The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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An eastern bluebird perched on a bare tree branch.
Bluebirds are back from the brink thanks to human interventions
5/2/2023The eastern bluebird population was once in rapid decline because of a perfect storm of factors, but today their population has recovered well and these birds are a common sight once again.
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The silhouette of a flock of birds in flight as the sun sets.
Nature curiosity: Why do birds migrate at night?
5/1/2023Not all birds migrate but the majority that do, travel by night. Researchers don't fully understand why, but nocturnal migration does provide some benefits.
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(Photo via Shutterstock)
Nature curiosity: How do trees clean the air?
4/27/2023Trees serve as Earth's lungs, but how does their breathing help clean the air?
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An American toad sitting on a rocky surface. (Photo via Shutterstock)
Five things about toads, our frogs' lesser-known cousins
4/20/2023What looks a lot like a frog but doesn't jump like a frog or eat like a frog? A toad. Learn what makes toads unique and what separates them from frogs.
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Duck eggs in a nest.
Ducks know what they're doing; leave their nests alone
4/17/2023That duck nest you think is in a bad spot probably isn't. The duck knew what she was doing when she built it, and moving it will cause more harm than good. It's also illegal.
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A robin standing in grass with an earthworm in its mouth.
Nature curiosity: How do robins find worms?
4/14/2023Finding worms below ground is a sensory experience for robins, but they might not be using the senses you think.
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A sprout in soil being held by two hands.
What's the difference: Dirt vs. soil
4/11/2023We use the terms soil and dirt interchangeably, but they are not one and the same. Dirt is one component of soil, which is a complex mixture of several components.
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A cellar spider.
Myth buster: Daddy long legs is the most venomous spider in the world
4/6/2023Daddy long legs are one of the most venomous spiders in the world? Not so, but the rumor has been circulating for generations.
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A beaver gnawing on vegetation at the water's edge.
Five fun facts about those busy beavers
4/5/2023The old saying "busy as a beaver" is no joke. Beavers are among the most industrious animals on Earth, and they put their skills to good use.
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A bobcat standing in short grass.
Five facts about stealthy, solitary bobcats
3/24/2023Of the 40 wildcat species in the world, just the bobcat lives in Illinois, and even its existence here is a surprise to many people.
Current Headlines
Be a Trailblazer turns outdoor fun into a family affair
Liz Lyons of New Lenox has turned the Forest Preserve District’s Be a Trailblazer challenge into a fun-filled family tradition. From dancing in the rain to spotting tiny critters on the trail, challenge missions have become cherished memories.
Hybrid turtle 'Theodorable' serves as warning: Don’t dump pets in preserves
A hybrid box turtle was removed from a Will County preserve to protect a threatened species. Now living at Isle a la Cache Museum, he serves as an ambassador to educate the public about the dangers of releasing pet turtles into the wild.