The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A trumpeter swan flying low over the ground
What's the difference: Trumpeter swan vs. tundra swan vs. mute swan
12/27/2019Read moreThree types of swans populate our waterways, but these white birds can be hard to tell apart from one another. Learn what features can help you distinguish between trumpeter swans, tundra swans and mute swans.
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A barn owl on a stump
Five fascinating facts you probably don't know about owls
12/20/2019Read moreMany owls are masters of camouflage, far more often heard than seen.
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A mink looking off in the distance
Creature feature: The mysterious mink
12/17/2019Read moreThe mysterious mink lives across Illinois, but are not often seen by humans.
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A great blue heron flying low over the water
Birds are modern-day dinosaurs? Believe it!
12/12/2019Read moreDespite what you learned in school many years ago, dinosaurs do still exist. The birds we see today are actually modern-day dinosaurs.
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A muskrat in a wetland
Creature feature: The mighty muskrat
12/2/2019Read moreIf you've ever caught a glimpse of a muskrat, it was probably near water. These rodents spend most of their time in and around water, feasting on aquatic plants and animals.
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A wild turkey in a field.
What's a turkey wattle for anyway?
11/25/2019Read moreThe wattle on a turkey is its most identifiable feature, but what's it for anyway?
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Gulls on a pier
What's the difference: Gulls vs. terns
11/25/2019Read moreCan you tell a gull from a tern? Here's a few quick pointers to tell them apart.
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White-tailed deer with velvet covered antlers
Nature curiosity: How do antlers grow so fast?
11/21/2019Read moreDeer antlers seem to grow overnight, and in reality they actually do. A buck's antlers can grow a quarter inch a day, but it's a process that requires a lot of energy.
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A bald eagle perched.
Five things you probably don't know about bald eagles
11/8/2019Read moreFrom eagle eyes to Benjamin Franklin, dive into these offbeat facts.
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A profile view of a turkey vulture's head
Creature feature: Turkey vultures do nature's dirty work
11/7/2019Read moreTurkey vultures are raptors just like eagles and hawks, but there are a few things that set them apart.
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.