The buzz

All Buzz Articles

  • A red-tailed hawk taking off from a shrub

    Creature feature: The loud and imposing red-tailed hawk

    8/16/2019

    That hawk soaring overhead or perched atop a light pole is probably a red-tailed hawk. Learn more about these high-flying birds.

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  • A millipede on a log

    What's the difference?: Centipede vs. millipede

    8/9/2019

    Is that creepy crawly covered in legs a centipede or a millipede? Here's how to tell. 

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  • Three dogs laying on the ground

    Nature curiosity: Do animals get sunburned?

    8/6/2019

    If you've ever spent a long day in the sun with no sunscreen, you've probably paid the price in the form of a bad sunburn. But are animals at risk for painful sunburns too? 

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  • Snakes in the water? Don't worry; they're not after you

    7/31/2019

    Learn more about the northern water snake, one of the most common water snakes in Illinois.

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  • A plant that does what it's told? Obedient plant isn't just a misnomer

    7/29/2019

    A plant that does what it's told? The name obedient plant may seem like a misnomer, but the flowers of this plant can be turned in any direction and will stay in place once moved, hence the name.

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  • Here's how to create a healthy bat habitat in your yard — and why you should

    7/25/2019

    Most of us try to avoid bats, but creating a welcoming habitat for them may be beneficial.

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  • What's the difference?: Monarch butterfly vs. viceroy butterfly

    7/24/2019

    Is that orange and black butterfly floating by a monarch or a viceroy? Here's how to tell the difference.

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  • The shrimp found in Illinois waterways aren't like the ones on your dinner plate

    7/12/2019

    Shrimp in Illinois waterways? It's true, but these aren't the kind of crustaceans you'd order in a restaurant.

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  • Creature feature: The awesome osprey

    7/9/2019

    Osprey or eagle? Learn what sets the osprey apart from other birds of prey.

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  • Nature curiosity: Why don't bats get dizzy when hanging upside down?

    7/8/2019

    Hanging upside down for even a few seconds will leave anyone feeling dizzy and a little lightheaded, so how do bats do it?

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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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