The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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Two groundhogs standing on their hand legs in tall grass along a trail, with one partially obscured by the grass.
Five things to know about groundhogs, an animal for all seasons
2/2/2025Groundhogs get a lot of attention on Feb. 2, but there's a lot more to these critters than the silly notion that they can predict when winter will end.
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A blue jay perched on a tray feeder with a cardinal approaching and a light snow falling.
Be bird-friendly this winter: How to keep them visiting all season
1/30/2025The days have become noticeably colder and shorter, and food supplies have become more scarce for many birds. But you can keep birds visiting your yard all year long by providing the right foods.
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A groundhog in the grass with tall prairie grasses in the background.
Quiz: What's your groundhog IQ?
1/28/2025Groundhogs aren't just for Groundhog Day, so test your knowledge on Punxsutawney Phil and his many friends.
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De-icing salt on a sidewalk.
You're probably using too much salt to deice your driveway
1/27/2025Winter's wacky weather keeps us on our toes, but before you stock up on salt to keep your driveway and sidewalks clear, make sure you know how much you really need to use.
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A winter scene with snow-covered trees lining a snow-covered trail.
Myth buster: Too cold to snow? Never
1/24/2025On our coldest days people often say "At least it's too cold to snow." Turns out that's not really true. It's never too cold to snow.
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A muskrat eating a cattail at the water's edge.
Quiz: How well do you know muskrats?
1/22/2025Find out by answering these 10 questions.
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A person standing with arms extended in a snowy forest with the sun peeking through the trees.
How much time should you spend outdoors? Follow the 20-5-3 rule
1/21/2025How much time should you spend outdoors? Use the 20-5-3 rule as a guide.
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A person walking a small dog with heavy snow falling.
Nature curiosity: What is thundersnow?
1/17/2025Sure you've experienced a few good thunderstorms in your day, but have you ever experienced thundersnow?
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Three trumpeter swans standing in shallow water.
Five fast facts about trumpeter swans, our largest waterfowl species
1/16/2025Get to know the trumpeter swan, the largest waterfowl species in the world.
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A coyote leaping into tall grass.
Quiz: How much do you know about coyotes?
1/15/2025See if you can ace this 10-question test.
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.