The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A raccoon peering out from a tree cavity.
Is your yard a hotspot for local wildlife? Get it certified
6/2/2021Read moreIf your yard is abuzz with wildlife, see if it meets the criteria to become a certified wildlife habitat.
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A blue-winged teal in flight.
Creature feature: The blue-winged teal
5/28/2021Read moreBlue-winged teals are migratory ducks, one of the last to arrive here each spring and one of the first to head south each fall.
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A purple coneflower growing in a container.
No space? No problem. Small spaces still work for native plants
5/25/2021Read moreYou don't need a big yard — or any yard at all — to add native plants to your outdoor space. A small garden plot or even a container garden are more than enough to attract pollinators and other creatures.
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Native wildflowers include black-eyed Susans.
Let it rain: How rain gardens can help keep our water clean
5/19/2021Read moreAdding a rain garden to your yard can help prevent flooding and also filter pollutants and chemicals out of the water supply.
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A Baltimore oriole on a branch.
Five things to know about our beloved Baltimore orioles
5/13/2021Read moreBaltimore orioles are one of the most anticipated birds each spring. Learn more about them with these five fun facts.
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An eastern bluebird on a bluebird box.
Want more birds in your yard? Try adding a birdhouse or two
5/12/2021Read moreSome birds can be easily attracted to your yard by adding a birdhouse nearby.
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A jumping spider.
Nature curiosity: Why do spiders have so many eyes?
5/11/2021Read moreMost spiders have eight eyes, but not all spiders have good vision.
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A goldfinch standing on a purple coneflower.
Tired of filling your bird feeders? Grow your own bird seed
5/6/2021Read moreSkip the middleman and grow plants that birds will eat seeds and fruit from rather than filling your feeders with store-bought seed.
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A wetland with tall grasses.
What's the difference?: Forest preserve vs. nature preserve
5/6/2021Read moreWhen is a forest preserve something more? State nature preserves are specially designated lands that protect a variety of high-quality natural areas as well as rare and endangered plants and animals.
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A boy holding out his dirt-covered hands.
Nature deficit disorder is real: Kids need to spend time outdoors
5/4/2021Read moreSending your kids outside to play is good for their mental and physical health.
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.