The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A spongy moth caterpillar on a leaf.
What you need to know about invasive and destructive spongy moths
3/22/2022Read moreNot all moths and butterflies should be treasured. Some, like the spongy moth, are invasive and are harming local habitats.
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A monarch on a wildflower.
Monarch population plummeting, and a known parasite may be killing millions a year, study finds
3/21/2022Read moreMonarch populations have plummeted by more than 80% over the past two decades, and a known pathogenic parasite may be contributing to the devastating decline more than previously thought.
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Two pileated woodpeckers on the ground.
What's the difference?: Male vs. female pileated woodpecker
3/19/2022Read moreMale and female pileated woodpeckers look similar, but they are not identical. If you look closely at the coloring on their heads and faces, you can tell the difference.
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A rat on the ground.
Using rat poison to control rodent infestations can have devastating effects on other wildlife
3/17/2022Read moreEverything in nature is connected, so when you use rodenticides to control rodent infestations in and around your home the effects may be more far reaching than you intended.
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Two Canada geese in the grass in a defensive posture.
Five feisty facts about Canada geese
3/8/2022Read moreGet the lowdown on Canada geese, one of our most common and widespread birds.
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A closeup of snowflakes on a dark background.
Myth buster: No two snowflakes are alike? Very likely, but it's hard to prove
2/17/2022Read moreEvery snowflake is unique, or at least as best as we can figure out. It's probably true that no two snowflakes are alike, but the sheer number of snowflakes makes it virtually impossible to determine with certainty.
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A cedar waxwing perched on a branch with fruit in its mouth.
Cedar waxwings are eye-catching birds that you won't confuse with anything else
2/16/2022Read moreCedar waxwings are unique in appearance and are also different from most birds in that they can exist on fruit alone for months at a time.
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Two deer standing in a shallow stream.
Five things about those shy and inquisitive white-tailed deer
2/15/2022Read moreHere are five fun facts about our curious white-tailed deer.
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Four swallows in various habitats.
What's the difference?: How to identify some of our most common sparrows
2/14/2022Read moreIllinois is home to many sparrow species, and telling one from another is no easy task. Learn some of the key ID features among our most common sparrows.
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A wooden bridge spanning a ravine in winter.
What's the difference?: Blizzard vs. snowstorm
2/10/2022Read moreSnowstorms are often anticipated for days ahead of their arrival, but when does a snowstorm become a blizzard?
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.