The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A groundhog in the grass with tall prairie grasses in the background.
Quiz: What's your groundhog IQ?
1/28/2025Groundhogs aren't just for Groundhog Day, so test your knowledge on Punxsutawney Phil and his many friends.
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De-icing salt on a sidewalk.
You're probably using too much salt to deice your driveway
1/27/2025Winter's wacky weather keeps us on our toes, but before you stock up on salt to keep your driveway and sidewalks clear, make sure you know how much you really need to use.
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A winter scene with snow-covered trees lining a snow-covered trail.
Myth buster: Too cold to snow? Never
1/24/2025On our coldest days people often say "At least it's too cold to snow." Turns out that's not really true. It's never too cold to snow.
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A muskrat eating a cattail at the water's edge.
Quiz: How well do you know muskrats?
1/22/2025Find out by answering these 10 questions.
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A person standing with arms extended in a snowy forest with the sun peeking through the trees.
How much time should you spend outdoors? Follow the 20-5-3 rule
1/21/2025How much time should you spend outdoors? Use the 20-5-3 rule as a guide.
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A person walking a small dog with heavy snow falling.
Nature curiosity: What is thundersnow?
1/17/2025Sure you've experienced a few good thunderstorms in your day, but have you ever experienced thundersnow?
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Three trumpeter swans standing in shallow water.
Five fast facts about trumpeter swans, our largest waterfowl species
1/16/2025Get to know the trumpeter swan, the largest waterfowl species in the world.
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A coyote leaping into tall grass.
Quiz: How much do you know about coyotes?
1/15/2025See if you can ace this 10-question test.
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A gray squirrel in the snow with snow all over its fur.
Survival stories: How animals endure winter's worst weather
1/13/2025When given the choice, most of us choose to spend most of the winter indoors. Animals, though, don't exactly have a choice.
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A female and male cardinal perched on a branch with snow falling around them.
Myth buster: No two snowflakes are alike? Very likely, but it's hard to prove
1/9/2025Every snowflake is unique, or at least as best as we can figure out. It's probably true that no two snowflakes are alike, but the sheer number of snowflakes makes it virtually impossible to determine with certainty.
Current Headlines
Pollinator Party returns with family fun, live animals and hands-on learning
Pollinator Party returns to Isle a la Cache Museum on Saturday, June 14, with live animals, crafts, food trucks, a native plant sale, vendors and more. The free event celebrates pollinators with activities for all ages.
'Prairie Reverie’ exhibit offers artistic ode to native prairies
A 'Prairie Reverie' exhibit at Plum Creek Nature Center showcases local artist Carrie Carlson’s artwork celebrating Illinois’ native prairie life. The free exhibit runs June 4 through Aug. 24.