The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A six-lined racerunner on sandy soil.
Creature feature: The silky-looking six-lined racerunner
5/5/2022Get to know a little about the six-lined racerunner, one of only two lizard species that live in Will County.
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A robin fledgling on the ground.
Nature curiosity: When does a bird need help?
5/3/2022It’s a question that comes up often: I found an injured bird that might be injured, so what should I do? The answer depends on many factors, including the age and type of bird, but in many cases the best course of action is contacting a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who can help the animal.
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A reddish colored moon during a lunar eclipse.
Five facts about show-stopping lunar eclipses
4/22/2022Lunar eclipses only happen a few times a year, and they aren't visible from everywhere even if the weather cooperates, making them a real show stopper if you are fortunate enough to see one.
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A field of weeds.
Nature curiosity: What makes a weed a weed?
4/20/2022Essentially, weeds are any plants that are growing in an area where they are not intended to grow, but it's a little more complicated than that, legally speaking.
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Bikers ride along a paved trail.
The trails are for everyone, so mind your manners out there
4/8/2022The trails can be crowded on nice days, so make sure you're being a good neighbor by practicing proper trail etiquette.
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A blue racer on the ground.
Amazing find: Rare blue racer caught on camera
4/4/2022In another case of you never know what you'll find when out in the preserves, District staff spotted a pretty cool creature on Friday in the form of a blue racer within the 1,200-acre Kankakee Sands preservation system.
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A great egret wading and leaning into the water.
Five things about those graceful great egrets
4/1/2022Our tallest birds are among our most striking and elegant, and the great egret certainly fits into this group of regal birds.
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A spongy moth caterpillar on a leaf.
What you need to know about invasive and destructive spongy moths
3/22/2022Not 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
3/21/2022Monarch 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
3/19/2022Male 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.
Current Headlines
'Into the Wild' art exhibit blends nature and creativity
The “Into the Wild Art Exhibition” runs July 5 through Aug. 30 at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook. The free exhibit showcases nature-themed art by local artists from the Nature Artists' Guild of The Morton Arboretum. Visitors can vote for their favorite pieces.
Shop new shirts and save 15% during holiday sale
Six new nature-themed T-shirts just dropped on the Forest Preserve’s revamped OutsiderThreads.com store, and shoppers get 15% off orders of $25 or more through July 6. Every purchase supports The Nature Foundation of Will County’s education, recreation and conservation programs.