The buzz
All Buzz Articles
-
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.
-
Scenic view of colorful sunset over the lake
Forget the groundhog, just watch for these signs for a weather prediction
1/29/2020Groundhogs 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.
-
A squirrel hanging from a feeder
Has your bird feeder become a squirrel feeder? Here are some ideas to keep those rascals away
1/16/2020Are your attempts at feeding the birds inadvertently keeping the neighborhood squirrels well fed? We're here to help.
-
An eastern gray squirrel sitting on a stump
Creature feature: The agile gray squirrel
1/15/2020Do 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.
-
Moss and lichen growing on a log.
What's the difference: Lichens vs. mosses
1/14/2020Can you tell the difference between a lichen and a moss? They often look very similar, but there are a few key differences.
-
A coyote on the prairie after a prescribed burn
How to stay safe and avoid unnecessary coyote encounters
1/9/2020Seeing 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.
-
Scenic view of a full moon on a winter night
Myth buster: The full moon doesn't really change human behavior
1/2/2020Think the full moon makes people act a little batty? Think again. This belief has existed for many moons, but it simply isn't true.
-
A trumpeter swan flying low over the ground
What's the difference: Trumpeter swan vs. tundra swan vs. mute swan
12/27/2019Three 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.
-
A barn owl on a stump
Five fascinating facts you probably don't know about owls
12/20/2019Many owls are masters of camouflage, far more often heard than seen.
Current Headlines
Be a Trailblazer turns outdoor fun into a family affair
Liz Lyons of New Lenox has turned the Forest Preserve District’s Be a Trailblazer challenge into a fun-filled family tradition. From dancing in the rain to spotting tiny critters on the trail, challenge missions have become cherished memories.
Wild Science: Rare mussel search in Will County aids DuPage restocking effort
Forest preserve staff from Will and DuPage counties recently searched a Will County creek for rare mussels to support a native species restoration project. The collaboration could help reintroduce the ellipse mussel to DuPage waterways, where it has disappeared.