BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG AND BOOK Jessica Sedgwick and her son Selden at Indiana Dunes Exploring natural areas in the Chicago area is fun in itself, given the wide range of our natural habitats (e.g., prairies, forests, canyons, lakes, rivers). But, it's even better when you can … Continue reading Co-author of Beer Hiking Chicago Discusses Great Nature and Hops Spots
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG Only a small percentage of Forest Preserves of Cook County land is located within the city limits of Chicago, and Dan Ryan Woods on the city's South Side is one of these properties. For more than a century, it’s been a popular place for … Continue reading Dan Ryan Woods: Urban Opportunities for Hiking, Biking, Picnicking, Fitness, and Winter Fun–Plus 20 Places to Hang Out in Beverly After Your Visit
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG In case you missed them, these were the seven most-popular articles last month at my blog, Nature in Chicagoland, as selected by my readers. Here is the list of top articles. Click on the link below to access the articles. 1. More Than 20 Indoor … Continue reading The 7 Most-Popular Stories at Nature in Chicagoland in January 2026
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG I love photography and took a gazillion photos last year. Okay, I don’t have a firm number but take my word for it that I took MANY photos—of nature, family, friends, concerts, bars, bands, cool architecture, art, historical spots, you name it. I’m sure most … Continue reading My Favorite 32 Photos That I Took Last Year
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG If you’re looking for great hiking, biking, birdwatching, and wide-open spaces, than Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve in Deer Park, Illinois, is the spot for you. I visited Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve on a sunny, late-September day with unseasonable temperatures in the high 80s. The … Continue reading 7 Things to Do at Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG I want to thank my “Nature in Chicagoland” readers for visiting my blog in 2025. I’m grateful to those who take the time to read my stories and correspond with me about nature in Chicagoland. I continue to love writing this blog (which I've … Continue reading Goodbye 2025…Hello 2026!
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF THE "NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND" BLOG I wrote many stories about nature destinations in 2025, but I also explored other topics that were near and dear to my heart including writing about family memories and losses, interviewing talented writers and singers, and celebrating the life of Cubs legend Ryne … Continue reading The Most-Popular Non-Nature Stories at My “Nature in Chicagoland Blog” in 2025
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG I'm taking a break from nature to spotlight one of my favorite books of 2025 and present an interview with its author, Orla Mackey. More articles about nature in Chicagoland (including Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve, Markham-Gensburg Prairie, and Garfield Park Conservatory) coming soon. Small towns … Continue reading Interview/Book Review: Orla Mackey’s “Mouthing” Provides a Witty and Thoughtful Look at a Rural Irish Community
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG They say that life is one big circle. But with the Chicagoland area being so vast, with a population of more than 9.2 million people, I sometimes doubt that. So who would’ve thought that I’d be hiking with my sixth-grade teacher (1980–81) nearly 45 years … Continue reading Visit Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm for Great Hiking and Birdwatching, Fun Activities for Kids, and to Discover the Area’s German Heritage
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG Sometimes the quest is part of the fun--as long as you're with someone whom you love, eat two Burger King chicken sandwiches each, have hot chocolate ready in thermoses, and have the hope of late night milkshakes (which ended up not happening). The night started … Continue reading Sometimes the Quest is Part of the Fun: Thoughts on Chasing the Northern Lights