The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A ruby-throated hummingbird at a feeder.
How to attract hummingbirds to your yard: Native plants are best
5/12/2022Both hummingbird feeders and wildflowers can help attract ruby-throated hummingbirds to your yard, but don't forget about including plants that host insects, another important food source for these tiny beauties.
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A chimney swift in flight.
Five fast facts about always flying chimney swifts
5/11/2022Chimney swifts are almost always seen in flight, and their silhouette in the air gave rise to their nickname, flying cigars.
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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.
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.