The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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The shrimp found in Illinois waterways aren't like the ones on your dinner plate
7/12/2019Shrimp in Illinois waterways? It's true, but these aren't the kind of crustaceans you'd order in a restaurant.
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Creature feature: The awesome osprey
7/9/2019Osprey or eagle? Learn what sets the osprey apart from other birds of prey.
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Nature curiosity: Why don't bats get dizzy when hanging upside down?
7/8/2019Hanging upside down for even a few seconds will leave anyone feeling dizzy and a little lightheaded, so how do bats do it?
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A dragonfly on green leaves
What's the difference?: Dragonfly vs. damselfly
6/28/2019Is that big, buzzing insect a dragonfly or a damselfly? Learn how to tell the difference.
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A wasp on the ground
These wasps eat their hosts from the inside out
6/27/2019Ichneumon wasps are scary-looking insects, but what many people think is a dangerous stinger is really used for laying eggs.
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Gnats swarming in the air
Nature curiosity: Why do gnats swarm?
6/19/2019Have you ever ridden a bike through a swarm of gnats and gotten a mouth full of bugs? There's a good reason why they congregate like that.
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A bullfrog in the water
Creature feature: The boisterous bullfrog
6/18/2019The American bullfrog is common in the lakes and ponds across Will County. Do you know how to identify it?
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Kids sitting on ground by a pond
It's official: Study proves spending time outdoors is good for you
6/14/2019We've long known time spent in the great outdoors is good for you, but now we know exactly how much time we have to spend outside to reap the benefits. According to a study, spending two hours outside each week is good for your health and well-being.
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A bee on a plant
Nature curiosity: Why do bees sting?
6/11/2019Bees sting for a simple reason: to defend themselves from danger.
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An eastern hognose snake on the ground
'Zombie snakes' have gone viral, but they aren't dangerous to humans
6/11/2019Zombie snakes on the loose? Not really. These snakes are just playing dead to protect themselves from predators, and they pose no risk to humans.
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.