The buzz

All Buzz Articles

  • A wild turkey in a field.

    What's a turkey wattle for anyway?

    11/25/2019

    The 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

    11/25/2019

    Can 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?

    11/21/2019

    Deer 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

    11/8/2019

    From 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

    11/7/2019

    Turkey vultures are raptors just like eagles and hawks, but there are a few things that set them apart.

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  • What's the difference: Chipmunk vs. ground squirrel

    10/25/2019

    Is that a chipmunk or a ground squirrel scurrying around your yard in preparation for winter? Learn how to tell the difference between these two similar-looking rodents.

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  • Creature feature: The crafty raccoon

    10/21/2019

    Loved or reviled, the raccoon is one of the most common mammals in Illinois. 

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  • Don't be a butthead; dispose of cigarettes properly

    10/11/2019

    Trillions of cigarettes are littered each year, creating a lasting impact for the environment. And now, with the rising popularity of e-cigarettes, litter from smoking includes both hazardous and electronic waste.

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  • Nature curiosity: How do spiders make silk?

    10/4/2019

    Spider silk is stronger than any other fiber on Earth, but how do these eight-legged creatures make it? They are specially equipped for making silk, with glands and structures designed for just that purpose. 

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  • Numerous pelicans floating on the river

    Creature feature: The beloved American white pelican

    9/30/2019

    American white pelicans make their presence known in Will County twice a year, so get to know more about these biannual visitors in our creature feature.

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Current Headlines

Joliet Junction Trail section to close in December for Interstate 80 work

11/22/2024

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. 

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Healing With Nature: Crete man battling cancer finds health and hope on paths at Goodenow Grove

11/21/2024

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. 

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