The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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White-breasted nuthatch on a feeder
Nature curiosity: How do birds hear?
12/14/2018If you’ve thought to yourself "Do birds have ears?," well the answer to that question is both yes and no.
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Beaver chewing wood
Creature feature: Nature's lumberjack, the beaver
12/7/2018Beavers' ability to build structures is one of the most significant in the animal kingdom and these animals are second only to humans in their ability to change the environment they live in.
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A wild turkey's head
Creature feature: The big, colorful wild turkey
11/16/2018Most of us think of turkey as the star of the Thanksgiving table, but these birds live among us too, right in our own forests and prairies.
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Great horned owl perched on a tree branch
Creature feature: The predatory great horned owl
11/15/2018The great horned owl is most well known from storybooks and folklore, because it is the owl that makes the famous hooting call.
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Coyote with a squirrel in its mouth
Creature feature: Coyotes, the opportunistic eaters
11/7/2018Coyotes try to remain unseen, hunting under the cover of darkness to protect themselves from being hunted.
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Canada goose flying upside down
Why is this Canada goose at Lake Renwick flying upside down?
10/25/2018It's not your common, everyday occurrence.
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Sandhill cranes in the river
Creature feature: The tall, bulky and elegant sandhill crane
10/23/2018Sandhill cranes are a magnificent sight, whether flying overhead or congregating in prairies and fields, but we often realize the birds are nearby because we hear them before we see them.
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Merlin perched on a branch
Creature feature: The elusive, fast flying merlin
10/12/2018These birds are smaller than most falcons, known for their powerful flying and astute hunting abilities.
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Close up of a praying mantis' face
Creature feature: Praying mantis is perfectly designed for hunting prey
10/3/2018September and October are the most common times to see these intriguing insects.
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Two skunks on a log
The stink on skunks
8/2/2018If you — or more likely, your dog — find yourself on the receiving end of a skunk’s stinky spray, you can’t say you weren’t warned.
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.