The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A garter snake coming out of the crack between sidewalk squares.
Five things about our most recognizable snake, the garter snake
8/2/2022Read moreGet to know a little about our most recognizable snake, the common garter snake.
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A ruby-throated hummingbird perched at the end of a twig surrounded by leaves.
Nature curiosity: When do hummingbirds migrate?
8/1/2022Read moreHummingbirds are here in Will County for a good portion of the year, but knowing when they migrate can help determine when to have hummingbird feeders out.
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A natural surface trail in a forest.
Want to elevate your walk to a hike? Check out these natural surface trails
7/30/2022Read moreWhat makes a hike more than a walk? A natural surface trail certainly helps.
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An armadillo in the grass.
Seen an armadillo or a bear? IDNR wants to know
7/27/2022Read moreArmadillos aren't normally seen in the northern part of Illinois and, when they are, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources wants to know about it. Same for black bears, cougars and gray wolves.
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A colorful sunrise at Monee Reservoir.
You don't even have to leave your car to take in the sights at some preserves
7/25/2022Read moreNot everyone is able to hike along trails to enjoy nature and all it has to offer, so the Forest Preserve has many spots where you can take in the sights from your car or an easy-to-get-to bench.
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Earthworms in soil.
Five fun facts about subterranean earthworms
7/14/2022Read moreLearn all about the earthworms crawling just below the surface.
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A man using a tape measure to measure the circumference of a tree.
How to tell how old a tree is — without cutting it down
7/8/2022Read moreWant to determine the age of a tree without cutting it down? As long as you know what kind of tree it is, all you need is a measuring tape and a calculator.
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A snail on a leaf.
When it comes to creeping along at a snail's pace, snails and slugs really take the cake
7/7/2022Read moreTurtles have nothing on snails when it comes to creeping along at a snail's pace, and while we may not give much thought to snails and slugs they are quite numerous around the world.
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A carrot seed moth on a pink flower.
Five fast facts about underappreciated moths
6/24/2022Read moreIn the animal kingdom, moths are considered something akin to butterflies' ugly stepsisters, but moths are special too.
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A soldier beetle on a yellow flower.
Insects are disappearing, but you can help reverse the trend
6/23/2022Read moreInsect populations are declining, and that's bad news for us and our ecosystems. Learn what you can do to help reverse the trend.
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.