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 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
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
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
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