The buzz
All Buzz Articles
-
A mink looking off in the distance
Creature feature: The mysterious mink
12/17/2019The mysterious mink lives across Illinois, but are not often seen by humans.
-
A great blue heron flying low over the water
Birds are modern-day dinosaurs? Believe it!
12/12/2019Despite what you learned in school many years ago, dinosaurs do still exist. The birds we see today are actually modern-day dinosaurs.
-
A muskrat in a wetland
Creature feature: The mighty muskrat
12/2/2019If you've ever caught a glimpse of a muskrat, it was probably near water. These rodents spend most of their time in and around water, feasting on aquatic plants and animals.
-
A wild turkey in a field.
What's a turkey wattle for anyway?
11/25/2019The wattle on a turkey is its most identifiable feature, but what's it for anyway?
-
Gulls on a pier
What's the difference: Gulls vs. terns
11/25/2019Can you tell a gull from a tern? Here's a few quick pointers to tell them apart.
-
White-tailed deer with velvet covered antlers
Nature curiosity: How do antlers grow so fast?
11/21/2019Deer antlers seem to grow overnight, and in reality they actually do. A buck's antlers can grow a quarter inch a day, but it's a process that requires a lot of energy.
-
A bald eagle perched.
Five things you probably don't know about bald eagles
11/8/2019From eagle eyes to Benjamin Franklin, dive into these offbeat facts.
-
A profile view of a turkey vulture's head
Creature feature: Turkey vultures do nature's dirty work
11/7/2019Turkey vultures are raptors just like eagles and hawks, but there are a few things that set them apart.
-
What's the difference: Chipmunk vs. ground squirrel
10/25/2019Is that a chipmunk or a ground squirrel scurrying around your yard in preparation for winter? Learn how to tell the difference between these two similar-looking rodents.
-
Creature feature: The crafty raccoon
10/21/2019Loved or reviled, the raccoon is one of the most common mammals in Illinois.
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.