Will County Forest Preserve's Nature Show Wins National Award

BOLINGBROOK, IL — Will County Forest Preserve District’s nature show, "The Buzz," won a national award, officials announced Wednesday.

The National Association of County Parks and Recreation Officials recognized the monthly show, which debuted a year ago this month, as part of its marketing and communication division of the awards program.

Forest preserve officials said the award committee was impressed with the quality and humor of "The Buzz," citing its "laid back approach to education and information."

Suzy Lyttle, a forest preserve program coordinator and the show's host, said in a statement that working on the show is a "true adventure" that allows her to share her favorite forest preserve finds with the show's viewers.

"Turning a spark of an idea, to a script, to a show each month, and now celebrating a national award," Lyttle said. "I still don’t think it has fully sunk in that we won, not just for the state but against entries from across the country."

Ralph Schultz, the forest preserve's executive director, said in a statement that the show "vividly depicts" how the forest preserve district protects wildlife in the county, which is the core to their mission.

"Each episode peeks into different corners of our ecosystem to educate, entertain and inspire members of the public to appreciate nature," he said. "We are very proud of this award and of the work we do."

"The Buzz" airs on the forest preserve district's Facebook and YouTube pages at 8:30 p.m. on the last Wednesday of each month. The show also airs on cable stations in Joliet, Naperville, New Lenox, Romeoville and Tinley Park.