BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG (FOUNDED IN 2017) AND BOOK I am pleased that six of my photographs were included in the Beverly Area Arts Alliance's 2026 Beverly Art Walk. I grew up in Beverly/Morgan Park on Chicago's South Side, lived there till I was 31, and still … Continue reading Essays and Photographs From My Exhibit at the Beverly Art Walk
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG I’m taking a break from nature stories to celebrate the life of talented musician Glen Hansard, who passed away suddenly yesterday morning. Look for new nature in Chicagoland stories coming soon. Hansard performs in Utrecht, The Netherlands, on May, 2, 2026. Beloved musician Glen … Continue reading Thoughts on the Life of Glen Hansard, the Conveyor Belt of Life, and the Urge to Capture Time
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 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” BLOG I'm taking a break from nature to spotlight one of my favorite books of 2025 and present an interview with its author, Orla Mackey. More articles about nature in Chicagoland (including Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve, Markham-Gensburg Prairie, and Garfield Park Conservatory) coming soon. Small towns … Continue reading Interview/Book Review: Orla Mackey’s “Mouthing” Provides a Witty and Thoughtful Look at a Rural Irish Community