Andrew Morkes
@naturechicagoland.bsky.social
Author of Nature in Chicagoland blog (https://natureinchicago.com)/book, They Teach That in College!?, Detecting Misinformation on Social Media & other titles. Nature lover/hiking enthusiast. Writer/Editor/Project Manager/Founder of College & Career Press
If you're looking for suggestions on what to do outdoors this weekend, check out the This Weekend section of my blog, Nature in Chicagoland, which spotlights 150+ popular and off-the-beaten path destinations to check out. Destinations are organized by county. #chicago #nature #lakemichigan #forests
Where to Go This Weekend - Nature in Chicagoland
Looking for some nature, hiking, history, camping, and/or activities for kids or for yourself in the Chicagoland area and beyond? If so, here are more than
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December 18, 2025 at 3:05 PM
If you're looking for suggestions on what to do outdoors this weekend, check out the This Weekend section of my blog, Nature in Chicagoland, which spotlights 150+ popular and off-the-beaten path destinations to check out. Destinations are organized by county. #chicago #nature #lakemichigan #forests
Books Make Perfect Stocking Stuffers: Here Are 40+ Suggestions—Ranging From Chicago Area Nature and Cultural Spots to Fiction, Music, Radio, and History
tinyurl.com/4wfpcf3j
#books #chicago #bookreviews #naturebooks
tinyurl.com/4wfpcf3j
#books #chicago #bookreviews #naturebooks
Books Make Perfect Stocking Stuffers: Here Are 40+ Suggestions—Ranging From Chicago Area Nature and Cultural Spots to Fiction, Music, Radio, and History - Nature in Chicagoland
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF THE "NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND" BLOG
tinyurl.com
December 13, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Books Make Perfect Stocking Stuffers: Here Are 40+ Suggestions—Ranging From Chicago Area Nature and Cultural Spots to Fiction, Music, Radio, and History
tinyurl.com/4wfpcf3j
#books #chicago #bookreviews #naturebooks
tinyurl.com/4wfpcf3j
#books #chicago #bookreviews #naturebooks
Need a great read for yourself/stocking stuffer? If so check out "Mouthing," a thought-provoking, often rip-roaringly funny & sometimes hard-edged ode to small town life in Ireland. Check out my review/interview with #orlamackey at tinyurl.com/36rr9r8x
#fiction #authorinterview #bookreview #books
#fiction #authorinterview #bookreview #books
December 12, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Need a great read for yourself/stocking stuffer? If so check out "Mouthing," a thought-provoking, often rip-roaringly funny & sometimes hard-edged ode to small town life in Ireland. Check out my review/interview with #orlamackey at tinyurl.com/36rr9r8x
#fiction #authorinterview #bookreview #books
#fiction #authorinterview #bookreview #books
I have a new article up at my blog, Nature in Chicagoland:
Visit Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm for Great Hiking and Birdwatching, Fun Activities for Kids, and to Discover the Area’s German Heritage
Visit tinyurl.com/tt36e588 to read my article.
@schaumburgparkdistrict #hiking
Visit Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm for Great Hiking and Birdwatching, Fun Activities for Kids, and to Discover the Area’s German Heritage
Visit tinyurl.com/tt36e588 to read my article.
@schaumburgparkdistrict #hiking
December 7, 2025 at 8:10 PM
I have a new article up at my blog, Nature in Chicagoland:
Visit Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm for Great Hiking and Birdwatching, Fun Activities for Kids, and to Discover the Area’s German Heritage
Visit tinyurl.com/tt36e588 to read my article.
@schaumburgparkdistrict #hiking
Visit Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm for Great Hiking and Birdwatching, Fun Activities for Kids, and to Discover the Area’s German Heritage
Visit tinyurl.com/tt36e588 to read my article.
@schaumburgparkdistrict #hiking
Had a great hike yesterday at Crabtree Nature Center in far northwestern Cook County @fpdcc
November 23, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Had a great hike yesterday at Crabtree Nature Center in far northwestern Cook County @fpdcc
Looking to see thousands of sandhill cranes in one spot? If so, then Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area in Indiana is the place to go to go. Check out my article for info on seeing the great eastern sandhill crane migration each fall/spring
@INFishWildlife #sandhillcranes #birdwatching #indiana
@INFishWildlife #sandhillcranes #birdwatching #indiana
Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area: THE Place to See the Great Eastern Sandhill Crane Migration Each Fall and Spring - Nature in Chicagoland
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF "NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND"
tinyurl.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Looking to see thousands of sandhill cranes in one spot? If so, then Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area in Indiana is the place to go to go. Check out my article for info on seeing the great eastern sandhill crane migration each fall/spring
@INFishWildlife #sandhillcranes #birdwatching #indiana
@INFishWildlife #sandhillcranes #birdwatching #indiana
My mom passed away in September, and this cup/saucer and others in the set are now mine along with other objects that she collected during more than 60 years in her home. Most are lovely, but the memories are much better. My blog post takes a walk down memory lane in the 1970s and early 1980s.
My Parents’ Coffee Cups
By Andrew Morkes My mom passed away in September, and this cup/saucer and others in the set are now mine along with other objects that she collected during more than 60 years in her home. Most are …
tinyurl.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:37 AM
My mom passed away in September, and this cup/saucer and others in the set are now mine along with other objects that she collected during more than 60 years in her home. Most are lovely, but the memories are much better. My blog post takes a walk down memory lane in the 1970s and early 1980s.
Cool clouds this a.m.
November 17, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Cool clouds this a.m.
My snow prayer from my book, Nature in Chicagoland. Unnecessary based on the current forecast.
November 10, 2025 at 1:32 AM
My snow prayer from my book, Nature in Chicagoland. Unnecessary based on the current forecast.
Cool sun dog that I spotted today in Des Plaines
November 6, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Cool sun dog that I spotted today in Des Plaines
Chicago Sun-Times Outdoors columnist Dale Bowman has retired after nearly 30 years on the job. His last column ran in Sunday’s paper. I want to share my thoughts regarding Dale’s retirement and his great legacy in educating people about nature in the Chicago area.
@bowmanoutside.bsky.social
@bowmanoutside.bsky.social
Chicago Sun-Times Outdoors Columnist Dale Bowman Retires: An Appreciation - Nature in Chicagoland
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG
tinyurl.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Chicago Sun-Times Outdoors columnist Dale Bowman has retired after nearly 30 years on the job. His last column ran in Sunday’s paper. I want to share my thoughts regarding Dale’s retirement and his great legacy in educating people about nature in the Chicago area.
@bowmanoutside.bsky.social
@bowmanoutside.bsky.social
Remembering My Community of Saints on The Day of the Dead
I hope my celebration spurs you to remember your own loved ones and think of a comforting memory of those now gone who made a difference in your life. Light a candle, tell a story, and remember a loved one. #diadelosmuertos #dayofthedead
I hope my celebration spurs you to remember your own loved ones and think of a comforting memory of those now gone who made a difference in your life. Light a candle, tell a story, and remember a loved one. #diadelosmuertos #dayofthedead
Remembering My Community of Saints on The Day of the Dead - Nature in Chicagoland
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND
tinyurl.com
November 1, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Remembering My Community of Saints on The Day of the Dead
I hope my celebration spurs you to remember your own loved ones and think of a comforting memory of those now gone who made a difference in your life. Light a candle, tell a story, and remember a loved one. #diadelosmuertos #dayofthedead
I hope my celebration spurs you to remember your own loved ones and think of a comforting memory of those now gone who made a difference in your life. Light a candle, tell a story, and remember a loved one. #diadelosmuertos #dayofthedead
My mom passed away last month. She was a strong and lovely person and made friends wherever she went in her life. I tell her story in my article, Celebrating the Life of My Mom: A Talented Gardener, All-Star Baker, and Avid Letter Writer—and an All-Around Wonderful Lady. tinyurl.com/3sey86w2
October 29, 2025 at 1:50 PM
My mom passed away last month. She was a strong and lovely person and made friends wherever she went in her life. I tell her story in my article, Celebrating the Life of My Mom: A Talented Gardener, All-Star Baker, and Avid Letter Writer—and an All-Around Wonderful Lady. tinyurl.com/3sey86w2
Talented Singer/Songwriter Releases New Music: A Conversation with Ann Marie Boyle
My good friend Ann Boyle is a talented singer/songwriter who has just released an excellent EP, Hide and Seek. I recently talked with her about her new music, her musical inspirations & her songwriting process.
My good friend Ann Boyle is a talented singer/songwriter who has just released an excellent EP, Hide and Seek. I recently talked with her about her new music, her musical inspirations & her songwriting process.
Talented Singer/Songwriter Releases New Music: A Conversation with Ann Marie Boyle - Nature in Chicagoland
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND”
tinyurl.com
October 27, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Talented Singer/Songwriter Releases New Music: A Conversation with Ann Marie Boyle
My good friend Ann Boyle is a talented singer/songwriter who has just released an excellent EP, Hide and Seek. I recently talked with her about her new music, her musical inspirations & her songwriting process.
My good friend Ann Boyle is a talented singer/songwriter who has just released an excellent EP, Hide and Seek. I recently talked with her about her new music, her musical inspirations & her songwriting process.
Chicago is a beautiful city from above and on the ground. The views of Chicago coming into the city over the lake are stunning. It's also fun to often travel directly over your neighborhood (Jefferson Park) as you head to touch-down at O'Hare. #Chicago
October 19, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Chicago is a beautiful city from above and on the ground. The views of Chicago coming into the city over the lake are stunning. It's also fun to often travel directly over your neighborhood (Jefferson Park) as you head to touch-down at O'Hare. #Chicago
A Few Thoughts on Ireland vs. America, No Kings Day, a Morally Bankrupt Presidential Administration, and a Path Forward for Democrats and Republicans
My essay is available at tinyurl.com/yc3s5hpb
My essay is available at tinyurl.com/yc3s5hpb
A Few Thoughts on Ireland vs. America, No Kings Day, a Morally Bankrupt Presidential Administration, and a Path Forward for Democrats and Republicans
By Andrew Morkes After spending nearly two weeks in Ireland this year (during two trips), trumpism looks even more absurd, incompetent, and toxic from a foreign land. It has made our children less …
tinyurl.com
October 18, 2025 at 5:29 PM
A Few Thoughts on Ireland vs. America, No Kings Day, a Morally Bankrupt Presidential Administration, and a Path Forward for Democrats and Republicans
My essay is available at tinyurl.com/yc3s5hpb
My essay is available at tinyurl.com/yc3s5hpb
If you’re looking to learn more about Resurrection Mary, Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery, and other famous ghosts and supernatural occurrences on Chicago’s South Side & in its south suburbs, as well as hear my own ghost story, then visit my blog, tinyurl.com/y68vujpa #Chicago #halloween #ghosts
My Personal Ghost Story, Ghosts of Chicago’s Southwest Suburbs, and 13 Spots for Post-Ghost-Tour Fun - Nature in Chicagoland
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF "NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND" BLOG
tinyurl.com
October 7, 2025 at 1:31 PM
If you’re looking to learn more about Resurrection Mary, Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery, and other famous ghosts and supernatural occurrences on Chicago’s South Side & in its south suburbs, as well as hear my own ghost story, then visit my blog, tinyurl.com/y68vujpa #Chicago #halloween #ghosts
Petition Seeks to Bring Stand-Up Paddleboarding to Forest Preserves of Cook County Properties
Rob Cheney, a local paddleboarder, has created a petition to encourage FPCC to allow stand-up paddleboarding in its preserves. We discussed his love for SUP and why FPCC should allow SUP in its preserves.
Rob Cheney, a local paddleboarder, has created a petition to encourage FPCC to allow stand-up paddleboarding in its preserves. We discussed his love for SUP and why FPCC should allow SUP in its preserves.
Petition Seeks to Bring Stand-Up Paddleboarding to Forest Preserves of Cook County Properties - Nature in Chicagoland
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND”
tinyurl.com
September 26, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Petition Seeks to Bring Stand-Up Paddleboarding to Forest Preserves of Cook County Properties
Rob Cheney, a local paddleboarder, has created a petition to encourage FPCC to allow stand-up paddleboarding in its preserves. We discussed his love for SUP and why FPCC should allow SUP in its preserves.
Rob Cheney, a local paddleboarder, has created a petition to encourage FPCC to allow stand-up paddleboarding in its preserves. We discussed his love for SUP and why FPCC should allow SUP in its preserves.
Journal Entries Provide a Look Back at 9/11 . . . and the Soothing Power of Nature
24 years already. I was living a different life back in Chicago. But nature stays the same and has the same powerful effect for good (if we take care of it).
tinyurl.com/5n7dren3
24 years already. I was living a different life back in Chicago. But nature stays the same and has the same powerful effect for good (if we take care of it).
tinyurl.com/5n7dren3
Journal Entries Provide a Look Back at 9/11 . . . and the Soothing Power of Nature - Nature in Chicagoland
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG
tinyurl.com
September 11, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Journal Entries Provide a Look Back at 9/11 . . . and the Soothing Power of Nature
24 years already. I was living a different life back in Chicago. But nature stays the same and has the same powerful effect for good (if we take care of it).
tinyurl.com/5n7dren3
24 years already. I was living a different life back in Chicago. But nature stays the same and has the same powerful effect for good (if we take care of it).
tinyurl.com/5n7dren3
Northern Lights viewing is expected to be very good in Chicagoland tonight & overnight.
I've published an article that discusses my search for the lights (OCT24 photo below) & provides great resources to learn about the Aurora Borealis and find them in Chicagoland.
#northernlights @auroraborealis
I've published an article that discusses my search for the lights (OCT24 photo below) & provides great resources to learn about the Aurora Borealis and find them in Chicagoland.
#northernlights @auroraborealis
Thoughts On Chasing the Northern Lights and Other Celestial Phenomena in Chicagoland . . . and 30+ Tips/Resources to Help You Find Them - Nature in Chicagoland
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 discu...
tinyurl.com
September 1, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Northern Lights viewing is expected to be very good in Chicagoland tonight & overnight.
I've published an article that discusses my search for the lights (OCT24 photo below) & provides great resources to learn about the Aurora Borealis and find them in Chicagoland.
#northernlights @auroraborealis
I've published an article that discusses my search for the lights (OCT24 photo below) & provides great resources to learn about the Aurora Borealis and find them in Chicagoland.
#northernlights @auroraborealis
It's Driftless Region Week at my blog
Author and Professor Discusses the Magical Driftless Area
tinyurl.com/3tvc9p68
7/7
Check out my interview with Kevin Koch, author of The Driftless Land: Spirit of Place in the Upper Mississippi Valley.
#driftless #galenaillinois #hikingIL
Author and Professor Discusses the Magical Driftless Area
tinyurl.com/3tvc9p68
7/7
Check out my interview with Kevin Koch, author of The Driftless Land: Spirit of Place in the Upper Mississippi Valley.
#driftless #galenaillinois #hikingIL
August 30, 2025 at 7:02 PM
It's Driftless Region Week at my blog
Author and Professor Discusses the Magical Driftless Area
tinyurl.com/3tvc9p68
7/7
Check out my interview with Kevin Koch, author of The Driftless Land: Spirit of Place in the Upper Mississippi Valley.
#driftless #galenaillinois #hikingIL
Author and Professor Discusses the Magical Driftless Area
tinyurl.com/3tvc9p68
7/7
Check out my interview with Kevin Koch, author of The Driftless Land: Spirit of Place in the Upper Mississippi Valley.
#driftless #galenaillinois #hikingIL
It's Driftless Region Week at my blog
Big Sky Nature Reserve: Great Birding, Wide-Open Spaces, and Enjoyable Hiking and Cross-Country Skiing 6/7
If you’re looking for some great summer/fall adventures, check out the Driftless Region. Not flat. Not boring.
#driftless #galenaillinois #hikingIL
Big Sky Nature Reserve: Great Birding, Wide-Open Spaces, and Enjoyable Hiking and Cross-Country Skiing 6/7
If you’re looking for some great summer/fall adventures, check out the Driftless Region. Not flat. Not boring.
#driftless #galenaillinois #hikingIL
Big Sky Nature Reserve: Great Birding, Wide-Open Spaces, and Enjoyable Hiking and Cross-Country Skiing - Nature in Chicagoland
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND”
tinyurl.com
August 30, 2025 at 6:52 PM
It's Driftless Region Week at my blog
Big Sky Nature Reserve: Great Birding, Wide-Open Spaces, and Enjoyable Hiking and Cross-Country Skiing 6/7
If you’re looking for some great summer/fall adventures, check out the Driftless Region. Not flat. Not boring.
#driftless #galenaillinois #hikingIL
Big Sky Nature Reserve: Great Birding, Wide-Open Spaces, and Enjoyable Hiking and Cross-Country Skiing 6/7
If you’re looking for some great summer/fall adventures, check out the Driftless Region. Not flat. Not boring.
#driftless #galenaillinois #hikingIL
It's Driftless Region Week at my blog
Effigy Mounds National Monument: Massive Bears, Stunning Views, and Thousands of Years of Native American History 5/7
If you’re looking for some great summer/fall adventures, check out the Driftless Region. Not flat. Not boring.
#driftless #galenaillinois
Effigy Mounds National Monument: Massive Bears, Stunning Views, and Thousands of Years of Native American History 5/7
If you’re looking for some great summer/fall adventures, check out the Driftless Region. Not flat. Not boring.
#driftless #galenaillinois
Effigy Mounds National Monument: Massive Bears, Stunning Views, and Thousands of Years of Native American History - Nature in Chicagoland
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND”
tinyurl.com
August 29, 2025 at 1:16 PM
It's Driftless Region Week at my blog
Effigy Mounds National Monument: Massive Bears, Stunning Views, and Thousands of Years of Native American History 5/7
If you’re looking for some great summer/fall adventures, check out the Driftless Region. Not flat. Not boring.
#driftless #galenaillinois
Effigy Mounds National Monument: Massive Bears, Stunning Views, and Thousands of Years of Native American History 5/7
If you’re looking for some great summer/fall adventures, check out the Driftless Region. Not flat. Not boring.
#driftless #galenaillinois
It's Driftless Region Week at my blog, Nature in Chicagoland!
6 Things to Do at Witkowsky State Wildlife Area 4/7
tinyurl.com/htexa25d
If you’re looking for some great summer/fall adventures, check out the Driftless Region. Not flat. Not boring.
#driftless #galena #galenaillinois #nature #birds
6 Things to Do at Witkowsky State Wildlife Area 4/7
tinyurl.com/htexa25d
If you’re looking for some great summer/fall adventures, check out the Driftless Region. Not flat. Not boring.
#driftless #galena #galenaillinois #nature #birds
August 29, 2025 at 12:28 AM
It's Driftless Region Week at my blog, Nature in Chicagoland!
6 Things to Do at Witkowsky State Wildlife Area 4/7
tinyurl.com/htexa25d
If you’re looking for some great summer/fall adventures, check out the Driftless Region. Not flat. Not boring.
#driftless #galena #galenaillinois #nature #birds
6 Things to Do at Witkowsky State Wildlife Area 4/7
tinyurl.com/htexa25d
If you’re looking for some great summer/fall adventures, check out the Driftless Region. Not flat. Not boring.
#driftless #galena #galenaillinois #nature #birds
It's Driftless Region Week!
Galena Gateway Park: Amazing Views of a Historic Town, Great Hiking, and Excellent Wildflower and Bird Viewing 3/7
If you’re looking for some great summer/fall adventures, check out the Driftless Region. Not flat. Not boring.
#driftless #galena #galenaillinois #nature
Galena Gateway Park: Amazing Views of a Historic Town, Great Hiking, and Excellent Wildflower and Bird Viewing 3/7
If you’re looking for some great summer/fall adventures, check out the Driftless Region. Not flat. Not boring.
#driftless #galena #galenaillinois #nature
Galena Gateway Park: Amazing Views of a Historic Town, Great Hiking, and Excellent Wildflower and Bird Viewing - Nature in Chicagoland
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND”
tinyurl.com
August 27, 2025 at 12:27 PM
It's Driftless Region Week!
Galena Gateway Park: Amazing Views of a Historic Town, Great Hiking, and Excellent Wildflower and Bird Viewing 3/7
If you’re looking for some great summer/fall adventures, check out the Driftless Region. Not flat. Not boring.
#driftless #galena #galenaillinois #nature
Galena Gateway Park: Amazing Views of a Historic Town, Great Hiking, and Excellent Wildflower and Bird Viewing 3/7
If you’re looking for some great summer/fall adventures, check out the Driftless Region. Not flat. Not boring.
#driftless #galena #galenaillinois #nature