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
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
An appreciation of weather forecasting legend Tom Skilling on the day of his retirement. Six Reasons Why I’ll Miss This Chicago Weather Icon.
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND I wrote many stories about nature destinations in 2023, but I also explored other topics that were near and dear to my heart including writing about the artistic achievements of my friend Dave Fode (who passed away suddenly in 2022), paying tribute to a beloved … Continue reading The Most-Popular Non-Nature Stories at Nature in Chicagoland in 2023
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF THE "NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND" BLOG UPDATED DECEMBER 2025 Need some ideas for holiday stocking stuffers? If so, this article provides some great suggestions. Over the years at my "Nature in Chicagoland" blog, I’ve had the chance to interview several authors about nature (including tallgrass prairies and dragonflies) and … Continue reading Books Make Perfect Stocking Stuffers: Here Are 40+ Suggestions—Ranging From Chicago Area Nature and Cultural Spots to Fiction, Music, Radio, and History
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND Steve & Garry. Kevin Matthews and Jim Shorts. Jonathon Brandmeier and Buzz Kilman. If reading these names makes you smile and recall great radio memories from the 1980s and 1990s, than you’ll want to read The Loop Files: An Oral History of the Most Outrageous … Continue reading “The Loop Files” Tells the Inside Story of a Groundbreaking Chicago Radio Station
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND Perhaps you two were the shy, but creative, wallflower kids at the grade school dance who ended up starring in Rent as grownups. Maybe you were there all summer, and I just missed you amidst the other blooms. However or “why-ever” you got here, … Continue reading An Appreciation of the Last Two Native Flowers in My Yard
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND I'm taking a break from nature stories to write about a great memoir by Michael McDermott, one of my favorite singer-songwriters. More nature coming soon. Singer-songwriter Michael McDermott should be a dead man based on his stories of rampant drug and alcohol abuse in his … Continue reading Michael McDermott’s Memoir, Scars From Another Life, Tells the Story of His Addiction and Redemption
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND This is a story of the strange and wonderful ways in which humans sometimes connect with urban wildlife. In the last month or so, a robin began visiting our backyard and became a ubiquitous presence in our daily life. Our backyard has many native plants, … Continue reading In Praise of Our Backyard Robin: A Requiem for a Beloved Neighbor