The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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Great blue heron in the water on the hunt
Things we love: Those gangling great blue herons
3/19/2020Read moreBirds in Will County come in all shapes, sizes and colors, but it doesn't get any better than spotting a great blue heron gliding over a preserve or patiently stalking its prey on the ground.
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Spring peeper frog on a branch
Creature feature: The season-announcing spring peeper
3/18/2020Read moreSoon, spring peepers will be calling out in the night, letting us know spring has arrived.
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A mosquito biting a person's arm
A world without mosquitoes? It's not as great an idea as it may seem
3/11/2020Read moreA world without mosquitoes might sound nice, but removing one species from its habitat can have far-ranging and devastating consequences.
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Dead great blue heron hanging by fishing line
This dead great blue heron Is hanging from a tree due to human carelessness
3/9/2020Read moreThe photo isn't easy to look at, but it's important to share it to raise awareness of how deadly the trash being left behind in the preserves can be to wildlife.
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A queen snake slithering on a leafy branch
What's the difference?: Reptile vs. amphibian
3/8/2020Read moreIs a snake a reptile or an amphibian? How about a frog? These two classes of animals have some similarities, but some key characteristics also set them apart.
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A bee on a coneflower
Pesticides causing brain damage in baby bumblebees, study shows
3/5/2020Read moreClimate change and habitat loss aren't the only factors affecting the bee population. A new study shows the use of pesticides called neonicotinoids can cause permanent brain damage in baby bumblebees.
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Green moss growing on the base of a tree
Myth buster: Moss doesn't only grow on the north side of trees
2/28/2020Read moreIf you rely on the myth that moss only grows on the north side of trees to guide you through a forest, you're likely to get lost.
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A man hiking on an ice covered path
Nature curiosity: Why is ice so slippery?
2/28/2020Read moreIcy is slippery; it's one of those things people just know to be true, like water being wet. But the science behind this fact has only recently become well understood.
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A badger on the forest floor
Creature feature: American badgers are digging machines
2/21/2020Read moreThe American badger isn't as well-known as many of the other mammals that call Will County home, but these fascinating creatures are exceptional diggers that are known to work alongside coyotes to hunt.
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A white-breasted nuthatch hanging from a feeder while eating
Don't feed the wildlife? What about the birds?
2/13/2020Read moreDon't feed the animals. We hear it all the time. Yet many of us make a habit of feeding wild birds. Why are birds any different than other wildlife?
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.