BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG I’m taking a quick break from nature in Chicagoland to celebrate the life of Peanut, one of our family guinea pigs, who passed away this week. More articles about nature in Chicagoland coming soon. Our guinea pig, Peanut, died yesterday evening after a short … Continue reading Remembering Peanut
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 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” Regular readers of my Nature in Chicagoland blog might have noticed that I've been a bit quiet for the last year or so. Work and personal health challenges sometimes get in the way of getting out in and writing about the great outdoors. But the … Continue reading Celebrating the Life of My Mom: A Talented Gardener, All-Star Baker, and Avid Letter Writer—and an All-Around Wonderful Lady
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” My father was my best friend and, despite that, sometimes I find it hard to convey my feelings about him, as well as paint a picture of his personality, in writing. Perhaps these seven stories will do the trick. 1. My father had a great … Continue reading 7 Stories About My Dad on Father’s Day
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 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