The buzz
All Buzz Articles
-
Monarch butterfly on a yellow flower
Creature feature: The treasured monarch
9/8/2020Read moreThe monarch is the most recognizable butterfly in the United States, but these winged creatures aren't as common as they used to be.
-
Turkey vulture with its wings spread
Birds sunbathe just like humans, but not always for the same reasons
9/2/2020Read moreBirds bask in the sun just like us. Sometimes they are just trying to warm up or dry off, but sunbathing also helps birds stay healthy and more attractive to potential mates.
-
Night view with lightning in background
Myth buster: There's no such thing as heat lightning
8/28/2020Read moreHeat lightning is just a myth. What we think of as heat lightning is really just lightning from a thunderstorm that is too far away to experience its other effects.
-
Litter along a trail
Plogging is one fitness trend we hope sticks around for good
8/24/2020Read morePlogging is jogging while picking up trash you find along the way, and we hope it's a fitness fad that doesn't fade away.
-
A garter snake in the grass.
Nature curiosity: Why do snakes shed their skin?
8/19/2020Read moreSnakes are unique in that they shed their skin whole, a process called ecdysis. But why do they do this differently than other animals?
-
A rabbit sitting in a field
Creature feature: The prolific eastern cottontail rabbit
8/14/2020Read moreYou've probably seen a cottontail rabbit, but how much do you know about these common creatures?
-
A bee on a purple flower
What's the difference?: Bee vs. hornet vs. wasp
8/12/2020Read moreBee, wasp or hornet? Learn the differences among these stinging insects.
-
Ruby-throated hummingbird at a feeder
Five fascinating facts about ruby-throated hummingbirds
7/31/2020Read moreThe ruby-throated hummingbird is among the most beloved birds in Will County, and the more you know about them the more you will love them.
-
Bats lined up in roof rafters
Myth buster: Bats aren't blind
7/30/2020Read moreBats aren't blind — some can even see better than you — but they also don't need to rely on their vision to navigate in flight because they use echolocation.
-
Belted kingfisher in shrubbery
Creature feature: The eye-catching belted kingfisher
7/24/2020Read moreThe belted kingfisher is a common bird that lives across the entire United States, and they often catch the eye and the ear with their top-heavy appearance and loud, rattling calls.
Current Headlines
Lambs Woods closed, trees down in preserves after Monday's storm
Lambs Woods Preserve in Lockport is closed due to a large tree blocking the parking lot after Monday's storm. Also, trees are down and partially blocking trails in other preserves. The cleanup is underway and preserve visitors are urged to use caution as the work continues.
Everyone is welcome at Four Rivers for All Abilities on July 24
Enjoy an outing for people of all abilities at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center during Four Rivers for All Abilities on July 24. Take part in hands-on activities, tour the building and enjoy being in nature as a family, group or individual.