The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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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?
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Baby opossums on their mother's back
Nature curiosity: Why do marsupials have pouches?
2/12/2020Read moreFor marsupials, only adult females have pouches, and they serve an important role in the reproductive process.
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Scenic view of a wood bridge at McKinley Woods
What's the difference?: Woods vs. forest
2/6/2020Read moreA walk in the woods or a walk in the forest? Is there even a difference?
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A downy woodpecker in a tree
Creature feature: The diminutive downy woodpecker
2/5/2020Read moreDowny woodpeckers are the smallest woodpecker in North America. Learn more about these birds in this creature feature.
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A frog in a wetland
Myth buster: Frogs and toads don't cause warts
2/3/2020Read moreToads and frogs can give you warts? Think again. Warts are caused by a human virus, and you won't get them from handling an animal.
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Scenic view of colorful sunset over the lake
Forget the groundhog, just watch for these signs for a weather prediction
1/29/2020Read moreGroundhogs get a lot of credit as weather prognosticators, but there's no science to back up their predictions. If you really want to know what the weather holds, look for these clues from the natural world.
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.