The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A blue jay perched on a tray feeder with a cardinal approaching and a light snow falling.
Be bird-friendly this winter: How to keep them visiting all season
1/30/2025The days have become noticeably colder and shorter, and food supplies have become more scarce for many birds. But you can keep birds visiting your yard all year long by providing the right foods.
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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.
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.