The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A closeup of snowflakes on a dark background.
Myth buster: No two snowflakes are alike? Very likely, but it's hard to prove
2/17/2022Read moreEvery snowflake is unique, or at least as best as we can figure out. It's probably true that no two snowflakes are alike, but the sheer number of snowflakes makes it virtually impossible to determine with certainty.
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A cedar waxwing perched on a branch with fruit in its mouth.
Cedar waxwings are eye-catching birds that you won't confuse with anything else
2/16/2022Read moreCedar waxwings are unique in appearance and are also different from most birds in that they can exist on fruit alone for months at a time.
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Two deer standing in a shallow stream.
Five things about those shy and inquisitive white-tailed deer
2/15/2022Read moreHere are five fun facts about our curious white-tailed deer.
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Four swallows in various habitats.
What's the difference?: How to identify some of our most common sparrows
2/14/2022Read moreIllinois is home to many sparrow species, and telling one from another is no easy task. Learn some of the key ID features among our most common sparrows.
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A wooden bridge spanning a ravine in winter.
What's the difference?: Blizzard vs. snowstorm
2/10/2022Read moreSnowstorms are often anticipated for days ahead of their arrival, but when does a snowstorm become a blizzard?
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A woolly bear caterpillar on wood.
Nature curiosity: Why don't woolly bear caterpillars freeze to death?
2/10/2022Read moreWoolly bear caterpillars can't predict how bad the winter weather will be, but they do have a pretty cool way to survive even the coldest of temperatures.
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A snow-covered scene with a bridge over a waterway.
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A raccoon hanging on a bird feeder in a tree.
How to keep raccoons away from your bird feeders
2/4/2022Read moreRaccoons can be just as troublesome as squirrels around bird feeders, but there's a few tricks to keep them away.
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An aerial view of a frozen pond.
Nature curiosity: Why do frozen lakes creak or groan?
2/3/2022Read moreHave you ever heard an ice-covered lake creaking or groaning? It's normal in winter because of how temperature changes affect ice.
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An aerial view of a snow-covered bridge in a forest.
Nature curiosity: How do trees survive winter?
2/3/2022Read moreEven in a mild winter, trees have a lot to endure. How do they do it?
Current Headlines
Lambs Woods closed, trees down in preserves after Monday's storm
Lambs Woods Preserve in Lockport is closed due to a large tree blocking the parking lot after Monday's storm. Also, trees are down and partially blocking trails in other preserves. The cleanup is underway and preserve visitors are urged to use caution as the work continues.
Everyone is welcome at Four Rivers for All Abilities on July 24
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.