The buzz

All Buzz Articles

• An eastern mole on the ground.

  Moles are perfectly suited for their underground lifestyle

  6/13/2022

  Eastern moles live secret lives right below our feet, and just because we don't see them doesn't mean we don't know they are around.

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• Food scraps and compost in a compost bin.

  All our food waste contributes to climate change, but composting can help

  6/3/2022

  Americans waste a lot of food every year — as much as 40% of the food supply. All that food waste contributes to climate change when it makes its way to landfills, but you can do your part at home to cut down on this waste by composting your food scraps.

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• A bullfrog sitting atop the water.

  Five things about those boisterous bullfrogs

  6/2/2022

  The biggest frog in Illinois, the American bullfrog, is a pretty common sight along the water's edge, so take the opportunity to learn more about them.

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• A spotted salamander on the ground.

  In spring, vernal pools are teeming with life

  5/26/2022

  Vernal pools are temporary waterways that are teeming with life in spring, but our way of life threatens their existence. 

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• A blue umbrella with rain pouring off of it.

  Nature curiosity: Can it really rain cats and dogs?

  5/20/2022

  It can't really rain cats and dogs, but it's not for the reason you may think.

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• A ruby-throated hummingbird at a feeder.

  How to attract hummingbirds to your yard: Native plants are best

  5/12/2022

  Both hummingbird feeders and wildflowers can help attract ruby-throated hummingbirds to your yard, but don't forget about including plants that host insects, another important food source for these tiny beauties.

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• A chimney swift in flight.

  Five fast facts about always flying chimney swifts

  5/11/2022

  Chimney swifts are almost always seen in flight, and their silhouette in the air gave rise to their nickname, flying cigars.

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• A six-lined racerunner on sandy soil.

  Creature feature: The silky-looking six-lined racerunner

  5/5/2022

  Get to know a little about the six-lined racerunner, one of only two lizard species that live in Will County.

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• A robin fledgling on the ground.

  Nature curiosity: When does a bird need help?

  5/3/2022

  It’s a question that comes up often: I found an injured bird that might be injured, so what should I do? The answer depends on many factors, including the age and type of bird, but in many cases the best course of action is contacting a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who can help the animal.

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• A field of weeds.

  Nature curiosity: What makes a weed a weed?

  4/20/2022

  Essentially, weeds are any plants that are growing in an area where they are not intended to grow, but it's a little more complicated than that, legally speaking.

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