The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A wet dog shakes itself off and sprays water
The dog days of summer are here, but it doesn't mean what you think
7/3/2024Read moreThe dog days of summer are here, both literally and metaphorically. Be sure to stay safe outdoors during periods of high heat and humidity.
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A Halloween pennant dragonfly perched atop a hoary vervain plant.
Battling mosquitoes in your yard? Attract dragonflies
6/28/2024Read moreDragonflies can eat dozens of mosquitoes a day, so attracting them to your yard might help make your time outside more enjoyable.
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A periodical cicada on a tree branch with leaves in the background.
Cicada summer continues as annual cicadas follow periodical counterparts
6/28/2024Read moreDid you think we were done with cicadas for the summer? Think again. While the 17-year cicadas are winding down, another kind of cicada is just getting started.
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A garter snake with its tongue sticking out.
Quiz: What's your garter snake IQ?
6/27/2024Read moreTest your knowledge with this 10-question quiz.
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A group of two adults and two kids looking at the night sky while laying on a blanket in the grass.
Streaks of light in the night sky could be shooting stars not fireworks
6/27/2024Read moreThe arrival of July means the return of meteor shower activity, including the popular Perseids meteor shower.
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A person standing next to a large tree trunk in a forest.
Meet a Naturalist: Brittany Schaller, at home in the outdoors
6/26/2024Read moreBrittany Schaller is about as outdoorsy as it gets. She camps, she hikes, she fishes, and it’s been like that for as long as she can remember.
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A bullfrog with its head sticking out of the water.
Quiz: Test your knowledge on bullfrog basics
6/25/2024Read moreFind out by answering these 10 questions.
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A rose-breasted grosbeak perched on a branch with a seed on its mouth.
The rose-breasted grosbeak: A pretty bird with a pretty song
6/24/2024Read moreWith their recognizable namesake plumage, rose-breasted grosbeaks are a welcome sight. Learn what else makes these birds special.
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A snapping turtle laying on a log above the water with its shell covered in duckweed and other vegetation.
Quiz: Are you savvy about snapping turtles?
6/21/2024Read moreFind out by answering these 10 questions.
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.