The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A great horned owl.
Five things to know about great horned owls, the quintessential owl
2/18/2021Read moreGreat horned owls are one of our most beloved creatures of the night. Here are some things you might not know about them.
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A bird flying into a window.
Nature curiosity: Why do birds fly into windows?
2/17/2021Read moreHundreds of millions of birds die every year from flying into windows. We understand why they do this, and there are things you can do at home to prevent it.
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A spider crawling on a bed while a man sleeps.
Myth buster: We don't really swallow eight spiders a year while sleeping
2/15/2021Read moreYou can sleep soundly tonight knowing that there's no truth to the legend that we swallow eight spiders a year in our sleep.
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A muskrat and a beaver.
What's the difference?: Beaver vs. muskrat
2/7/2021Read moreA furry brown critter swimming around in the water can be any of several animals. Learn to tell the difference between two likely suspects.
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A dark-eyed junco squawking.
Love birds? Here are six easy ways you can help them
1/28/2021Read moreOur birds are disappearing at an alarming rate. Saving them may seem overwhelming, but there are many simple things you can do at home to help.
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A coyote with mange.
Nature curiosity: What is mange?
1/25/2021Read moreMange is an infection caused by mites and, while the mites themselves are not deadly, animals infected with mange can die if left untreated.
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Three tubes of colorful glitter.
Is glitter affecting our waterways? Yes, according to a study
1/15/2021Read moreAdding a little sparkle to your life may have negative effects on our waterways when that sparkle comes in the form of glitter.
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A short-eared owl in flight.
Creature feature: The state-endangered short-eared owl
1/11/2021Read moreShort-eared owls are a little different than many of the other owls in Illinois. They are also endangered in our state.
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A red-headed woodpecker in a tree.
Five things to know about those wacky and wonderful woodpeckers
1/10/2021Read moreAmong birds, woodpeckers stand out for their uniqueness. Learn what sets them apart from other birds.
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A bobcat walking
Creature feature: The elusive bobcat
12/17/2020Read moreBobcats are the most abundant wildcats in the United States, but that doesn't mean you're likely to run into one. These elusive cats are masters at remaining unseen.
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.