The buzz
All Buzz Articles
-
A snowy owl standing on the snow-covered ground with snowy trees in the background.
Quiz: How savvy are you about snowy owls?
2/9/2025Take this quiz to see how much you know about this treasured species.
-
Sparkling snow on the ground.
Nature curiosity: Why does some snow sparkle?
2/6/2025Have you ever noticed that some snow is particularly sparkly or glittery? Scientists call it "snow sparkle," an effect caused by sunlight reflecting off ice crystals in the snow.
-
A turtle with a muddy shell sitting on a log in the water.
Nature curiosity: Why and how do turtles breathe with their butts?
2/5/2025How do turtles breathe while they are underwater all winter? Through their butts, so to speak.
-
Heavy snow falling on a snow-covered trail lined by trees.
What's the difference?: Blizzard vs. snowstorm
2/4/2025Snowstorms are often anticipated for days ahead of their arrival, but when does a snowstorm become a blizzard?
-
Canada geese swimming in the water with steam rising up from the water.
Nature curiosity: What is the polar vortex?
2/4/2025When winter temperatures get really cold, the polar vortex is to blame. But what, exactly, is the polar vortex and why does it sometimes affect our weather.
-
Quiz: What animal is this?
2/3/2025Think you know our local wildlife? Prove it with this 10-question quiz.
-
Two groundhogs standing on their hand legs in tall grass along a trail, with one partially obscured by the grass.
Five things to know about groundhogs, an animal for all seasons
2/2/2025Groundhogs get a lot of attention on Feb. 2, but there's a lot more to these critters than the silly notion that they can predict when winter will end.
-
A blue jay perched on a tray feeder with a cardinal approaching and a light snow falling.
Be bird-friendly this winter: How to keep them visiting all season
1/30/2025The days have become noticeably colder and shorter, and food supplies have become more scarce for many birds. But you can keep birds visiting your yard all year long by providing the right foods.
-
A groundhog in the grass with tall prairie grasses in the background.
Quiz: What's your groundhog IQ?
1/28/2025Groundhogs aren't just for Groundhog Day, so test your knowledge on Punxsutawney Phil and his many friends.
-
De-icing salt on a sidewalk.
You're probably using too much salt to deice your driveway
1/27/2025Winter's wacky weather keeps us on our toes, but before you stock up on salt to keep your driveway and sidewalks clear, make sure you know how much you really need to use.
Current Headlines
Find the five: a bridge adventure across Will County
The Forest Preserve is rolling out a new spring challenge – The Bridges of Will County – that features five unique bridges in preserves throughout Will County. Visit all five from April 1 through June 30 to receive a Forest Preserve tote bag.
April kicks off boating, kayaking, fishing fun season
April 1 is the kickoff to the Forest Preserve District's boating season. Boat launches open at Rock Run Rookery and Whalon Lake and kayak rentals begin at Lake Chaminwood. Hidden Lakes Trout Farm opens April 5.