The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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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.
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Quiz: What's your blue-winged teal IQ?
4/10/2025Find out by answering these 10 questions.
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A Canada goose walking in the grass with seven goslings following it.
How to stay safe around feisty geese during nesting season
4/3/2025It's nesting season for Canada geese, so don't be surprised if they seem a little more feisty and aggressive than usual. If you happen come face to face with one, don't turn your back and run.
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An eastern chipmunk standing in the grass while putting a peanut in its mouth.
Five fast facts about chubby-cheeked chipmunks
4/3/2025Brush up on your knowledge of chubby-cheeked chipmunks with these five facts.
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Quiz: Are you an expert on spring peepers?
4/2/2025Find out by answering these questions.
Current Headlines
Hidden Oaks Nature Center reopens with oak-tastic vibes and family fun
More than 1,400 people attended the grand reopening celebration for the Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook on May 3. The site was closed for 15 months for a $2 million makeover.
From college to colony: Meet Plum Creek's new beekeeper
New beekeeper Dade Bradley brings curiosity, conservation and community spirit to Plum Creek Nature Center. Get to know him and more about bees at the monthly Meet a Beekeeper programs at Plum Creek starting Saturday, May 10.