The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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The full moon with a halo around it.
See a ring around the sun or moon? It's a 22-degree halo
1/7/2022Read moreRings of light that can sometimes be seen around the sun or moon are called halos, and we see them because of light refracting off of ice crystals high up in the clouds.
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A blue jay perched on a branch.
Five fascinating facts about bedeviling blue jays
1/3/2022Read moreBlue jays are one of our most recognizable birds, and they are plenty interesting too.
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A red-bellied woodpecker and a red-headed woodpecker side by side.
What's the difference?: Red-bellied woodpecker vs. red-headed woodpecker
12/16/2021Read moreRed-headed and red-bellied woodpeckers are often confused with one another, but not because they look alike. Instead, it's because the name red-headed woodpecker is fitting for both birds.
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A tick on skin.
A mild winter means no break from ticks
12/15/2021Read moreThe arrival of winter isn't a guarantee that ticks don't pose a threat to you or your pets. If the temperature is above freezing and the ground isn't frozen, some ticks are still active, which means they can still spread tick-borne illnesses.
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A short-tailed shrew on the ground.
Five fun facts about wonderfully weird northern short-tailed shrews
12/13/2021Read moreYou may have seen a short-tailed shrew and mistaken it for a mouse, but these animals are entirely different. And the shrews are about as weird as it gets.
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A pileated woodpecker on a tree trunk.
Creature feature: The raucous pileated woodpecker
12/8/2021Read moreThe pileated woodpecker is one of our most striking forest dwellers, and you can learn more about them in this creature feature.
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Four wild turkeys in the grass.
These birds aren't just for Thanksgiving: Five facts about wild turkeys
11/21/2021Read moreIt's time to talk turkey, but not just the birds that grace our holiday tables. Take some time to learn about the wild turkeys that inhabit our woodlands.
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A black-crowned night heron at the water's edge.
How you can help endangered species
11/19/2021Read moreSaving endangered and threatened species from extinction is a complicated task and requires action at every level. Here's a look at the steps you can take to help.
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A person using a cell phone outside.
Check out these apps to enhance your outdoor adventures
11/12/2021Read moreLet technology enhance your outdoor adventures with these apps recommended by Forest Preserve District interpretive naturalists.
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A white-tailed deer fawn standing in tall grasses next to a fawn.
Nature curiosity: Why do we have seasons?
11/9/2021Read moreNo matter what your favorite season is, you have the sun to thank for 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.