The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A Blanding's turtle on the ground.
Creature feature: The endangered Blanding's turtle
10/7/2021Read moreTurtles 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
9/30/2021Read moreIf 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
9/24/2021Read moreFrom 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
9/23/2021Read moreWhat'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
9/17/2021Read moreSweat 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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A jumping worm on wood.
Invasion of the jumping worms: They're a big threat to soil quality
9/16/2021Read moreInvasion of the jumping worms isn't the next box-office thriller. These invasive worms are becoming widespread in Illinois, destroying the soil quality wherever they are.
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Maple leaves in the sunlight.
Nature curiosity: Why do leaves flip before it rains?
9/14/2021Read moreDo leaves tell us when it's going to rain? They can, but as with most weather forecasts, there are no guarantees.
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A colorful sunset.
The science behind those picture-perfect sunsets
9/10/2021Read moreA picture-perfect sunset is far from a guarantee, and a lot of factors play into whether the sun's inevitable slip below the horizon each day will take your breath away.
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A monarch chrysalis.
What's the difference?: Chrysalis vs. cocoon
9/3/2021Read moreA chrysalis and a cocoon are not one and the same. Learn the differences between them, starting with which insect uses which.
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Prairie wildflowers in a field.
Five facts about America's once vast prairie
8/27/2021Read moreAmerica's prairies have long been celebrated, but they've mostly disappeared.
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.