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 “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 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” I'm taking a break from writing about nature in Chicagoland to celebrate the life of Ryne Sandberg, one of baseball's greats who passed away yesterday. More nature stories coming soon. Ryne Sandberg passed away at the age of 65 yesterday after battling prostate cancer for … Continue reading A Few Thoughts to Celebrate the Life of Ryne Sandberg
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'm taking a break from nature in Chicagoland today to share some memories of growing up next to the Metra Rock Island railroad tracks in Beverly Hills/Morgan Park on the far South Side of Chicago in the 1980s. More nature stories coming soon! Some kids … Continue reading 1980s Metra Train Memories: Exploring the “Jungle,” Crushing Pennies, and Receiving a Surprise from the Engineer
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND I wrote many stories about nature destinations in 2024, but I also explored other topics that were near and dear to my heart including writing about family memories, sharing feedback from a first-time trip to Iceland (that article is actually a nature/culture/travelogue combo), contemplating the … Continue reading The Most-Popular Non-Nature Stories at Nature in Chicagoland in 2024
Andrew Morkes reminisces about his childhood tree house built by his father in Beverly, Chicago, highlighting joyful memories of play and family bonding. He reflects on the passage of time, the dismantling of the tree house, and the enduring presence of his mother. The narrative evokes nostalgia for a simpler, happier era.
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