The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A Baltimore oriole on a tree branch.
Migration watch: Orioles have landed in Will County
4/24/2025Time to stock up on oranges and grape jelly. Baltimore orioles are back in Will County for the season.
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A northern flicker sitting in the branches of a crabapple tree dusted with snow.
Want winter wildlife in your yard? Plant these trees now
4/23/2025When planning your spring plantings, consider incorporating trees that will be a draw for wildlife in the winter too.
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A fennec fox laying in sand.
Wild Relatives: The fennec fox
4/22/2025Fennec foxes are the smallest fox species in the world, and they thrive in the extreme conditions of the Sahara Desert.
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A badger emerging from a hole in the ground.
Quiz: How much do you know about badgers?
4/22/2025Find out by answering these 10 questions.
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A monarch butterfly atop a green leaf.
Migration watch: Monarchs have landed in Illinois
4/17/2025We're charting migrations this season, announcing when a variety of species hit major milestones on their travels north.
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The pink blooms of an eastern redbud tree in a forest.
Pretty in pink: Eastern redbuds provide pop of color in spring landscape
4/15/2025Eastern redbuds are one of the first pops of color in the forest each spring, providing splashes of pink in the canopy before the green creeps in.
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A ruby-throated hummingbird perched on a hummingbird feeder.
Migration watch: Hummingbirds have landed in Will County
4/14/2025Get your hummingbird feeders out! The tiny birds have been spotted in Will County.
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A swarm of bees hanging from a tree branch.
Nature curiosity: Why do bees swarm?
4/14/2025Why do bees swarm? Because they've outgrown the hive.
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A row of three Callery pear trees in bloom with a line of trees at the edge of a grassy area behind them.
What stinks? Bradford pear trees and their invasive tendencies
4/11/2025Smell that fetid odor in the air? It may be coming from your own yard. Callery pear trees are in full bloom, revealing beautiful white blooms but also emitting a stench that's similar to that of rotting fish.
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A snapping turtle on a trail.
It's time to slow your roll. Turtles are on the move for nesting season
4/10/2025Spring is a time when turtles are often on the move and at risk of being hit by cars. If you can safely move a turtle across a road, here's how to do it.
Current Headlines
Forest preserves, park districts gear up for spring bike safety initiative
Seven northern Illinois agencies are launching a regional bike safety initiative in May to promote safe, responsible riding. The effort includes bike safety events, increased patrols and unified trail messaging.
Whimsy takes root with Becorns exhibit at Hidden Oaks
View tiny acorn people and their intimate interactions with nature during the 'Becorns: Little Acorn People Living Big Lives' exhibit from May 3 through June 29 at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook.