A Conservation Success Story and a Fun Place to Enjoy Nature, Learn, and Relax on the Chicago River BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG (FOUNDED IN 2017) AND BOOK Chicago once turned its back on the polluted Chicago River, but that has changed in the past several decades as … Continue reading Exploring The Wild Mile: Chicago’s Floating Eco-Park
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG AND BOOK BREAKING NEWS: A small, but beautiful, nature spot, is hiding in plain sight just off U.S. Route 14 in Harvard, Illinois. I’ve traveled north on U.S. 14 to Walworth, Wisconsin, for Thanksgiving and other holidays for decades, but I never noticed … Continue reading Visit Beautiful Gateway Nature Park in McHenry County, Illinois, to Hike, Go Birding, and See a 350-Year-Old Bur Oak
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG AND BOOK Nearly two weeks ago, I decided to take a break from my professional writing, editing, and project management duties to wander McHenry County, Illinois. I saw farms . . . and more farms. And more farms. Big skies. Horses, sheep, and … Continue reading Hennen Conservation Area in McHenry County, Illinois, Offers Great Birding and Relaxing Hiking
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG Last week, I spent lots of time roaming McHenry County, Illinois. I saw farms . . . and more farms. Big skies. Horses, sheep, and cows. Lots of American flags. And several amazing nature destinations, where I barely saw a soul. This was … Continue reading Kishwaukee Headwaters Conservation Area Offers Great Hiking and Birding and an Excellent Restored Prairie
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG I’m taking a break from nature stories to celebrate the life of talented musician Glen Hansard, who passed away suddenly yesterday morning. Look for new nature in Chicagoland stories coming soon. Hansard performs in Utrecht, The Netherlands, on May, 2, 2026. Beloved musician Glen … Continue reading Thoughts on the Life of Glen Hansard, the Conveyor Belt of Life, and the Urge to Capture Time
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND" BLOG I'm taking a break from nature stories to rememember my mom on her birthday (her 2025 birthday was her last one). Look for new nature in Chicagoland stories coming soon. We couldn’t make my mom walk again. We couldn’t restore her overall health, which … Continue reading 2025: Celebrating My Mom’s Last Birthday
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG Approximately 1,000 years ago, small groups from the Mississippian Native American culture headed north from their home in Cahokia, which was located across the Mississippi River from the current city of St. Louis, Missouri. At its zenith, Cahokia had a population of more … Continue reading Wapello Land & Water Reserve Offers a Glimpse of 1,000-Year-Old Native American History and Great Hiking Amidst a Beautiful Prairie Restoration
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG Last week, my friend Dave and I visited 242-acre Heron Creek Forest Preserve (22890 N. Old McHenry Road, Lake Zurich, IL 60047) in Lake County to hike and do a little birdwatching after hiking earlier in the day at the splendid Reed-Turner Woodland down … Continue reading Heron Creek Forest Preserve Offers Great Hiking, Biking, Picnicking, Birdwatching, and a Cool Kids Playground
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG Horner Park is like many Chicago city parks—and then it isn’t, and that’s good news for nature lovers. According to the Chicago Park District, it has nine softball fields, a football/soccer field, three senior baseball diamonds with night baseball on two diamonds, four outdoor … Continue reading 6 Things to Do at Horner Park Natural Area on Chicago’s North Side
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG In late March, I completed six short hikes in five days (totaling about 15 miles) in the Driftless Region in northwestern Illinois and southwestern Wisconsin. My son came for a few hikes, my wife joined us for one trail adventure, and I was solo … Continue reading Visit Sardeson Forest Preserve in the Driftless Region for Great Views, Challenging Hiking, and Good Birding