The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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Rat peeking out of hole
What happens when biodiversity is lost? Rats, pigeons move in, study shows
12/7/2018Read moreAccording to a new study published by PLOS Biology, as species that are unique to particular ecosystems vanish, the more common — and mostly undesireable ones — move in.
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Beaver chewing wood
Creature feature: Nature's lumberjack, the beaver
12/7/2018Read moreBeavers' ability to build structures is one of the most significant in the animal kingdom and these animals are second only to humans in their ability to change the environment they live in.
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A wild turkey's head
Creature feature: The big, colorful wild turkey
11/16/2018Read moreMost of us think of turkey as the star of the Thanksgiving table, but these birds live among us too, right in our own forests and prairies.
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Great horned owl perched on a tree branch
Creature feature: The predatory great horned owl
11/15/2018Read moreThe great horned owl is most well known from storybooks and folklore, because it is the owl that makes the famous hooting call.
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Coyote with a squirrel in its mouth
Creature feature: Coyotes, the opportunistic eaters
11/7/2018Read moreCoyotes try to remain unseen, hunting under the cover of darkness to protect themselves from being hunted.
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Canada goose flying upside down
Why is this Canada goose at Lake Renwick flying upside down?
10/25/2018Read moreIt's not your common, everyday occurrence.
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Sandhill cranes in the river
Creature feature: The tall, bulky and elegant sandhill crane
10/23/2018Read moreSandhill cranes are a magnificent sight, whether flying overhead or congregating in prairies and fields, but we often realize the birds are nearby because we hear them before we see them.
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Merlin perched on a branch
Creature feature: The elusive, fast flying merlin
10/12/2018Read moreThese birds are smaller than most falcons, known for their powerful flying and astute hunting abilities.
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Close up of a praying mantis' face
Creature feature: Praying mantis is perfectly designed for hunting prey
10/3/2018Read moreSeptember and October are the most common times to see these intriguing insects.
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Black squirrel on the ground
Have you seen any black squirrels in the preserves?
10/2/2018Read moreWhile no hard data exists, anecdotal evidence indicates this black squirrel at McKinley Woods is indeed a rare find locally.
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.