The buzz
All Buzz Articles
-
A winter stonefly on snow.
Winter stoneflies flourish in frigid winter weather
12/12/2024While most insects aren't active during the coldest time of year, the winter stonefly is a notable exception. These insects thrive in the frigid air and icy waters of winter.
-
Two young girls dressed with coats, hats and scarves picking a Christmas tree from a large collection while snow falls.
Don't bug out, but your Christmas tree could be crawling in insects — thousands of them
12/11/2024If you don't take precautions before bringing it indoors, your Christmas tree could be the gift that keeps on giving.
-
A belted kingfisher perched on a wire.
Quiz: What's your belted kingfisher IQ?
12/9/2024Find out on this 10-question quiz.
-
A squirrel with a funny expression.
Did your outdoor holiday lights go dark? You probably can blame these troublemakers
12/6/2024Almost 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.
-
A female and male mallard in the water.
Five fast facts about the mallard, our most well-known duck
12/5/2024Mallards are the quintessential duck — the species that comes to mind when thinking about ducks. Here's your chance to learn all about them.
-
A least weasel standing under a fall branch near a shoreline.
Small but mighty weasels pack a carnivorous punch
12/3/2024Two weasel species live in Illinois, but you're not likely to come across either of them even in areas where they are common.
-
A red fox jumping in the grass.
Quiz: Are you as clever as a red fox?
12/2/2024Find out by answering these 10 questions.
-
Christmas trees for sale at a Christmas tree lot.
Faux tree or the real deal: Which is better for the environment?
11/28/2024Think you’re doing Earth a favor by buying an artificial Christmas tree rather than a real one? Not so fast with that rationalization.
-
Nine geese in flight with the sky shades of orange and gray at sunset.
Winter solstice marks turning point for early sunsets
11/27/2024If 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.
-
People walking on the trail on a warm winter day
Skip the Black Friday sales this year and #OptOutside instead
11/26/2024Looking for a new post-Thanksgiving tradition other than hitting the local stores for some frenzied holiday shopping? Consider joining the #OptOutside movement.
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.