BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve is an amazing spot that features rolling hills, Native American mounds (including the only thunderbird effigy mound in Illinois), great birdwatching, and stunning views of the Mississippi River and its backwaters (known as the Harris Slough). It’s located … Continue reading 5 Things to Do at Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve
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” 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 & AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG UPDATED AUGUST 2025 To many, a visit to Galena, Illinois, means shopping, restaurants, and ice cream on the historic town’s beautiful main street. Visitors revel in the packed streets, stores, and restaurants in high-summer or on crisp fall weekends. While I certainly … Continue reading 7 Things to Do at Horseshoe Mound Preserve in the Driftless Region
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
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 AND AUTHOR OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND Summer officially began at 9:58 A.M. this morning, although I'm sure you've been enjoying our beautiful weather for awhile. But, despite global climate change, summer remains short in Chicagoland. In just a few months, our kids will be back in school, and a month or … Continue reading 17 Things to Do Outdoors in Chicagoland This Summer
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” UPDATED August 2025 The Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation and the Galena Area Land Enthusiasts are the official managers of stunning Galena Gateway Park (9300 W. Powder House Hill Road, Galena, IL 61036). But when I visited last week, the red-winged blackbirds were firmly in charge—especially … Continue reading Galena Gateway Park: Amazing Views of a Historic Town, Great Hiking, and Excellent Wildflower and Bird Viewing
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG UPDATED 5/21/26 Have you ever visited a national park, monument, or other National Park Service (NPS) property? If not, now is a great time to start. According to the NPS, “the National Park System covers more than 85 million acres and is comprised of … Continue reading 6 National Park Service Destinations Within 0 to 220 Miles of Chicago