BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF "NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND" BLOG One month ago yesterday, I picked the last of the tomatoes, beans, and peppers, as well as dug up our sweet potatoes in our city garden. The winter chill came for a bit after that, but with the exception of one brief snow, Chicagoland … Continue reading Reflections on My First Snowy Hike of the Season and 12 Tips for Winter Hiking
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG The world is on fire on Earth, but it doesn’t seem so from 250 miles above in space if you’re an astronaut. At least if you’re one of the six astronauts from America, Russia, Italy, Britain, and Japan on the space station in … Continue reading “Orbital” Celebrates Nature, the Earth, and the Wonders of Spaceflight and Being Human in a Tough and Challenging Time
Andrew Morkes reminisces about his childhood tree house built by his father in Beverly, Chicago, highlighting joyful memories of play and family bonding. He reflects on the passage of time, the dismantling of the tree house, and the enduring presence of his mother. The narrative evokes nostalgia for a simpler, happier era.
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 & AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG Crabtree Nature Center (3 Stover Road, Barrington, IL 60010 Phone 847-381-6592) is one of six nature centers that are operated by Forest Preserves of Cook County. We’re lucky to have such beautiful nature centers in Cook County. They provide access to hiking trails, … Continue reading Visit Crabtree Nature Center to Enjoy Top-Notch Hiking Trails, an Outdoor Play Area for Kids, and a Beautiful Nature Center
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2025 It’s hard to believe that 24 years have passed since the terrible events of September 11, 2001. At the time, I was working as a managing editor at Ferguson Publishing Company in downtown Chicago. My now wife Amy and I … Continue reading Journal Entries Provide a Look Back at 9/11 . . . and the Soothing Power of Nature
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG South Shore Nature Sanctuary (7059 S. South Shore Drive, 60649), which is located at the historic South Shore Cultural Center (a pretty amazing place in itself), features six acres of dunes, wetlands, a woodland, prairie, pond, savanna, and shrubland habitats. There are many things to … Continue reading 6 Things to Do at South Shore Nature Sanctuary
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG UPDATED AUGUST 2025 To many, a visit to Galena, Illinois, means shopping, restaurants, and ice cream on the historic town’s beautiful main street. Visitors revel in the packed streets, stores, and restaurants in high-summer or on crisp fall weekends. While I certainly … Continue reading 7 Things to Do at Horseshoe Mound Preserve in the Driftless Region