The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A man stands in the woods.
Preserves We Love: McKinley Woods, for its restoration successes
6/28/2023Read moreLand management program coordinator Floyd Catchpole tells us why he loves McKinley Woods — Frederick's Grove.
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A bat hanging from a tree.
Five need-to-know facts about bats
6/22/2023Read moreThink you know bats? There's probably plenty you don't know about these unique mammals.
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A person standing on a metal bridge with trees in the background.
Preserves We Love: Hickory Creek, for becoming immersed in nature
6/22/2023Read moreProgram coordinator Suzy Lyttle tells us why she loves Hickory Creek Preserve.
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A Halloween pennant dragonfly perched atop vegetation.
Five things about those water-loving dragonflies
6/21/2023Read moreSpend any time near the water in summer and you're almost guaranteed to see a dragonfly. Take some time to learn more about these fast-flying insects.
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Birds splashing in the water in a birdbath.
How to take care of a birdbath to keep birds visiting all year
6/15/2023Read moreOnce 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
6/14/2023Read moreDigital 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
6/13/2023Read moreCan 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
6/9/2023Read moreThose 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
6/8/2023Read moreFacility 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
6/7/2023Read moreThe 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.
Current Headlines
Joliet Junction Trail section to close in December for Interstate 80 work
A section of the Joliet Junction Trail is scheduled to be closed for several days in December due to an Interstate 80 improvement project. The trail will be closed from McDonough Street to Moen Avenue.
Healing With Nature: Crete man battling cancer finds health and hope on paths at Goodenow Grove
Tom Scott of Crete is giving thanks this year for the people in his life who pushed him to start walking at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve as he was recovering from cancer. The daily hikes have given him better health, hope for the future and a new appreciation of nature.