The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A slide through history: Joliet Iron Works Historic Site
2/6/2019Read moreOnly ruins remain of the Joliet Iron Works, but thanks to a historic aerial photo, we can see the heart and soul of the steel mill prior to it being dismantled.
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A coyote howling in the snow
Nature curiosity: Why do coyotes howl?
1/31/2019Read moreThe sound of a coyote howling in the night is enough to stop people in their tracks, but have you ever stopped to think about what they are saying?
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A blue jay with a nut in its mouth
A trick of nature: Blue jays aren't really blue
1/25/2019Read moreIt might shock you to learn blue jays aren't actually blue. Instead, we just perceive them to be blue because of how light passes through the birds' feathers.
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Geese on a frozen lake
Nature curiosity: Why don't birds' feet freeze?
1/24/2019Read moreEver shiver at the sight of birds on the ice in the dead of winter? No need to worry. Geese and other waterfowl are built to withstand these harsh conditions.
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A groundhog walking in the grass
Creature feature: The season-predicting groundhog
1/23/2019Read moreThe groundhog becomes a celebrity each year on February 2, awakening from a months-long slumber to "predict" when winter will end. Beyond this annual ritual, most Americans know little about the groundhog.
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An aerial view of Rock Run Rookery
A slide through history: Rock Run Rookery Preserve
1/17/2019Read moreIn its former life, the preserve now known as Rock Run Rookery used to be much less spectacular.
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A red fox walking in the grass
Creature feature: The cunning and clever red fox
1/8/2019Read moreThese sly creatures are skilled hunters and adaptable to many habitats and environments, including rural, suburban and urban areas.
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Two owls perched on a fence
Nature curiosity: How do owls turn their heads so far?
1/7/2019Read moreWhile it’s a common misconception that owls can turn their heads 360 degrees, they still can perform some pretty dramatic feats when it comes to checking out their environment
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Snowy owl on the ground
Creature feature: The stunning snowy owl
12/15/2018Read moreSnowy owls are a prized find among bird-watchers, because the beautiful birds are a sight to behold set against a wintry backdrop.
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White-breasted nuthatch on a feeder
Nature curiosity: How do birds hear?
12/14/2018Read moreIf you’ve thought to yourself "Do birds have ears?," well the answer to that question is both yes and no.
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.