The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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Four raccoons climbing a tree
Things we love: Those rascally raccoons
4/16/2020Read moreRaccoons have a well-earned reputation for being trash bandits, but they deserve our respect too.
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Bloodroot in bloom on forest floor
Things we love: The aptly named bloodroot
4/13/2020Read moreSpring wildflowers are beautiful but fleeting. Keep your eyes trained to the ground when out for a walk to see if you can spot bloodroot, a fascinating ephemeral.
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View of lightning strike off in the distance
Myth buster: Lightning can strike the same place twice
4/8/2020Read moreLightning can — and will — strike the same place twice, so always head indoors when thunder roars.
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A crappie fish being held in a hand
Things we love: Those fiercely protective crappies
4/7/2020Read moreSpring is spawning season for crappies, which offers an opportunity to get a good look at these fish.
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A blue-spotted salamander draped on top of a down log
Creature feature: The secretive blue-spotted salamander
4/6/2020Read moreHave you ever seen a blue-spotted salamander? Most people haven't, but they do live in Will County. Finding one is a matter of knowing where to look.
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A fox snake slithering on a trail
What's the difference?: Fox snake vs. eastern massasauga rattlesnake
4/4/2020Read moreIs that snake you saw a dangerous eastern massasauga rattlesnake or a nonvenomous fox snake? If you saw it in Will County, it was a fox snake. The massasauga does not live in Will County. In fact, no venomous snakes do.
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Yellow and green lichen on a log
Things we love: Those lovely lichens
4/2/2020Read moreLichens are little known and not well understood, but they deserve our appreciation.
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Blue-spotted salamander on a log
Things we love: Those sneaky salamanders
3/27/2020Read moreWhen it comes to salamanders, a big part of the thrill is the hunt.
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Red-headed woodpecker perched on a branch
Nature curiosity: Why don't woodpeckers get brain damage?
3/23/2020Read moreWoodpeckers can peck up to 12,000 times a day! So how do they do it without hurting their brains?
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White-breasted nuthatch eating on a feeder
How to turn your yard into a haven for birds
3/20/2020Read moreWant to attract birds to your yard? You'll need to meet their basic needs: food, shelter and water.
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.