The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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Natural surface trail at Thorn Creek Woods
Skip the sunbathing and give forest bathing a try instead
5/28/2020Read moreInstead of sunbathing, give forest bathing a try. All you need is a little free time and access to a forested or tree-covered spot.
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Fox snake on a path
Myth buster: Snakes are not slimy
5/27/2020Read moreAnother myth busted: Snakes are not slimy at all.
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Multiple worms on pavement
Nature curiosity: Why do worms come to the surface when it rains?
5/26/2020Read moreIf you've ever taken a walk outside after it rains, you know that worms tend to congregate above ground after wet weather. The reason why is a mystery, although scientists have a few theories.
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Baby opossums on their mother's back
Things we love: Those precious possums
5/21/2020Read moreOpossums deserve our love and respect because they provide many benefits, and they're pretty cute too.
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Two men in a fishing boat
Hey anglers, don't dump your unused bait. It can ruin our waterways
5/19/2020Read moreDumping unused bait in the water seems like an innocent way to end a fishing trip, but it is detrimental to the health of our waterways.
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Green heron perched on a branch
Creature feature: The clever green heron
5/18/2020Read moreThe green heron isn't as well known or as frequently seen as the great blue heron, but these birds are interesting in their own right.
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Glass lizard moving across a stick on ground
Amazing find: Extremely rare glass lizard caught on camera in Will County
5/18/2020Read moreEvery now and then, you can get very lucky when out in the preserves and spot something truly amazing.
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Red microarthropod on the ground
Things we love: Those teeny, tiny microarthropods
5/14/2020Read moreTiny but mighty microarthropods are tiny bugs that do a lot of good despite their small size.
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Female wood ducks.
What's the difference?: Ducks vs. geese
5/12/2020Read moreMost people can identify a mallard duck and a Canada goose, but do you know the difference between ducks and geese?
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Brown headed cowbird on a log
Clever or cruel? Brown-headed cowbirds make other birds do all the work of raising their young
5/8/2020Read moreBrown-headed cowbirds lay their eggs in other birds' nests, outsourcing incubation and newborn care entirely to other birds. This may not win them any mother-of-the-year awards, but it is the only way they know.
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.