BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND My high school classmate, Matt Lignell, died suddenly of a massive heart attack on New Year’s Eve after making dinner for his mom. Matt and I attended Luther High School South together (Class of 87), and we remained casual friends into our early 20s. What shocking and … Continue reading Remembering Matt Lignell
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND The Chicago metropolitan area (as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau) consists of nearly 11,000 square miles. In this vast area, there are a plethora of awe-inspiring nature destinations. There is Lake Michigan, our vast inland sea, which offers an amazing interplay of sky and … Continue reading New Book Shows That You Don’t Need a Car to Enjoy Chicagoland Nature
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND UPDATED OCTOBER 2024 A ghost horse emerging from the waters of a stagnant pond near the cemetery’s entrance. A phantom farm house that grows smaller and then gradually disappears if you approach it. A blue flashing light that races down the footpath to the cemetery … Continue reading Visit Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery Not Only for Spooks and Scares, But Also For Its Rich Local History
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND If you’re looking for holiday stocking stuffers, consider the following nature- or Chicagoland-oriented calendar and books. My friend TED GLASOE, an environmental advocate and an award-winning nature photographer and a champion of protecting Lake Michigan, offers a 2021 calendar and photographic prints that feature breathtaking images of our … Continue reading A Lake Michigan Calendar, Books Spotlighting Iconic Chicago Scenes and Destinations, and Nature Books to Fill Your Holiday Stockings
A story about the migration of tens of thousands of sandhill cranes; you can view this great Midwestern migration for the next few weeks. A Chicago city park that features 154 acres of native marsh and wet prairie habitat, great birdwatching, and easy hiking trails Nearly 22 acres of restored woodlands, wetlands, and a pond … Continue reading The 7 Most-Popular Stories at Nature in Chicagoland in November 2020
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND I love dragonflies. They’re beautiful, colorful, and diverse—and great for our area's ecosystems. Did you know that there are nearly 310 species of dragonflies in North America alone? Dragonflies are master aviators despite spending most of their lives as larvae in the water. Seeing a … Continue reading Author Discusses the Joys of Dragonflies and Damselflies
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF "NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND" UPDATED JUNE 2024 Surrounded by steel processing plants and busy railroad lines and roads lies a place of wild beauty and an oasis for migrating great egrets, double crested cormorants, and little blue herons, among many other birds. Park No. 565 is a Chicago city … Continue reading Indian Ridge Marsh Park: A Bird Haven and a Story of Environmental Rebirth
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”
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND Eira Corral Sepúlveda is running for election to the board of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) of Greater Chicago. I think the average person takes the MWRD for granted, but it plays a major role in treating wastewater, reducing flooding (increasingly important as Illinois’ climate becomes wetter due … Continue reading Meet Eira Corral Sepúlveda: A Strong Candidate for Election to the Board of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND What is the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) of Greater Chicago, and why is it important to me? The MWRD plays a major role in treating wastewater, reducing flooding (increasingly important as Illinois’ climate becomes wetter due to global climate change), and reducing the amount of stormwater (which … Continue reading Meet Cam Davis: A Strong Candidate for Re-election to the Board of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago