The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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An eastern screech owl perched on a branch
Creature feature: The compact screech owl
11/13/2020Screech owls aren't the large, imposing creatures most people think of when they think of owls, but these small owls still play an important role in the ecosystem.
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A side by side comparison of a turtle and a tortoise
What's the difference: Turtle vs. tortoise
11/12/2020Turtle or tortoise? There are some key differences between these animals, but if you saw it here in Illinois you can rest assured it was a turtle.
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A woolly bear caterpillar walking on the ground
Myth buster: Woolly bear caterpillars don't really predict winter weather
11/4/2020The bands on woolly bear caterpillars are said to be a sign about what Mother Nature has in store for us each winter, but in reality these insects can't tell us anything about the weather.
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An eastern bluebird on a branch
Nature curiosity: Why is blue so rare in the animal kingdom?
10/24/2020Creatures come in all sizes, shapes and colors, but not all colors are represented equally. Find out why blue is so rare in the animal kingdom.
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An apple core discarded on the ground
Think twice before your drop that apple core on the ground; it's still littering
10/21/2020Food scraps don't decompose as fast as you might think, so leaving your apple cores and banana peels behind is bad news for many reasons.
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A wolf spider walking on pavement
Creature feature: The creepy, crawly wolf spider
10/19/2020With eight long legs, eight eyes and fangs for mouthparts, wolf spiders look scarier than they are. In reality, they aren't dangerous at all, and they play an important role in the ecosystem.
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Ladybugs on a log
What's the difference?: Ladybug vs. lady beetle
10/15/2020Ladybug or lady beetles? Are these creatures one and the same?
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A beaver swimming in water
Nature curiosity: How do beavers hold their breath for so long?
9/30/2020How do beavers stay under water for so long? Their bodies are specially designed for it.
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An orb weaver in a web
Myth buster: Spider silk is as strong as steel? It's not quite so simple
9/25/2020Is spider silk as strong as steel? Yes and no.
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A spiny softshell turtle on a log by water
Creature feature: The more vulnerable spiny softshell turtle
9/23/2020Eastern spiny softshell turtles aren't as large as snapping turtles, but they are one of the biggest freshwater turtles in the United States.
Current Headlines
Independence Day holiday closures announced
Most Forest Preserve visitor centers will be closed at noon Thursday, July 3, and all day Friday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Bait shop hours will vary. Preserves, trails and dog parks will remain open.
'Into the Wild' art exhibit blends nature and creativity
The “Into the Wild Art Exhibition” runs July 5 through Aug. 30 at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook. The free exhibit showcases nature-themed art by local artists from the Nature Artists' Guild of The Morton Arboretum. Visitors can vote for their favorite pieces.