BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG Today is the ninth anniversary of the founding of my blog, Nature in Chicagoland, and I’m so happy to have written more than 300 articles about woods, wetlands, prairies, lakes, and other natural areas in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana. I’m pleased that my … Continue reading Celebrating the Ninth Anniversary of My Blog, Nature in Chicagoland
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. Click on the link below to access the articles. 1. Sixteen South Chicagoland Nature Wonders: Great Destinations on the South Side … Continue reading The 7 Most-Popular Stories at My Nature in Chicagoland Blog in February 2026
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” Today is the eighth anniversary of the founding of my blog, “Nature in Chicagoland,” and I’m so happy to have written nearly 300 articles about woods, wetlands, prairies, lakes, and other natural areas in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana. I’m pleased that my articles on … Continue reading Celebrating the Eighth Anniversary of My Blog, Nature in Chicagoland
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 2024. Last year, my blog received the most reader views (nearly 22,000) and visitors in its nearly eight-year history. I’m grateful to those who take the time to read my … Continue reading Goodbye 2024…Hello 2025!
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF "NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND" BLOG One month ago yesterday, I picked the last of the tomatoes, beans, and peppers, as well as dug up our sweet potatoes in our city garden. The winter chill came for a bit after that, but with the exception of one brief snow, Chicagoland … Continue reading Reflections on My First Snowy Hike of the Season and 12 Tips for Winter Hiking
Andrew Morkes reflects on the beauty of celestial phenomena experienced from urban spaces like Chicago. He shares his awe for natural wonders such as the Northern Lights and meteor showers while discussing light pollution's impact. Morkes encourages stargazing as a communal, meditative escape from modern stresses, emphasizing community connections through shared experiences.
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG South Shore Nature Sanctuary (7059 S. South Shore Drive, 60649), which is located at the historic South Shore Cultural Center (a pretty amazing place in itself), features six acres of dunes, wetlands, a woodland, prairie, pond, savanna, and shrubland habitats. There are many things to … Continue reading 6 Things to Do at South Shore Nature Sanctuary
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
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF "NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND" I want to thank my "Nature in Chicagoland" readers for visiting my blog in 2023. Last year, my blog received the most reader views and visits in its nearly seven-year history, and I'm grateful to those who take the time to read my stories and … Continue reading Goodbye 2023…Hello 2024!