The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A young cottontail rabbit visible in its nest in the grass.
Avoid the heartbreak: Check your yard for rabbit nests before mowing
3/31/2025Before you cut your grass, it's a good idea to give your yard a once-over to look for rabbit nests. These nests often look just like a small patch of dead grass, but the babies are just under the surface, leaving them vulnerable to lawnmowers.
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A bobcat walking across large rocks.
Quiz: What's your bobcat IQ?
3/29/2025Test your knowledge on this 10-question quiz.
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A closeup of a harpy eagle's face.
Wild Relatives: The harpy eagle
3/27/2025Bald eagles are an impressive-looking bird, but they aren't the only eagle species worthy of attention. Meet the harpy eagle, a large bird native to the rainforests of Central and South America.
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An osprey flying over water with a fish in its talons.
Quiz: Test your knowledge on the high-flying osprey
3/23/2025Answer these 10 questions to see if you are an osprey expert.
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A turtle on a log with another turtle smaller turtle on top of it.
In early spring, wetlands are abuzz with seasonal activity
3/22/2025After a long, quiet winter, our local wetlands are among the first places that begin to wake up, showing some of the earliest signs of spring.
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A closeup of bluebell blossoms.
Five things you might not know about spring
3/20/2025When it comes to spring, there's so much to love. But there's also probably a lot you don't know about our most-anticipated season.
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A short-eared owl in flight with its wings extended and its head turned to the side.
Quiz: Can you ace this short-eared owl quiz?
3/19/2025Test your knowledge on this 10-question quiz.
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A chorus frog with its throat outstretched.
Happening now: Chorus frogs are loudly seeking mates
3/18/2025If you venture out into the preserves these days, there's a good chance you'll hear chorus frogs making a racket as they call out looking for a mate.
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A peregrine falcon in a downward dive.
Five facts about the fast-flying peregrine falcon
3/17/2025Peregrine falcons aren't one of those birds we see every day, which makes them a prized find for many birders. Spotting one soaring overhead or swooping down to catch prey is a memorable experience.
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Two American woodcocks in the grass.
Happening now: Male woodcocks performing their elaborate courtship ritual
3/13/2025Now is the time to see woodcocks out in the preserves, and there's a lot to love about these birds — from the males' elaborate courtship ritual to their cute nicknames.
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.