The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A soldier beetle on a yellow flower.
Insects are disappearing, but you can help reverse the trend
6/23/2022Insect populations are declining, and that's bad news for us and our ecosystems. Learn what you can do to help reverse the trend.
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Two people, one pushing a stroller, walking along trail next to waterway.
Have stroller, will travel? Check out these preserves for stroller-friendly adventures
6/22/2022Looking for a place to explore with a stroller in tow? We've got plenty of places for you to plan an adventure.
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Earthworms in soil.
Nature curiosity: Will a worm regenerate if it gets cut in half?
6/16/2022Will a worm really regenerate if it gets cut in two? It's complicated.
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A red fox nuzzling a young red fox.
These animal dads are worth celebrating
6/15/2022Many males play a key role in giving their offspring a much-needed jump-start.
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A slender glass lizard on a log.
Snakes aren't the only legless reptiles slithering across Will County. Meet the slender glass lizard
6/14/2022Legless reptiles are snakes, right? Not always. The slender glass lizard is one of many legless lizards in the world, and it lives right here in Will County.
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An eastern mole on the ground.
Moles are perfectly suited for their underground lifestyle
6/13/2022Eastern moles live secret lives right below our feet, and just because we don't see them doesn't mean we don't know they are around.
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Food scraps and compost in a compost bin.
All our food waste contributes to climate change, but composting can help
6/3/2022Americans waste a lot of food every year — as much as 40% of the food supply. All that food waste contributes to climate change when it makes its way to landfills, but you can do your part at home to cut down on this waste by composting your food scraps.
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A bullfrog sitting atop the water.
Five things about those boisterous bullfrogs
6/2/2022The biggest frog in Illinois, the American bullfrog, is a pretty common sight along the water's edge, so take the opportunity to learn more about them.
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A spotted salamander on the ground.
In spring, vernal pools are teeming with life
5/26/2022Vernal pools are temporary waterways that are teeming with life in spring, but our way of life threatens their existence.
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A blue umbrella with rain pouring off of it.
Nature curiosity: Can it really rain cats and dogs?
5/20/2022It can't really rain cats and dogs, but it's not for the reason you may think.
Current Headlines
Half-price dog park permits go on sale July 1
Half-price dog park permits will be available for purchase starting July 1 online and at Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. The permits can be used at all six Forest Preserve dog parks through the end of 2025.
Volunteer opportunities abound in the preserves this summer
The Forest Preserve District is offering a variety of short-term volunteer opportunities this summer, from hands-on habitat restoration to helping at public programs and events. With limited space and high demand, early registration is encouraged.