Looking for an excellent spot for birdwatching, short hikes, fishing, snowshoeing, and other outdoor activities? If so, Rock Run Rookery Preserve (23065 S. Youngs Road, Joliet, IL 60436) is a perfect destination. The 224-acre preserve features 84-acre and 13-acre lakes (which were originally created and used for quarrying), as well as breeding areas (including islands) … Continue reading 7 Things to Do at Rock Run Rookery Preserve
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND I want to thank my Nature in Chicagoland readers for visiting my blog in 2020. In nearly 45 blog posts, I covered everything from buffalo "hunting" at Kankakee Sands; to exploring the remnant prairies that dot Chicagoland's landscape; to 14 of my favorite national parks and other … Continue reading Goodbye (and Good Riddance) 2020…Hello 2021!
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND It's been a challenging year in many ways as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the contentious presidential campaign, and other factors. But amidst the stressful conditions, there have been two constants: my great family and nature. My family has provided support, solace, companionship, … Continue reading 14 Amazing Nature Spots I Visited This Year That Should be on Your Chicagoland “Nature Bucket List”
A great canoeing/kayaking/hiking destination in the Chicago area 40-foot limestone cliffs, a stream, beautiful waterfalls, and a fishing pond–all in a Chicago neighborhood Advice on camping with kids in the time of COVID-19 and beyond A great state park with camping, surf and sand, and much more just two hours north of Chicago An Ice … Continue reading The 7 Most-Popular Stories at Nature in Chicagoland in July 2020
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF "NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND" UPDATED NOVEMBER 2024 Looking for something to do this weekend and beyond? If so, check out these 30+ great places on Chicago’s South Side and in its south and southwest suburbs. I’ve also included Indiana Dunes National Park, one of our nation’s newest national parks, … Continue reading 30+ Great Destinations on Chicago’s South Side and in the Southland to Explore
A great canoeing/kayaking/hiking destination in the Chicago area The wildest place in Cook County Great places to see bison in Chicagoland and beyond 40-foot limestone cliffs, a stream, beautiful waterfalls, and a fishing pond–all in a Chicago neighborhood Rolling hills, deep ravines, and the remnants of the Manhattan Project A great place for a hike … Continue reading The 7 Most-Popular Stories at Nature in Chicagoland in May 2020
Copyright Andrew Morkes BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND I didn't see any raccoons, but I did savor acres and acres of stunning wild geraniums and mayapples during my hike last week at Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve (5851 W. Pauling Road, Monee, IL 60449). This 213-acre Illinois Nature Preserve is a great destination for a … Continue reading Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve: Stunning Spring Wildflowers, a Sun-Dappled Creek, Splendid Fall Colors, and Easy Hiking
Finding peace and enjoying time with my son via neighborhood walks during COVID-19 The wildest place in Cook County 85+ places to visit in the Chicagoland area and beyond A good spot for hiking, running, biking, and otherwise recreating during COVID-19 Great hiking and biking and remnants of the Manhattan Project An interview with one … Continue reading The 7 Most-Popular Stories at Nature in Chicagoland in April 2020
An excellent destination if you're tired of the flat, boring topography of most of Chicagoland A story of three funeral directors (one of whom was my father) 8 places to see bison in Chicagoland and the Midwest My endorsement for commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago The wildest nature destination in … Continue reading The 7 Most-Popular Stories at Nature in Chicagoland in February 2020
BY ANDREW MORKES, AUTHOR & FOUNDER OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND UPDATED OCTOBER 2023 Some are still green. Some are a vivid gold, red, yellow, purple, or orange. Some are flying through the air like happy nature parachutists. And some are already on the ground, ready to be rolled in and jumped on, put in scrapbooks, … Continue reading Now Showing in Your Neighborhood, a Park, or a Forest Preserve Near You: A Fall Color Spectacular