The buzz

All Buzz Articles

  • Birds splashing in the water in a birdbath.

    How to take care of a birdbath to keep birds visiting all year

    6/15/2023

    Once you decide to add a birdbath to your yard, you need to commit to maintaining it to make it safe and healthy for visiting birds.

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  • A man stands with a camera with a lake in the background.

    Preserves We Love: Lake Renwick, because it always delivers

    6/14/2023

    Digital communications manager Chad Merda tells us why he loves spending time at Lake Renwick Preserve.

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  • A differential grasshopper. (Photo by Anthony Schalk)

    What's the difference?: grasshopper vs. katydid vs. cricket

    6/13/2023

    Can you tell a cricket from a grasshopper? How about a grasshopper from a katydid? Learn what separates these related insects that are noted both for their jumping ability and the sounds they make.

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  • The bubbles from a spittlebug on a plant stem along a trail.

    That's not spit: Spittlebug nymphs make their homes in frothy bubbles

    6/9/2023

    Those globs of spit you see on plants aren't spit at all. They are the safe and comfortable homes of spittlebug nymphs.

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  • A woman standing on a path in a forest.

    Preserves We Love: Goodenow Grove, a hidden gem

    6/8/2023

    Facility office manager Marissa Jones tells us why she loves spending time at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve.

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  • Phragmites stand tall along a trail, with blue sky in the background.

    More than meets the eye: Phragmites a threat to wetland habitats

    6/7/2023

    The tall grasses that surround many of our wetland areas may seem like a pretty addition to the scenery, but in reality they are destroying these vital habitats.

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  • A fawn standing in tall vegetation with a fallen log behind it.

    Myth buster: Fawns are born without a scent

    6/5/2023

    It's not quite true that fawns are born with no scent. They do have very little scent when they are born, making it easier to tuck them away without being found by predators. 

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  • A woman holds her young child while on a long wooden bridge.

    Preserves We Love: Rock Run Rookery Preserve, for mother-son bonding time

    6/1/2023

    Digital and print marketing specialist Katie McCollum tells us why she loves spending time at Rock Run Rookery Preserve.

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  • A woman poses for a photo on a trail while a runner passes by.

    Preserves We Love: Rock Run, for bringing people and nature together

    5/24/2023

    Digital marketing assistant Meghan McMahon tells us why she loves spending time at Rock Run Preserve.

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  • A bee on a person's finger.

    Myth buster: Bees die when they sting you

    5/19/2023

    You've probably heard that bees die when they sting you, but this isn't universally true. Most bee species don't even have stingers.

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Current Headlines

Everyone is welcome at Four Rivers for All Abilities on July 24

7/15/2024

Enjoy an outing for people of all abilities at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center during Four Rivers for All Abilities on July 24. Take part in hands-on activities, tour the building and enjoy being in nature as a family, group or individual. 

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Lake Chaminwood loop trail section closed for path connection, fishing pier project

7/3/2024

A portion of the Lake Chaminwood loop trail in Channahon is closed for a Forest Preserve District path connection and fishing pier project. 

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