The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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De-icing salt on a sidewalk.
You're probably using too much salt to deice your driveway
1/27/2025Winter's wacky weather keeps us on our toes, but before you stock up on salt to keep your driveway and sidewalks clear, make sure you know how much you really need to use.
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A winter scene with snow-covered trees lining a snow-covered trail.
Myth buster: Too cold to snow? Never
1/24/2025On our coldest days people often say "At least it's too cold to snow." Turns out that's not really true. It's never too cold to snow.
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A muskrat eating a cattail at the water's edge.
Quiz: How well do you know muskrats?
1/22/2025Find out by answering these 10 questions.
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A person standing with arms extended in a snowy forest with the sun peeking through the trees.
How much time should you spend outdoors? Follow the 20-5-3 rule
1/21/2025How much time should you spend outdoors? Use the 20-5-3 rule as a guide.
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A person walking a small dog with heavy snow falling.
Nature curiosity: What is thundersnow?
1/17/2025Sure you've experienced a few good thunderstorms in your day, but have you ever experienced thundersnow?
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Three trumpeter swans standing in shallow water.
Five fast facts about trumpeter swans, our largest waterfowl species
1/16/2025Get to know the trumpeter swan, the largest waterfowl species in the world.
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A coyote leaping into tall grass.
Quiz: How much do you know about coyotes?
1/15/2025See if you can ace this 10-question test.
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A gray squirrel in the snow with snow all over its fur.
Survival stories: How animals endure winter's worst weather
1/13/2025When given the choice, most of us choose to spend most of the winter indoors. Animals, though, don't exactly have a choice.
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A female and male cardinal perched on a branch with snow falling around them.
Myth buster: No two snowflakes are alike? Very likely, but it's hard to prove
1/9/2025Every snowflake is unique, or at least as best as we can figure out. It's probably true that no two snowflakes are alike, but the sheer number of snowflakes makes it virtually impossible to determine with certainty.
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A bald eagle soaring in the air with its wings outstretched and its mouth open.
Quiz: Are you a bald eagle expert?
1/2/2025Test your knowledge to see how much you really know about these amazing birds.
Current Headlines
Independence Day holiday closures announced
Most Forest Preserve visitor centers will be closed at noon Thursday, July 3, and all day Friday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Bait shop hours will vary. Preserves, trails and dog parks will remain open.
'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.