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  • A partially frozen stream in a snowy landscape.

    Why is the world so quiet when it snows? The science behind the silence

    1/31/2022

    It's not just a myth that the world seems more quiet after a snowfall. There's science behind the silence.

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  • A snow-covered trail bridge.

    Why is snowfall so hard to accurately predict?

    1/25/2022

    Those snow forecasts you see can often be much ado about nothing, because snow is notoriously hard to accurately forecast. 

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  • A deer in the snow.

    Nature curiosity: How do deer stay warm in winter?

    1/24/2022

    Deer can't escape the cold during a long, harsh winter, so how do they survive? They rely on a combination of adaptations and behavioral changes to make it through the cold winter months.

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  • Salt on a sidewalk.

    You're probably using too much salt to deice your driveway

    1/22/2022

    Winter's wacky weather keeps us on our toes, but before you stock up on salt to keep your driveway and sidewalks clear, make sure you know how much you really need to use.

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  • A robin perched on a branch.

    Nature curiosity: Where do robins go in the winter?

    1/21/2022

    Where do robins go in winter? Some go nowhere at all, but you still may not see them very often.

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  • A crow and a raven side by side.

    What's the difference?: Crow vs. raven

    1/19/2022

    Crow or raven? In Illinois, all bets are on crow, but there are some clues to help you know for sure.

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  • Sparkling snow on the ground.

    Nature curiosity: Why does some snow sparkle?

    1/18/2022

    Have you ever noticed that some snow is particularly sparkly or glittery? Scientists call it "snow sparkle," an effect caused by sunlight reflecting off ice crystals in the snow.

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  • What's the better view: Fall or winter at Goodenow Grove?

    1/11/2022

    We have to admit that they're both pretty amazing. But if you had to choose, which one would it be?

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  • A lady beetle on a brown leaf.

    Nature curiosity: Where do insects go in winter?

    1/10/2022

    Where did all the insects go for winter? It depends on the species.

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  • A gray squirrel in the snow with snow all over its fur.

    Survival stories: How animals endure winter's worst weather

    1/9/2022

    When given the choice, most of us choose to spend most of the winter indoors. Animals, though, don't exactly have a choice. 

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Current Headlines

Lambs Woods closed, trees down in preserves after Monday's storm

7/16/2024

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. 

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Everyone is welcome at Four Rivers for All Abilities on July 24

7/15/2024

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. 

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