The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A bird flying into a window.
Nature curiosity: Why do birds fly into windows?
2/17/2021Hundreds of millions of birds die every year from flying into windows. We understand why they do this, and there are things you can do at home to prevent it.
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A spider crawling on a bed while a man sleeps.
Myth buster: We don't really swallow eight spiders a year while sleeping
2/15/2021You can sleep soundly tonight knowing that there's no truth to the legend that we swallow eight spiders a year in our sleep.
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A muskrat and a beaver.
What's the difference?: Beaver vs. muskrat
2/7/2021A furry brown critter swimming around in the water can be any of several animals. Learn to tell the difference between two likely suspects.
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A dark-eyed junco squawking.
Love birds? Here are six easy ways you can help them
1/28/2021Our birds are disappearing at an alarming rate. Saving them may seem overwhelming, but there are many simple things you can do at home to help.
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A coyote with mange.
Nature curiosity: What is mange?
1/25/2021Mange is an infection caused by mites and, while the mites themselves are not deadly, animals infected with mange can die if left untreated.
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Three tubes of colorful glitter.
Is glitter affecting our waterways? Yes, according to a study
1/15/2021Adding a little sparkle to your life may have negative effects on our waterways when that sparkle comes in the form of glitter.
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A short-eared owl in flight.
Creature feature: The state-endangered short-eared owl
1/11/2021Short-eared owls are a little different than many of the other owls in Illinois. They are also endangered in our state.
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A red-headed woodpecker in a tree.
Five things to know about those wacky and wonderful woodpeckers
1/10/2021Among birds, woodpeckers stand out for their uniqueness. Learn what sets them apart from other birds.
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A bobcat walking
Creature feature: The elusive bobcat
12/17/2020Bobcats are the most abundant wildcats in the United States, but that doesn't mean you're likely to run into one. These elusive cats are masters at remaining unseen.
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A northern cardinal in a tree
Creature feature: The beloved northern cardinal
12/1/2020The beloved cardinal is one of America's favorite birds. Learn everything about these creatures, from where they live to what they eat to how they got their name.
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.
Wild Science: Rare mussel search in Will County aids DuPage restocking effort
Forest preserve staff from Will and DuPage counties recently searched a Will County creek for rare mussels to support a native species restoration project. The collaboration could help reintroduce the ellipse mussel to DuPage waterways, where it has disappeared.