The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A young robin on the ground
Nature curiosity: How do birds learn to fly?
5/2/2019Read moreBirds don't hatch knowing how to fly. Much like babies learning to walk, learning to fly is a process for baby birds, one that often involves a lot of trial and error.
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A squirrel eating in a tree
Nature curiosity: Why don't squirrels throw up?
4/23/2019Read moreSquirrels and other rodents are incapable of vomiting. Why they can't is related to their anatomy and physiology.
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A killdeer along the water's edge
Creature feature: The crafty killdeer
4/22/2019Read moreOne of most common birds in North America, the killdeer has a few tricks up its sleeve when it comes to protecting its nest from potential threats.
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A closeup of a dandelion in the grass
The war on dandelions is killing bees, but it doesn't have to
4/17/2019Read moreAs we prepare to declare war on dandelions, it's important to remember just how important these "weeds" are for bees.
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A roly poly on the ground
Roly-poly bugs: Appreciated but misunderstood
4/11/2019Read moreRoly-polies are a rare bug that draws appreciation rather than ire, but most of us don't know much about these creatures beyond that they can roll themselves up into a ball as a defense mechanism.
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A snapping turtle on the trail
Creature feature: The powerful snapping turtle
4/10/2019Read moreThe snapping turtle isn't hunted by many animals, but it does face many risks in the wild, including being hit by cars and having their nests hunted.
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A ruby-throated hummingbird at a feeder
The recipe for success with hummingbird feeders: Sugar and water
4/4/2019Read moreSeeing hummingbirds in the wild is a true delight, and you can attract these tiny birds to your own yard by stocking hummingbirds with food made simply by mixing sugar and boiling water.
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Sandhill cranes flying overhead
Nature curiosity: How do migratory birds know where to go?
4/1/2019Read moreMany birds travel hundreds if not thousands of miles twice each year during their migration with no map to guide them. How do they know what route to take?
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A red-headed woodpecker drumming on a tree
The telltale sights — and sounds — that woodpeckers are living nearby
3/29/2019Read moreWoodpeckers leave both visual and auditory clues of their presence, and with a good eye and a good ear you can see and hear the signs.
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Man watched a prescribed burn
Nature curiosity: What happens to the animals during a prescribed burn?
3/26/2019Read moreThe animals may seem most vulnerable to the flames in a prescribed burn, but the burns are planned in a way to minimize danger.
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.