BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG For years, a friend of mine suggested that I visit Anderson Japanese Gardens (318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford IL 61107, 815-229-9390) in her hometown of Rockford, Illinois—and I finally took her advice. After visiting in mid-July, I’m sorry that I didn’t heed her … Continue reading Visit Anderson Japanese Gardens for Peace, Beauty, Waterfalls, and Stunning Landscape Design
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG If you’re looking for a vast, often-wild area (2,503 acres) to explore near Chicago, Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve (in Darien, illinois) is the perfect destination. This site is popular with hikers, runners, bicyclists, and other outdoor enthusiasts, but it is so large (and … Continue reading Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve: 8 Things to Do at This Biodiversity Hotspot
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG The Midwest is often viewed as flyover territory by East and West Coast elites. They think: “Flat, boring, miles and miles of farmland.” In short, “nothing to see or learn about.” But Midwesterners who love nature know better. They know that the ecosystems … Continue reading Author and Professor Discusses His New Book, “Midwest Bedrock: The Search for Nature’s Soul in America’s Heartland”
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG Life equals change, but several developments lately have reinforced that fact. A few thoughts on these transitions. Cicadas In the last two weeks, the 17-year Brood XIII has emerged in backyards, parks, forest preserves, and other areas across Chicagoland. But its presence … Continue reading Transitions: On Cicadas, Running 5Ks Slowly, the American Flag, and Walking My Son to School for the Last Time
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG UPDATED NOVEMBER 2024 I'M TAKING A BREAK FROM NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND TO SHARE SOME STORIES ABOUT OUR RECENT TRIP TO ICELAND; MORE CHICAGOLAND NATURE STORIES COMING SOON A few quick answers to questions I’ve been asked since I returned from our early-April trip … Continue reading 12 Great Destinations on Iceland’s South Coast and 26 Things You Should Know About This Magical Country Before Your First Trip
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG UPDATED AUGUST 2025 Looking for an adventure just 2.5 hours from Chicago? If so, check out Witkowsky State Wildlife Area, a 1,000-acre natural area that is located in far northwest Illinois in the Driftless Region. It’s just nine miles southeast of the historic … Continue reading 6 Things to Do at Witkowsky State Wildlife Area
Andrew Morkes shares his experiences hiking at Willow Springs Woods, highlighting its natural beauty through changing seasons. He describes the flora and fauna encountered during his visits, emphasizing the importance of restoration efforts. Morkes encourages others to explore this natural preserve and its connections to the broader Palos Trail System.
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” If you live in Illinois or another Midwest agricultural state, you’ve probably zoomed by flooded farm fields in the spring or fall on an interstate highway without giving them much thought. But Fluddles, filmmaker and blogger Bob Dolgan’s new film, demonstrates their importance—especially in a … Continue reading Birding Blogger and Filmmaker Releases “Fluddles”—a Must-See Documentary
INTERVIEW BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG Dr. Carl Strang is the author of Singing Insects of the Chicago Region: A Guide to Crickets, Katydids, Grasshoppers and Cicadas with Audible Displays and the author of the blog, “Nature Inquiries," which he has written and updated since 2008. He has a … Continue reading Author of “Singing Insects of the Chicago Region” Discusses His Book, Blog, and the Upcoming Massive Cicada Emergence in Illinois
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF "NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND" Today is the seventh anniversary of my blog, "Nature in Chicagoland," and I’m so happy to have written more than 260 articles about woods, wetlands, prairies, lakes, and other natural areas in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana. I’m pleased that my articles on "Nature in … Continue reading Celebrating the Seventh Anniversary of My Blog, Nature in Chicagoland