The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A belted kingfisher perched on a wire.
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A squirrel with a funny expression.
Did your outdoor holiday lights go dark? You probably can blame these troublemakers
12/6/2024Read moreAlmost nothing kills the holiday spirit quite like looking out your window to find that the Christmas lights you spent hours hanging outside are no longer lighting up the winter night.
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A female and male mallard in the water.
Five fast facts about the mallard, our most well-known duck
12/5/2024Read moreMallards are the quintessential duck — the species that comes to mind when thinking about ducks. Here's your chance to learn all about them.
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A least weasel standing under a fall branch near a shoreline.
Small but mighty weasels pack a carnivorous punch
12/3/2024Read moreTwo weasel species live in Illinois, but you're not likely to come across either of them even in areas where they are common.
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A red fox jumping in the grass.
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Christmas trees for sale at a Christmas tree lot.
Faux tree or the real deal: Which is better for the environment?
11/28/2024Read moreThink you’re doing Earth a favor by buying an artificial Christmas tree rather than a real one? Not so fast with that rationalization.
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Nine geese in flight with the sky shades of orange and gray at sunset.
Winter solstice marks turning point for early sunsets
11/27/2024Read moreIf you find the early sunsets at this time of year depressing, you should welcome the winter solstice on Dec. 21. After that, we will experience more and more daylight each day for months.
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People walking on the trail on a warm winter day
Skip the Black Friday sales this year and #OptOutside instead
11/26/2024Read moreLooking for a new post-Thanksgiving tradition other than hitting the local stores for some frenzied holiday shopping? Consider joining the #OptOutside movement.
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Four wild turkeys in the grass, one with its tail feathers fanned out.
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Quiz: Which wild animal are you?
11/21/2024Read moreWe all can display some wild tendencies every now and then.
Current Headlines
Thorn Creek bridge closed due to safety concerns
The bridge over Thorn Creek has been closed at Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve due to structural safety concerns. The bridge closure has affected the trail system and only the Thorn Creek Nature Center Loop Trail will be open for public use until further notice.
Visitor centers to close Dec. 13 for annual staff meeting
All Forest Preserve visitor centers will be closed on Friday, Dec. 13, so employees can attend the District's annual staff meeting. Preserves, trails and dog parks will remain open.