BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG (FOUNDED IN 2017) AND BOOK I knew Winding Creek Conservation Area (8415 Johnson Road, Hebron, IL 60034) was a winner the moment I pulled into its first parking lot. Blue skies reigned overhead, and you could see clear to the horizon in this … Continue reading Visit Winding Creek Conservation Area for Spectacular Skies, Great Hiking, Birdwatching, and Fishing
Dragonflies Galore, Rare Hanging Fens, Great Birdwatching, and Big Skies BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG (FOUNDED IN 2017) AND BOOK Air traffic controllers would probably quit if they had to manage the airspace above 229-acre Lake in the Hills Fen Conservation Area (LHFCA) in McHenry County. As I … Continue reading 5 Great Things About Lake in the Hills Fen Conservation Area
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG Last week, I spent lots of time roaming McHenry County, Illinois. I saw farms . . . and more farms. Big skies. Horses, sheep, and cows. Lots of American flags. And several amazing nature destinations, where I barely saw a soul. This was … Continue reading Kishwaukee Headwaters Conservation Area Offers Great Hiking and Birding and an Excellent Restored Prairie
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG Today is the ninth anniversary of the founding of my blog, Nature in Chicagoland, and I’m so happy to have written more than 300 articles about woods, wetlands, prairies, lakes, and other natural areas in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana. I’m pleased that my … Continue reading Celebrating the Ninth Anniversary of My Blog, Nature in Chicagoland
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” Today is the eighth anniversary of the founding of my blog, “Nature in Chicagoland,” and I’m so happy to have written nearly 300 articles about woods, wetlands, prairies, lakes, and other natural areas in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana. I’m pleased that my articles on … Continue reading Celebrating the Eighth Anniversary of My Blog, Nature in Chicagoland
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG In late September, I spent a morning hiking at the beautiful Marengo Ridge Conservation Area (Entrance: 2411 N. Route 23, Marengo) in McHenry County, Illinois. The sky was bright blue. The temperature was in the mid-70s. There was ample birdsong and the steady … Continue reading 9 Things to Do at Marengo Ridge Conservation Area
Andrew Morkes reflects on the beauty of celestial phenomena experienced from urban spaces like Chicago. He shares his awe for natural wonders such as the Northern Lights and meteor showers while discussing light pollution's impact. Morkes encourages stargazing as a communal, meditative escape from modern stresses, emphasizing community connections through shared experiences.
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG If you’re looking for four-season, outdoor fun in Chicagoland, you should visit Coral Woods Conservation Area (7400 Somerset Drive, Marengo, IL 60152). There are three hiking trails that can be enjoyed in any season at this 808-acre gem in McHenry County. The 1.2-mile … Continue reading Coral Woods Conservation Area: A Splendid Chicagoland Nature Destination in All Seasons
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF "NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND" Today is the seventh anniversary of my blog, "Nature in Chicagoland," and I’m so happy to have written more than 260 articles about woods, wetlands, prairies, lakes, and other natural areas in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana. I’m pleased that my articles on "Nature in … Continue reading Celebrating the Seventh Anniversary of My Blog, Nature in Chicagoland
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF "NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND" I want to thank my "Nature in Chicagoland" readers for visiting my blog in 2023. Last year, my blog received the most reader views and visits in its nearly seven-year history, and I'm grateful to those who take the time to read my stories and … Continue reading Goodbye 2023…Hello 2024!