The buzz
All Buzz Articles
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A deer in the snow.
Nature curiosity: How do deer stay warm in winter?
2/17/2025Deer can't escape the cold during a long, harsh winter, so how do they survive? They rely on a combination of adaptations and behavioral changes to make it through the cold winter months.
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A partially frozen stream in a snowy landscape.
Why is the world so quiet when it snows? The science behind the silence
2/12/2025It's not just a myth that the world seems more quiet after a snowfall. There's science behind the silence.
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A side-by-side comparison of a gray fox and a red fox.
What's the difference?: Red fox vs. gray fox
2/10/2025Illinois is home to two fox species, the red fox and the gray fox, and telling the difference between them isn't always as easy as looking at the color of their fur.
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A snowy owl standing on the snow-covered ground with snowy trees in the background.
Quiz: How savvy are you about snowy owls?
2/9/2025Take this quiz to see how much you know about this treasured species.
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Sparkling snow on the ground.
Nature curiosity: Why does some snow sparkle?
2/6/2025Have you ever noticed that some snow is particularly sparkly or glittery? Scientists call it "snow sparkle," an effect caused by sunlight reflecting off ice crystals in the snow.
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A turtle with a muddy shell sitting on a log in the water.
Nature curiosity: Why and how do turtles breathe with their butts?
2/5/2025How do turtles breathe while they are underwater all winter? Through their butts, so to speak.
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Heavy snow falling on a snow-covered trail lined by trees.
What's the difference?: Blizzard vs. snowstorm
2/4/2025Snowstorms are often anticipated for days ahead of their arrival, but when does a snowstorm become a blizzard?
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Canada geese swimming in the water with steam rising up from the water.
Nature curiosity: What is the polar vortex?
2/4/2025When winter temperatures get really cold, the polar vortex is to blame. But what, exactly, is the polar vortex and why does it sometimes affect our weather.
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Quiz: What animal is this?
2/3/2025Think you know our local wildlife? Prove it with this 10-question quiz.
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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.
Current Headlines
Half-price dog park permits go on sale July 1
Half-price dog park permits will be available for purchase starting July 1 online and at Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. The permits can be used at all six Forest Preserve dog parks through the end of 2025.
Volunteer opportunities abound in the preserves this summer
The Forest Preserve District is offering a variety of short-term volunteer opportunities this summer, from hands-on habitat restoration to helping at public programs and events. With limited space and high demand, early registration is encouraged.