the wildlife? What about the birds?
2/13/2020Don'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?
-
Baby opossums on their mother's back
Nature curiosity: Why do marsupials have pouches?
2/12/2020For marsupials, only adult females have pouches, and they serve an important role in the reproductive process.
-
Scenic view of a wood bridge at McKinley Woods
What's the difference?: Woods vs. forest
2/6/2020A walk in the woods or a walk in the forest? Is there even a difference?
-
A downy woodpecker in a tree
Creature feature: The diminutive downy woodpecker
2/5/2020Downy woodpeckers are the smallest woodpecker in North America. Learn more about these birds in this creature feature.
-
A frog in a wetland
Myth buster: Frogs and toads don't cause warts
2/3/2020Toads 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.
Current Headlines
'Into the Wild' art exhibit blends nature and creativity
The “Into the Wild Art Exhibition” runs July 5 through Aug. 30 at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook. The free exhibit showcases nature-themed art by local artists from the Nature Artists' Guild of The Morton Arboretum. Visitors can vote for their favorite pieces.
Shop new shirts and save 15% during holiday sale
Six new nature-themed T-shirts just dropped on the Forest Preserve’s revamped OutsiderThreads.com store, and shoppers get 15% off orders of $25 or more through July 6. Every purchase supports The Nature Foundation of Will County’s education, recreation and conservation programs.