The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A side by side comparison of a downy woodpecker and hairy woodpecker
What's the difference?: Downy woodpeckers vs. hairy woodpeckers
3/11/2019Read moreCan you tell the difference between a downy woodpecker and a hairy woodpecker? Here are a few clues to help distinguish these two look-alikes from one another.
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A white great horned owl in a tree
Why is this great horned owl white?
3/7/2019Read moreWhite birds are fairly common in the wild, with some swans, egrets, gulls and even owls known for their snow-colored plumage. But what about white birds that should be a distinctly different color, such as a white cardinal, hawk or great horned owl?
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A red squirrel on the ground
Some squirrels are lucky enough to inherit a fortune in food stores, study shows
3/5/2019Read moreAccording to a recent study, red squirrels can inherit wealth just like humans. But for the squirrels, inherited wealth comes in the form of food stores of squirrels that have died.
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An opossum on the ground
Creature feature: Opossums are nature's pest control
3/1/2019Read moreOpossums are so ugly that they're cute, but beyond their appearances we should appreciate them for their amazing pest control abilities.
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A common merganser with a broken beak
Nature curiosity: How do birds survive with broken beaks?
2/26/2019Read moreCan a bird survive with a broken beak? It often depends on where the injury is and how severe it is, as well as whether the bird can still eat.
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American woodcock in a field
Creature feature: The wacky woodcock
2/19/2019Read moreThe American woodcock is related to the sandpiper, but you wouldn't know it based on its behavior. Woodcocks are known for their unusual antics, including elaborate and sometimes noisy "sky dances" and a weird walk to help them find food.
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The big bridge at Goodenow Grove in the fall
Study shows learning to love nature is not just for kids
2/13/2019Read moreSpending time outdoors is good for you, but what if you didn't grow up with a love of nature? Can you develop an appreciation for it as an adult? You can, according to a recent study.
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A red-headed woodpecker on a branch
Creature feature: The striking red-headed woodpecker
2/8/2019Read moreWith its crimson cap and stunning black and white wings, the red-headed woodpecker is a beauty among birds.
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A closeup view of a raccoon's face
Nature curiosity: How do animals see in the dark?
2/7/2019Read moreEach night as darkness falls, we begin to wind down our day, eventually settling in for sleep. For many animals, however, these same cues that signal the end of our day mean it’s time to start theirs.
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A slide through history: Joliet Iron Works Historic Site
2/6/2019Read moreOnly ruins remain of the Joliet Iron Works, but thanks to a historic aerial photo, we can see the heart and soul of the steel mill prior to it being dismantled.
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.