Forest Preserve's 'Buzz' Nature Show Airs Dec. 30 On Facebook

Take a virtual journey to the islands of Lake Renwick Preserve, view Blanding’s turtles up close and learn some winter bird feeding tips during the December episode of the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s nature show, "The Buzz."

The show will air live on the District’s Facebook page at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30

During the program, host Suzy Lyttle, a Forest Preserve program coordinator, will take viewers on a journey starting with a kayak trip to view the nesting structures on the islands at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve in Plainfield.

The islands are off-limits to humans year-round to let birds nest and raise their young, so this is a unique chance to see the wooden nesting structures built by the Forest Preserve up close. Lyttle will describe the work that went into erecting the structures while she explores the island and the site’s old nests.

Next up, Lyttle will head over to view the District’s batch of baby Blanding’s turtles, which are being raised as part of a regional effort to help this state-endangered species. Forest Preserve program coordinator Jen Guest will describe what it takes to raise the turtles so they can be released into the wild next year, and viewers can watch as she feeds them.

Finally, Lyttle will tour the District’s largest bird feeding station and Bob Bryerton, a Forest Preserve program coordinator, will share his tips on what works best to attract birds in the winter. Now that temperatures have dropped, feeding birds can provide countless hours of fun bird-watching activities from the warmth of your home.

If you miss the program’s live broadcast, don't worry. Episodes of "The Buzz" are available for viewing later via the Forest Preserve’s Facebook and YouTube pages and on local cable stations in Joliet, Naperville, New Lenox, Romeoville and Tinley Park.

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