The buzz

All Buzz Articles

  • A hand throwing away trash in a garbage can.

    What's the difference: Biodegradable vs. compostable

    11/8/2021

    Think biodegradable and compostable products are best? Make sure you do your homework.

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  • A skunk walking in the grass.

    Creature feature: The foul-smelling striped skunk

    11/3/2021

    You know a skunk when you see one, but there's probably a lot you don't know about these animals.

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  • A cross orbweaver in a web.

    Five fascinating facts about spiders

    11/1/2021

    The world is home to 50,000 kinds of spiders, and they live just about everywhere.

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  • A city landscape at night.

    The world is aglow: Light pollution alters our view and our health

    10/19/2021

    Light pollution affects our health and the health of the wildlife all around us, and it's getting worse.

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  • A red squirrel on a tree.

    Name that squirrel: Red squirrels pop up in a few Will County preserves

    10/15/2021

    You probably know about gray squirrels and fox squirrels, but they aren't the only tree squirrels scurrying around Will County. The red squirrel is their less-common cousin, and it's found in a few Will County preserves.

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  • A Blanding's turtle on the ground.

    Creature feature: The endangered Blanding's turtle

    10/7/2021

    Turtles are a common sight in and around our waterways, but the state-endangered Blanding's turtle isn't seen as often as the others.

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  • A white mouse surrounded by mouse traps.

    Buyer beware: Mouse traps used outdoors often injure other wildlife

    9/30/2021

    If not used properly, many popular rodent control measures can be dangerous for other wildlife.

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  • An opossum on a log.

    Five fun facts about so-ugly-they're-cute opossums

    9/24/2021

    From their appearance to their behaviors, opossums are unique in many ways.

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  • A river under a blue sky with puffy clouds.

    What's the difference?: River vs. stream vs. creek

    9/23/2021

    What's the difference between a river, a creek and a stream? When it comes right down to it, not much at all.

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  • A sweat bee on a flower.

    No need to sweat non-aggressive sweat bees or lookalike hover flies

    9/17/2021

    Sweat bees and hover flies are often confused for both one another and for other bees. Neither poses any threat, however, and both are essential insects.

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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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