The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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An Osage orange tree with several of the large fruits hanging from its branches.
A different kind of orange: Osage orange trees have long, storied history
5/5/2023Orange trees do grow in Illinois, but our native Osage orange trees are nothing like the citrus trees you're thinking of.
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Four balloons stuck in a tree.
Throwing a party? Skip the balloons to help save wildlife
5/4/2023Balloons can wreak havoc on wildlife and the environment if not used and disposed of properly, so think twice before including them in your party decor.
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An eastern bluebird perched on a bare tree branch.
Bluebirds are back from the brink thanks to human interventions
5/2/2023The eastern bluebird population was once in rapid decline because of a perfect storm of factors, but today their population has recovered well and these birds are a common sight once again.
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The silhouette of a flock of birds in flight as the sun sets.
Nature curiosity: Why do birds migrate at night?
5/1/2023Not all birds migrate but the majority that do, travel by night. Researchers don't fully understand why, but nocturnal migration does provide some benefits.
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(Photo via Shutterstock)
Nature curiosity: How do trees clean the air?
4/27/2023Trees serve as Earth's lungs, but how does their breathing help clean the air?
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An American toad sitting on a rocky surface. (Photo via Shutterstock)
Five things about toads, our frogs' lesser-known cousins
4/20/2023What looks a lot like a frog but doesn't jump like a frog or eat like a frog? A toad. Learn what makes toads unique and what separates them from frogs.
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Duck eggs in a nest.
Ducks know what they're doing; leave their nests alone
4/17/2023That duck nest you think is in a bad spot probably isn't. The duck knew what she was doing when she built it, and moving it will cause more harm than good. It's also illegal.
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A robin standing in grass with an earthworm in its mouth.
Nature curiosity: How do robins find worms?
4/14/2023Finding worms below ground is a sensory experience for robins, but they might not be using the senses you think.
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A sprout in soil being held by two hands.
What's the difference: Dirt vs. soil
4/11/2023We use the terms soil and dirt interchangeably, but they are not one and the same. Dirt is one component of soil, which is a complex mixture of several components.
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A cellar spider.
Myth buster: Daddy long legs is the most venomous spider in the world
4/6/2023Daddy long legs are one of the most venomous spiders in the world? Not so, but the rumor has been circulating for generations.
Current Headlines
Hidden Oaks Nature Center on schedule to reopen May 3
Renovations are progressing at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook and the building is scheduled to reopen to the public on May 3.
Find the five: a bridge adventure across Will County
The Forest Preserve is rolling out a new spring challenge – The Bridges of Will County – that features five unique bridges in preserves throughout Will County. Visit all five from April 1 through June 30 to receive a Forest Preserve tote bag.