The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A field view with dew on grass
Nature curiosity: Why are some mornings so dewy?
6/23/2020Read moreWhat does it mean when the grass is wet and dewy in the morning? Can it tell you anything about the weather to come?
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A tree burl that looks like a very big butt
Tree burls create optical illusions in the forest
6/15/2020Read moreIf you've ever seen a monkey in a tree in an Illinois forest, chances are it was really a tree burl creating an optical illusion.
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View of a wetland at Rock Run Preserve
What's the difference?: Wetland vs. marsh vs. swamp
6/11/2020Read moreWetlands link land and water, creating a crucial habitat with many important roles.
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A 13-lined ground squirrel on the ground
Creature feature: The often-misidentified 13-lined ground squirrel
6/8/2020Read moreThat chipmunk you see may be a 13-lined ground squirrel. Learn how to tell them apart and everything you need to know about these ground squirrels.
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Female rabbit nursing its young
Breeding like rabbits? What does that mean anyway?
6/1/2020Read moreRabbits are well-known for their ability to reproduce, but what makes them more prolific than other animals?
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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.
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.