Land Conservancy of McHenry County - Nature in Chicagoland

Visit Beautiful Gateway Nature Park in McHenry County, Illinois, to Hike, Go Birding, and See a 350-Year-Old Bur Oak

September 5, 2026 by anders458, posted in Uncategorized, birdwatching, fall colors, hiking, Illinois, kids activities, Land Conservancy of McHenry County, local history, prairies, spring wildflowers, volunteering, winter activities

BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG AND BOOK BREAKING NEWS: A small, but beautiful, nature spot, is hiding in plain sight just off U.S. Route 14 in Harvard, Illinois. I’ve traveled north on U.S. 14 to Walworth, Wisconsin, for Thanksgiving and other holidays for decades, but I never noticed … Continue reading Visit Beautiful Gateway Nature Park in McHenry County, Illinois, to Hike, Go Birding, and See a 350-Year-Old Bur Oak

Hennen Conservation Area in McHenry County, Illinois, Offers Great Birding and Relaxing Hiking

August 31, 2026 by anders458, posted in Uncategorized, birdwatching, conservation, fall colors, hiking, Illinois, kids activities, Land Conservancy of McHenry County, prairies, spring wildflowers, volunteering, winter activities

BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG AND BOOK Nearly two weeks ago, I decided to take a break from my professional writing, editing, and project management duties to wander McHenry County, Illinois. I saw farms . . . and more farms. And more farms. Big skies. Horses, sheep, and … Continue reading Hennen Conservation Area in McHenry County, Illinois, Offers Great Birding and Relaxing Hiking

Welcome to my blog. Nature in Chicagoland covers the joy of nature—whether it's in a forest preserve or state or national park or just in a local park or your own backyard. It also covers meteorology; geology; astronomy; environmental restoration, protection, and sustainability; local history; and nearby colleges and universities that offer environmental-related majors. In my definition, "Chicagoland" consists of Chicago, its suburbs, and any natural destination that's within a day's drive of our great city. Thanks for reading.