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
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG For years, a friend of mine suggested that I visit Anderson Japanese Gardens (318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford IL 61107, 815-229-9390) in her hometown of Rockford, Illinois—and I finally took her advice. After visiting in mid-July, I’m sorry that I didn’t heed her … Continue reading Visit Anderson Japanese Gardens for Peace, Beauty, Waterfalls, and Stunning Landscape Design
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG Life equals change, but several developments lately have reinforced that fact. A few thoughts on these transitions. Cicadas In the last two weeks, the 17-year Brood XIII has emerged in backyards, parks, forest preserves, and other areas across Chicagoland. But its presence … Continue reading Transitions: On Cicadas, Running 5Ks Slowly, the American Flag, and Walking My Son to School for the Last Time
Andrew Morkes shares his experiences hiking at Willow Springs Woods, highlighting its natural beauty through changing seasons. He describes the flora and fauna encountered during his visits, emphasizing the importance of restoration efforts. Morkes encourages others to explore this natural preserve and its connections to the broader Palos Trail System.
INTERVIEW BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG Dr. Carl Strang is the author of Singing Insects of the Chicago Region: A Guide to Crickets, Katydids, Grasshoppers and Cicadas with Audible Displays and the author of the blog, “Nature Inquiries," which he has written and updated since 2008. He has a … Continue reading Author of “Singing Insects of the Chicago Region” Discusses His Book, Blog, and the Upcoming Massive Cicada Emergence in Illinois
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” What is the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) of Greater Chicago, and why should it matter to you? The MWRD plays a major role in treating wastewater, reducing flooding (increasingly important as Illinois’ climate becomes wetter due to global climate change), and reducing the amount of … Continue reading Vote for Daniel Pogorzelski for Re-election to the Board of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
An appreciation of weather forecasting legend Tom Skilling on the day of his retirement. Six Reasons Why I’ll Miss This Chicago Weather Icon.
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” Have you ever driven by a nearby nature center year-after-year without ever visiting? I have. But last month, I finally turned left rather than went straight and, within minutes, I was pulling into Emily Oaks Nature Center in Skokie, Illinois, on a sunny, blue-sky day … Continue reading 8 Things to Do at Emily Oaks Nature Center
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!