The Buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A snow-covered trail and trees.
Five freezing facts about snow to tide you over this winter
1/9/2024Read moreLove it or hate it, snow is as essential as rain. Learn to appreciate it with these five fun facts.
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A dark-eyed junco on a bare tree branch with light snow falling.
Dark-eyed juncos are a sure sign of the season
1/8/2024Read moreOne of the first and surest signs that winter is coming is the arrival of dark-eyed juncos, the quintessential snowbird.
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A squirrel on a tree branch.
Five fun facts about our squirrelly squirrels
1/3/2024Read moreSquirrels are common enough that they are just part of the background in nature, but they are pretty interesting creatures when you learn more about them.
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A snowy owl in a snowy landscape.
Keep your fingers crossed for snowy owl sightings this winter
12/28/2023Read moreSnowy owls are at the top of many birders' bucket lists, and spotting one can be a real treat.
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An eastern bluebird on a tree branch.
Not all blue birds are bluebirds: Learn the difference between our blue-hued birds
12/22/2023Read moreNot all blue birds are bluebirds. In our area, we see eastern bluebirds, blue jays and even indigo buntings sporting blue feathers. Learn the differences between these blue-hued birds.
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A woman standing in front of a tree along a trail.
Meet a Naturalist: Heather Van Zyl, always curious and always learning
11/28/2023Read moreMeet Heather Van Zyl, an interpretive naturalist at Plum Creek Nature Center.
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A crow on a branch.
Five things about misunderstood crows
11/22/2023Read moreCrows are highly sociable and among the most intelligent animals around, but they don't have the best reputation.
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The green glow of the northern lights in the night sky.
Nature curiosity: What are the northern lights?
11/17/2023Read moreThe northern lights are always happening, but you have to be at the right place at the right time to view them.
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Two people walking a dog along a trail.
Need a good reason to take a hike? Here are four
11/16/2023Read moreLooking for a reason to it the trails and stretch your legs on a hike? Here are a few.
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Side-by-side photos of a long-eared owl and a short-eared owl perched atop tree stumps.
What's the difference: long-eared owl vs. short-eared owl
11/13/2023Read moreTheir so-called ears aren't the only difference between short-eared owls and long-eared owls.
Current Headlines
Stock up on native species this spring with Foundation's online plant sale
Now is the time to start planning your spring native plant sale wish list for your yard and garden. The Nature Foundation of Will County's online spring plant sale runs from April 6 to April 27 with plant pickup dates on May 18 and 19. An in-person plant sale will be held on the plant pickup dates.
Forest Preserve sites host solar eclipse viewing parties
The Forest Preserve will host three solar eclipse viewing parties on April 8 and an educational eclipse weekend on April 6 and 7. Learn about this rare occurrence, which will not happen again until 2044, and view it safely, weather permitting.