The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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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.
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A rat on the ground.
Using rat poison to control rodent infestations can have devastating effects on other wildlife
3/17/2022Everything in nature is connected, so when you use rodenticides to control rodent infestations in and around your home the effects may be more far reaching than you intended.
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Two Canada geese in the grass in a defensive posture.
Five feisty facts about Canada geese
3/8/2022Get the lowdown on Canada geese, one of our most common and widespread birds.
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A cedar waxwing perched on a branch with fruit in its mouth.
Cedar waxwings are eye-catching birds that you won't confuse with anything else
2/16/2022Cedar waxwings are unique in appearance and are also different from most birds in that they can exist on fruit alone for months at a time.
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Two deer standing in a shallow stream.
Five things about those shy and inquisitive white-tailed deer
2/15/2022Here are five fun facts about our curious white-tailed deer.
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Four swallows in various habitats.
What's the difference?: How to identify some of our most common sparrows
2/14/2022Illinois is home to many sparrow species, and telling one from another is no easy task. Learn some of the key ID features among our most common sparrows.
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A raccoon hanging on a bird feeder in a tree.
How to keep raccoons away from your bird feeders
2/4/2022Raccoons can be just as troublesome as squirrels around bird feeders, but there's a few tricks to keep them away.
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An aerial view of a frozen pond.
Nature curiosity: Why do frozen lakes creak or groan?
2/3/2022Have you ever heard an ice-covered lake creaking or groaning? It's normal in winter because of how temperature changes affect ice.
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An aerial view of a snow-covered bridge in a forest.
Nature curiosity: How do trees survive winter?
2/3/2022Even in a mild winter, trees have a lot to endure. How do they do it?
Current Headlines
Be a Trailblazer turns outdoor fun into a family affair
Liz Lyons of New Lenox has turned the Forest Preserve District’s Be a Trailblazer challenge into a fun-filled family tradition. From dancing in the rain to spotting tiny critters on the trail, challenge missions have become cherished memories.
Hybrid turtle 'Theodorable' serves as warning: Don’t dump pets in preserves
A hybrid box turtle was removed from a Will County preserve to protect a threatened species. Now living at Isle a la Cache Museum, he serves as an ambassador to educate the public about the dangers of releasing pet turtles into the wild.