The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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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.
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A beaver gnawing on vegetation at the water's edge.
Five fun facts about those busy beavers
4/5/2023The old saying "busy as a beaver" is no joke. Beavers are among the most industrious animals on Earth, and they put their skills to good use.
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A bobcat standing in short grass.
Five facts about stealthy, solitary bobcats
3/24/2023Of the 40 wildcat species in the world, just the bobcat lives in Illinois, and even its existence here is a surprise to many people.
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A young squirrel sleeping in a tree cavity.
Check your trees for nests before trimming or pruning
3/23/2023The trees may still be dormant at this time of year, but they could still be full of life. If you're planning to trim or prune your trees, make sure to give them a good once-over to check for active squirrel and bird nests.
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A hand drips water onto a plant.
Five ways to conserve water around your home
3/22/2023Water isn't an unlimited resource. As water scarcity increasingly becomes a problem across the globe, efforts to conserve it become more crucial.
Current Headlines
Half-price dog park permits go on sale July 1
Half-price dog park permits will be available for purchase starting July 1 online and at Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. The permits can be used at all six Forest Preserve dog parks through the end of 2025.
Volunteer opportunities abound in the preserves this summer
The Forest Preserve District is offering a variety of short-term volunteer opportunities this summer, from hands-on habitat restoration to helping at public programs and events. With limited space and high demand, early registration is encouraged.