The Buzz

Wetlands link land and water, creating a crucial habitat with many important roles.

That chipmunk you see may be a 13-lined ground squirrel. Learn how to tell them apart and everything you need to know about these ground squirrels. 

After spending 17 years underground, cicadas are emerging across Will County, and they're making their presence known with their familiar buzzing sound. 

Test your knowledge on this 10-question quiz.

Rabbits are well-known for their ability to reproduce, but what makes them more prolific than other animals?

The evening of June 4 provides an opportunity to view Mercury just after the sun sets.

Instead of sunbathing this summer, give forest bathing a try. All you need is a little free time and access to a forested or tree-covered spot. 

Another myth busted: Snakes are not slimy at all. 

If you've ever taken a walk outside after it rains, you know that worms tend to congregate above ground after wet weather. The reason why is a mystery, although scientists have a few theories.

The wildlife you see in the preserves and elsewhere is just that — wild. The preserves aren't petting zoos, and people should not touch or otherwise handle animals they encounter.

Opossums deserve our love and respect because they provide many benefits, and they're pretty cute too. 

Dumping unused bait in the water seems like an innocent way to end a fishing trip, but it is detrimental to the health of our waterways.

The green heron isn't as well known or as frequently seen as the great blue heron, but these birds are interesting in their own right.

Every now and then, you can get very lucky when out in the preserves and spot something truly amazing. 

Tiny but mighty microarthropods are tiny bugs that do a lot of good despite their small size.