Forest Preserve Nature Show - ‘The Buzz’ - Debuts July 29

The Forest Preserve District of Will County is rolling out a new online program that will keep you up to date on all of the latest Forest Preserve District nature news.

“The Buzz” will debut at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, on the District’s Facebook page. Future episodes will be posted on the last Wednesday of the month and they will be available on the District’s YouTube page as well.

The monthly program also will be carried on local cable television channels in New Lenox, Romeoville and Tinley Park, for starters, and possibly on other stations as the months progress.

Interpretive naturalist Suzy Lyttle will host the show, and she will be traveling around the county highlighting different aspects of the preserves, including wildlife, recreational opportunities, history and restoration efforts.

"I am so thrilled about this new project," Lyttle said of her new role. "I hope you all take the adventure with me as we explore the forest preserves of Will County!"

Each "Buzz" program will be 22 minutes long and will feature four to six separate segments. The first episode will include segments on Snapper Pond at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, the recent Hine’s emerald dragonfly larvae release at Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve and the wide variety of birds nesting at Lake Renwick Preserve.

"I really want to share everything nature has to offer," Lyttle said. "I hope to spark curiosity in viewers by teaching new fun facts or highlighting a trail they may not have visited before. And maybe, just maybe, they will learn to love an animal they never thought they would!"

For instance, Lyttle said she will educate people about snakes and all they offer to the environment, and even the "gooey" eating habits of eagles as they rip their prey apart, something she viewed while scouting out the Lake Renwick video shoot.

"I was so giddy to be able to see this circle of life play out in front of my eyes," Lyttle said.

For the past several years, the Forest Preserve has produced a wide range of videos, from beehive basics and underwater excursions to kayaking in the preserves and close-up views of a bald eagle nest. A series of "Don't Be A Jerk" videos included in a Forest Preserve marketing effort recently won a national award.

“Our videos have been extremely popular and launching a bigger project like this is a logical next step for us to take things to a higher level,” said Chad Merda, the District’s digital communications manager. “Most of our videos are short, but a program like this allows us to dig a little deeper into many of the topics we already know people have a strong interest in."

Members of the public have been saying "keep them coming," in regards to the videos, said Laura Kiran, the District's director of marketing and communications.

"So this is yet another way to give the public more of what it enjoys, not only in an extended format but also, by offering these videos on some of the local television stations, through other media," she said.

For more information on the Forest Preserve District of Will County, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.