BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND A prairie and a nature preserve in the middle of an urban neighborhood? I wasn’t expecting much as I drove through blocks and blocks of homes. I passed kids playing in front yards, people unpacking groceries from their cars, and others cutting their grass. But … Continue reading Burnham Prairie Nature Preserve: A Birdwatching Hotspot
A beautiful fall hiking destination with easy trails and diverse ecosystems A Nature Conservancy gem in Northern Indiana that features prairies, oak forests, and bison Ghost stories of Chicago’s southwest suburbs and my own ghost story Great destinations on Chicago’s South Side and in the Southland to check out this weekend and beyond Nearly 22 … Continue reading The 7 Most-Popular Stories at Nature in Chicagoland in September 2020
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND There is nothing like hiking on a prairie or through a dense forest without seeing nearly another soul for 4+ hours. And that is what I experienced last week when I visited Kankakee Sands on a sunny, humid day in the high-80s. This stunning natural … Continue reading Kankakee Sands: Bison Hunting, Wide Open Spaces, and Great Hiking
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 & AUTHOR OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND Let me answer the question that many people have asked me lately: Would you take your son camping in this time of COVID-19? My answer: yes, if I can respond yes to the following questions: Are the current COVID-19 conditions in the area where I … Continue reading Tips for Camping With Kids During and After the Time of COVID-19
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
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND Willa Cather, one of my favorite authors, once described the Midwest (especially Nebraska) as a “Sea of Grass.” But farms, miles of pavement, and cities and suburbs have replaced much of this vast ecosystem. This is especially true in Illinois, which is misleadingly known as the “Prairie … Continue reading Belmont Prairie and More Than 25 Other Prairies in Chicagoland to Visit and Enjoy
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