The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A partially frozen stream in a snowy landscape.
Why is the world so quiet when it snows? The science behind the silence
2/12/2025It's not just a myth that the world seems more quiet after a snowfall. There's science behind the silence.
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A side-by-side comparison of a gray fox and a red fox.
What's the difference?: Red fox vs. gray fox
2/10/2025Illinois is home to two fox species, the red fox and the gray fox, and telling the difference between them isn't always as easy as looking at the color of their fur.
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A snowy owl standing on the snow-covered ground with snowy trees in the background.
Quiz: How savvy are you about snowy owls?
2/9/2025Take this quiz to see how much you know about this treasured species.
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Sparkling snow on the ground.
Nature curiosity: Why does some snow sparkle?
2/6/2025Have you ever noticed that some snow is particularly sparkly or glittery? Scientists call it "snow sparkle," an effect caused by sunlight reflecting off ice crystals in the snow.
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A turtle with a muddy shell sitting on a log in the water.
Nature curiosity: Why and how do turtles breathe with their butts?
2/5/2025How do turtles breathe while they are underwater all winter? Through their butts, so to speak.
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Heavy snow falling on a snow-covered trail lined by trees.
What's the difference?: Blizzard vs. snowstorm
2/4/2025Snowstorms are often anticipated for days ahead of their arrival, but when does a snowstorm become a blizzard?
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Canada geese swimming in the water with steam rising up from the water.
Nature curiosity: What is the polar vortex?
2/4/2025When winter temperatures get really cold, the polar vortex is to blame. But what, exactly, is the polar vortex and why does it sometimes affect our weather.
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Quiz: What animal is this?
2/3/2025Think you know our local wildlife? Prove it with this 10-question quiz.
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Two groundhogs standing on their hand legs in tall grass along a trail, with one partially obscured by the grass.
Five things to know about groundhogs, an animal for all seasons
2/2/2025Groundhogs get a lot of attention on Feb. 2, but there's a lot more to these critters than the silly notion that they can predict when winter will end.
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A blue jay perched on a tray feeder with a cardinal approaching and a light snow falling.
Be bird-friendly this winter: How to keep them visiting all season
1/30/2025The days have become noticeably colder and shorter, and food supplies have become more scarce for many birds. But you can keep birds visiting your yard all year long by providing the right foods.
Current Headlines
Hybrid turtle 'Theodorable' serves as warning: Don’t dump pets in preserves
A hybrid box turtle was removed from a Will County preserve to protect a threatened species. Now living at Isle a la Cache Museum, he serves as an ambassador to educate the public about the dangers of releasing pet turtles into the wild.
'Into the Wild' art exhibit blends nature and creativity
The “Into the Wild Art Exhibition” runs July 5 through Aug. 30 at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook. The free exhibit showcases nature-themed art by local artists from the Nature Artists' Guild of The Morton Arboretum. Visitors can vote for their favorite pieces.