The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A gray squirrel in the snow with snow all over its fur.
Survival stories: How animals endure winter's worst weather
1/13/2025When given the choice, most of us choose to spend most of the winter indoors. Animals, though, don't exactly have a choice.
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A female and male cardinal perched on a branch with snow falling around them.
Myth buster: No two snowflakes are alike? Very likely, but it's hard to prove
1/9/2025Every snowflake is unique, or at least as best as we can figure out. It's probably true that no two snowflakes are alike, but the sheer number of snowflakes makes it virtually impossible to determine with certainty.
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A bald eagle soaring in the air with its wings outstretched and its mouth open.
Quiz: Are you a bald eagle expert?
1/2/2025Test your knowledge to see how much you really know about these amazing birds.
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A mink standing on a log sticking out of the water.
Quiz: Test your knowledge on the American mink
12/30/2024Test your knowledge on these little-known creatures.
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A red-headed woodpecker on a tree trunk with its head turned away.
Quiz: Are you a red-headed woodpecker whiz?
12/22/2024Find out by answering these 10 questions.
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A gray squirrel on a bare tree branch.
Quiz: What's your gray squirrel IQ?
12/17/2024Find out by answering these 10 questions.
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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.
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A belted kingfisher perched on a wire.
Quiz: What's your belted kingfisher IQ?
12/9/2024Find out on this 10-question quiz.
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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.
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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.
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.