Mike MacDonald Photography - ChicagoNature.com
@chicagonature.com
Celebrating over three decades of sharing the magnificent natural wonders of the Chicago region through photography and storytelling. See more at https://ChicagoNature.com. #chicagonature
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 09-23-2025
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 09-23-2025
This is our final wildflower forecast of the season and our Fall Color Preview. It's time to experience the final blooms of the season and to plan your fall color outings around Chicago.
chicagonaturenow.com
September 23, 2025 at 5:15 AM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 09-23-2025
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 09-16-2025
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 09-16-2025
Get out and experience the final dramatic blooms of the year. September is the Month of Gold in many of our prairies and oak savannas, but actually offer a variety of colors from pinks and purple to rusts and reds.
chicagonaturenow.com
September 16, 2025 at 5:25 AM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 09-16-2025
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 09-09-2025
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 09-09-2025
September is The Month of Gold as the sunflowers and goldenrods steal the shows. However, while some preserves turn to gold, while others paint themselves with pink and purple. Immerse yourself in the colorful, whimsical, wonderful world of Chicago nature.
chicagonaturenow.com
September 9, 2025 at 5:05 AM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 09-09-2025
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 09-02-2025
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 09-02-2025
September is the Month of Gold, but it's mostly a kaleidoscope. Some preserves turn to gold, while others paint themselves with pink and purple. Immerse yourself in the colorful, whimsical, wonderful world of Chicago nature.
chicagonaturenow.com
September 4, 2025 at 9:44 PM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 09-02-2025
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 09-02-2025
September is the Month of Gold, but it's mostly a kaleidoscope. Some preserves turn to gold, while others paint themselves with pink and purple. Immerse yourself in the colorful, whimsical, wonderful world of Chicago nature.
September is the Month of Gold, but it's mostly a kaleidoscope. Some preserves turn to gold, while others paint themselves with pink and purple. Immerse yourself in the colorful, whimsical, wonderful world of Chicago nature.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 09-02-2025
September is the Month of Gold, but it's mostly a kaleidoscope. Some preserves turn to gold, while others paint themselves with pink and purple. Immerse yourself in the colorful, whimsical, wonderful world of Chicago nature.
chicagonaturenow.com
September 2, 2025 at 1:51 PM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 09-02-2025
September is the Month of Gold, but it's mostly a kaleidoscope. Some preserves turn to gold, while others paint themselves with pink and purple. Immerse yourself in the colorful, whimsical, wonderful world of Chicago nature.
September is the Month of Gold, but it's mostly a kaleidoscope. Some preserves turn to gold, while others paint themselves with pink and purple. Immerse yourself in the colorful, whimsical, wonderful world of Chicago nature.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 08-26-2025
Immerse yourself in the colorful, whimsical, wonderful world of nature. As September approaches, some prairies turn to gold, while others are painted pink and purple. Visit nature for scenes you will always remember.
Immerse yourself in the colorful, whimsical, wonderful world of nature. As September approaches, some prairies turn to gold, while others are painted pink and purple. Visit nature for scenes you will always remember.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 08-26-2025
Immerse yourself in the colorful, whimsical, wonderful world of nature. As September approaches, some prairies turn to gold, while others are painted pink and purple. Visit nature for scenes you will always remember.
chicagonaturenow.com
August 26, 2025 at 5:01 AM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 08-26-2025
Immerse yourself in the colorful, whimsical, wonderful world of nature. As September approaches, some prairies turn to gold, while others are painted pink and purple. Visit nature for scenes you will always remember.
Immerse yourself in the colorful, whimsical, wonderful world of nature. As September approaches, some prairies turn to gold, while others are painted pink and purple. Visit nature for scenes you will always remember.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 08-19-2025
Nature is the way to find peace in our crazy world. Summer is nearing an end. So, get outside to experience memorable and breathtaking scenes of colorful wildflowers and whimsical grasses, right here in Chicago's backyard.
Nature is the way to find peace in our crazy world. Summer is nearing an end. So, get outside to experience memorable and breathtaking scenes of colorful wildflowers and whimsical grasses, right here in Chicago's backyard.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 08-19-2025
Nature is the way to find peace in our crazy world. Summer is nearing an end. So, get outside to experience memorable and breathtaking scenes of colorful wildflowers and whimsical grasses, right here in Chicago's backyard.
chicagonaturenow.com
August 19, 2025 at 5:02 AM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 08-19-2025
Nature is the way to find peace in our crazy world. Summer is nearing an end. So, get outside to experience memorable and breathtaking scenes of colorful wildflowers and whimsical grasses, right here in Chicago's backyard.
Nature is the way to find peace in our crazy world. Summer is nearing an end. So, get outside to experience memorable and breathtaking scenes of colorful wildflowers and whimsical grasses, right here in Chicago's backyard.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 08-12-2025
Nature is the way to find peace in our crazy world. Get outside to experience memorable and breathtaking scenes of colorful wildflowers and whimsical grasses, right here in Chicago's backyard.
Nature is the way to find peace in our crazy world. Get outside to experience memorable and breathtaking scenes of colorful wildflowers and whimsical grasses, right here in Chicago's backyard.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 08-12-2025
Nature is the way to find peace in our crazy world. Get outside to experience memorable and breathtaking scenes of colorful wildflowers and whimsical grasses, right here in Chicago's backyard.
chicagonaturenow.com
August 12, 2025 at 5:02 AM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 08-12-2025
Nature is the way to find peace in our crazy world. Get outside to experience memorable and breathtaking scenes of colorful wildflowers and whimsical grasses, right here in Chicago's backyard.
Nature is the way to find peace in our crazy world. Get outside to experience memorable and breathtaking scenes of colorful wildflowers and whimsical grasses, right here in Chicago's backyard.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 08-05-2025
It's early August, and dozens of colorful flowers bloom in our the prairies, savannas, open woodlands, and wetlands. Find your peace in nature and experience breathtaking moments that are happening right here, right now, in Chicago's backyard.
It's early August, and dozens of colorful flowers bloom in our the prairies, savannas, open woodlands, and wetlands. Find your peace in nature and experience breathtaking moments that are happening right here, right now, in Chicago's backyard.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 08-05-2025
It's early August, and dozens of colorful flowers bloom in our the prairies, savannas, open woodlands, and wetlands. Find your peace in nature and experience breathtaking moments that are happening right here, right now, in Chicago's backyard.
chicagonaturenow.com
August 5, 2025 at 5:13 AM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 08-05-2025
It's early August, and dozens of colorful flowers bloom in our the prairies, savannas, open woodlands, and wetlands. Find your peace in nature and experience breathtaking moments that are happening right here, right now, in Chicago's backyard.
It's early August, and dozens of colorful flowers bloom in our the prairies, savannas, open woodlands, and wetlands. Find your peace in nature and experience breathtaking moments that are happening right here, right now, in Chicago's backyard.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 07-29-2025
As July enters August, dozens of colorful flowers bloom in our the prairies, savannas, open woodlands, and wetlands. Find your peace in nature and experience breathtaking moments that are happening right here, right now, in Chicago's backyard.
As July enters August, dozens of colorful flowers bloom in our the prairies, savannas, open woodlands, and wetlands. Find your peace in nature and experience breathtaking moments that are happening right here, right now, in Chicago's backyard.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 07-29-2025
As July enters August, dozens of colorful flowers bloom in our the prairies, savannas, open woodlands, and wetlands. Find your peace in nature and experience breathtaking moments that are happening right here, right now, in Chicago's backyard.
chicagonaturenow.com
July 29, 2025 at 5:04 AM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 07-29-2025
As July enters August, dozens of colorful flowers bloom in our the prairies, savannas, open woodlands, and wetlands. Find your peace in nature and experience breathtaking moments that are happening right here, right now, in Chicago's backyard.
As July enters August, dozens of colorful flowers bloom in our the prairies, savannas, open woodlands, and wetlands. Find your peace in nature and experience breathtaking moments that are happening right here, right now, in Chicago's backyard.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 07-22-20XX-TEMPLATE
In late July, the prairies, savannas, open woodlands, and wetlands fill with a vast array of colorful wildflowers that range from pink to purple, white to gold with stunning shows of ironweed and blazing star, rattlesnake master, Culver's root, yellow…
In late July, the prairies, savannas, open woodlands, and wetlands fill with a vast array of colorful wildflowers that range from pink to purple, white to gold with stunning shows of ironweed and blazing star, rattlesnake master, Culver's root, yellow…
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 07-22-20XX-TEMPLATE
In late July, the prairies, savannas, open woodlands, and wetlands fill with a vast array of colorful wildflowers that range from pink to purple, white to gold with stunning shows of ironweed and blazing star, rattlesnake master, Culver's root, yellow coneflower, compass plant, and more. The grasses are even flowering!
chicagonaturenow.com
July 22, 2025 at 5:03 AM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 07-22-20XX-TEMPLATE
In late July, the prairies, savannas, open woodlands, and wetlands fill with a vast array of colorful wildflowers that range from pink to purple, white to gold with stunning shows of ironweed and blazing star, rattlesnake master, Culver's root, yellow…
In late July, the prairies, savannas, open woodlands, and wetlands fill with a vast array of colorful wildflowers that range from pink to purple, white to gold with stunning shows of ironweed and blazing star, rattlesnake master, Culver's root, yellow…
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 07-15-2025
The middle of July is a dream as prairies & savannas overflow with color, including stunning shows of purple prairie clover, Culver's root, rattlesnake master, yellow coneflower, wild bergamot, and wild quinine. Even the grasses are flowering!
The middle of July is a dream as prairies & savannas overflow with color, including stunning shows of purple prairie clover, Culver's root, rattlesnake master, yellow coneflower, wild bergamot, and wild quinine. Even the grasses are flowering!
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 07-15-2025
The middle of July is a dream as prairies & savannas overflow with color, including stunning shows of purple prairie clover, Culver's root, rattlesnake master, yellow coneflower, wild bergamot, and wild quinine. Even the grasses are flowering!
chicagonaturenow.com
July 15, 2025 at 5:02 AM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 07-15-2025
The middle of July is a dream as prairies & savannas overflow with color, including stunning shows of purple prairie clover, Culver's root, rattlesnake master, yellow coneflower, wild bergamot, and wild quinine. Even the grasses are flowering!
The middle of July is a dream as prairies & savannas overflow with color, including stunning shows of purple prairie clover, Culver's root, rattlesnake master, yellow coneflower, wild bergamot, and wild quinine. Even the grasses are flowering!
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 07-08-2025
July offers a fanfare of color in our prairies and savannas, including the stunning shows of purple prairie clover, purple leadplant, mountain mint, Culver's root, rattlesnake master, wild quinine, butterfly weed, and more. Somme Prairie Grove should be…
July offers a fanfare of color in our prairies and savannas, including the stunning shows of purple prairie clover, purple leadplant, mountain mint, Culver's root, rattlesnake master, wild quinine, butterfly weed, and more. Somme Prairie Grove should be…
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 07-08-2025
July offers a fanfare of color in our prairies and savannas, including the stunning shows of purple prairie clover, purple leadplant, mountain mint, Culver's root, rattlesnake master, wild quinine, butterfly weed, and more. Somme Prairie Grove should be magnificent.
chicagonaturenow.com
July 8, 2025 at 5:13 AM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 07-08-2025
July offers a fanfare of color in our prairies and savannas, including the stunning shows of purple prairie clover, purple leadplant, mountain mint, Culver's root, rattlesnake master, wild quinine, butterfly weed, and more. Somme Prairie Grove should be…
July offers a fanfare of color in our prairies and savannas, including the stunning shows of purple prairie clover, purple leadplant, mountain mint, Culver's root, rattlesnake master, wild quinine, butterfly weed, and more. Somme Prairie Grove should be…
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 07-01-2025
Early July and the 4th of July holiday begins with a fanfare of color in our prairies and savannas, including the stunning shows of golden prairie coreopsis, purple leadplant, and ivory wild quinine, and many more.
Early July and the 4th of July holiday begins with a fanfare of color in our prairies and savannas, including the stunning shows of golden prairie coreopsis, purple leadplant, and ivory wild quinine, and many more.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 07-01-2025
Early July and the 4th of July holiday begins with a fanfare of color in our prairies and savannas, including the stunning shows of golden prairie coreopsis, purple leadplant, and ivory wild quinine, and many more.
chicagonaturenow.com
July 1, 2025 at 5:09 AM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 07-01-2025
Early July and the 4th of July holiday begins with a fanfare of color in our prairies and savannas, including the stunning shows of golden prairie coreopsis, purple leadplant, and ivory wild quinine, and many more.
Early July and the 4th of July holiday begins with a fanfare of color in our prairies and savannas, including the stunning shows of golden prairie coreopsis, purple leadplant, and ivory wild quinine, and many more.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 06-24-2025
The endof June brings newfound color and exotica to our prairies and savannas, including the stunning show of sand coreopsis, purple coneflower, spiderwort, foxglove beardtongue, and more. Learn where to celebrate summer around the city.
The endof June brings newfound color and exotica to our prairies and savannas, including the stunning show of sand coreopsis, purple coneflower, spiderwort, foxglove beardtongue, and more. Learn where to celebrate summer around the city.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 06-24-2025
The endof June brings newfound color and exotica to our prairies and savannas, including the stunning show of sand coreopsis, purple coneflower, spiderwort, foxglove beardtongue, and more. Learn where to celebrate summer around the city.
chicagonaturenow.com
June 24, 2025 at 5:09 AM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 06-24-2025
The endof June brings newfound color and exotica to our prairies and savannas, including the stunning show of sand coreopsis, purple coneflower, spiderwort, foxglove beardtongue, and more. Learn where to celebrate summer around the city.
The endof June brings newfound color and exotica to our prairies and savannas, including the stunning show of sand coreopsis, purple coneflower, spiderwort, foxglove beardtongue, and more. Learn where to celebrate summer around the city.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 06-17-2025
The Juneteenth holiday brings newfound color and exotica to our prairies and savannas, including the stunning show of sand coreopsis, purple coneflower, spiderwort, foxglove beardtongue, and more. Learn where to celebrate springtime around the city.
The Juneteenth holiday brings newfound color and exotica to our prairies and savannas, including the stunning show of sand coreopsis, purple coneflower, spiderwort, foxglove beardtongue, and more. Learn where to celebrate springtime around the city.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 06-17-2025
The Juneteenth holiday brings newfound color and exotica to our prairies and savannas, including the stunning show of sand coreopsis, purple coneflower, spiderwort, foxglove beardtongue, and more. Learn where to celebrate springtime around the city.
chicagonaturenow.com
June 17, 2025 at 5:01 AM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 06-17-2025
The Juneteenth holiday brings newfound color and exotica to our prairies and savannas, including the stunning show of sand coreopsis, purple coneflower, spiderwort, foxglove beardtongue, and more. Learn where to celebrate springtime around the city.
The Juneteenth holiday brings newfound color and exotica to our prairies and savannas, including the stunning show of sand coreopsis, purple coneflower, spiderwort, foxglove beardtongue, and more. Learn where to celebrate springtime around the city.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 06-10-2025
June brings newfound color and exotica to our prairies and savannas, including the stunning show of sand coreopsis, the melting blossoms of spiderwort, and the self-drilling seeds of porcupine grass. Learn where to celebrate springtime around the city.
June brings newfound color and exotica to our prairies and savannas, including the stunning show of sand coreopsis, the melting blossoms of spiderwort, and the self-drilling seeds of porcupine grass. Learn where to celebrate springtime around the city.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 06-10-2025
June brings newfound color and exotica to our prairies and savannas, including the stunning show of sand coreopsis, the melting blossoms of spiderwort, and the self-drilling seeds of porcupine grass. Learn where to celebrate springtime around the city.
chicagonaturenow.com
June 10, 2025 at 5:12 AM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 06-10-2025
June brings newfound color and exotica to our prairies and savannas, including the stunning show of sand coreopsis, the melting blossoms of spiderwort, and the self-drilling seeds of porcupine grass. Learn where to celebrate springtime around the city.
June brings newfound color and exotica to our prairies and savannas, including the stunning show of sand coreopsis, the melting blossoms of spiderwort, and the self-drilling seeds of porcupine grass. Learn where to celebrate springtime around the city.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 06-03-2025
June brings newfound color and exotica to our prairies and savannas, including the stunning show of sand coreopsis and the melting blossoms of spiderwort. Learn where to celebrate springtime around the city.
June brings newfound color and exotica to our prairies and savannas, including the stunning show of sand coreopsis and the melting blossoms of spiderwort. Learn where to celebrate springtime around the city.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 06-03-2025
June brings newfound color and exotica to our prairies and savannas, including the stunning show of sand coreopsis and the melting blossoms of spiderwort. Learn where to celebrate springtime around the city.
chicagonaturenow.com
June 3, 2025 at 5:02 AM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 06-03-2025
June brings newfound color and exotica to our prairies and savannas, including the stunning show of sand coreopsis and the melting blossoms of spiderwort. Learn where to celebrate springtime around the city.
June brings newfound color and exotica to our prairies and savannas, including the stunning show of sand coreopsis and the melting blossoms of spiderwort. Learn where to celebrate springtime around the city.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 05-27-2025
The oak savanna and prairies have come alive with blooms. And this is often the time to experience breathtaking shows of wild lupine and shooting star.
The oak savanna and prairies have come alive with blooms. And this is often the time to experience breathtaking shows of wild lupine and shooting star.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 05-27-2025
The oak savanna and prairies have come alive with blooms. And this is often the time to experience breathtaking shows of wild lupine and shooting star.
chicagonaturenow.com
May 28, 2025 at 4:49 AM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 05-27-2025
The oak savanna and prairies have come alive with blooms. And this is often the time to experience breathtaking shows of wild lupine and shooting star.
The oak savanna and prairies have come alive with blooms. And this is often the time to experience breathtaking shows of wild lupine and shooting star.
Pictures & Poetry: The Miraculous Melting Blooms of Ohio Spiderwort
In late May or early June, Ohio spiderwort begins a performance that will last a month or longer, starring a cluster of buds that releases only a couple of flowers each day. Each morning, a new bud opens into a delicate blue or…
In late May or early June, Ohio spiderwort begins a performance that will last a month or longer, starring a cluster of buds that releases only a couple of flowers each day. Each morning, a new bud opens into a delicate blue or…
Pictures & Poetry: The Miraculous Melting Blooms of Ohio Spiderwort
In late May or early June, Ohio spiderwort begins a performance that will last a month or longer, starring a cluster of buds that releases only a couple of flowers each day. Each morning, a new bud opens into a delicate blue or purple flower.
chicagonaturenow.com
May 27, 2025 at 5:04 AM
Pictures & Poetry: The Miraculous Melting Blooms of Ohio Spiderwort
In late May or early June, Ohio spiderwort begins a performance that will last a month or longer, starring a cluster of buds that releases only a couple of flowers each day. Each morning, a new bud opens into a delicate blue or…
In late May or early June, Ohio spiderwort begins a performance that will last a month or longer, starring a cluster of buds that releases only a couple of flowers each day. Each morning, a new bud opens into a delicate blue or…
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 05-20-2025
The flower shows continue in the woodland and spectacular shows may now be taking place in our prairies and savannas.
The flower shows continue in the woodland and spectacular shows may now be taking place in our prairies and savannas.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 05-20-2025
The flower shows continue in the woodland and spectacular shows may now be taking place in our prairies and savannas.
chicagonaturenow.com
May 20, 2025 at 5:04 AM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 05-20-2025
The flower shows continue in the woodland and spectacular shows may now be taking place in our prairies and savannas.
The flower shows continue in the woodland and spectacular shows may now be taking place in our prairies and savannas.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 05-13-2025
The flower shows continue in the woodland and have moved into the oak savannas and prairies.
The flower shows continue in the woodland and have moved into the oak savannas and prairies.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 05-13-2025
The flower shows continue in the woodland and have moved into the oak savannas and prairies.
chicagonaturenow.com
May 13, 2025 at 5:25 AM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 05-13-2025
The flower shows continue in the woodland and have moved into the oak savannas and prairies.
The flower shows continue in the woodland and have moved into the oak savannas and prairies.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 05-06-2025
May has arrived, and the woodlands are covered with emerald shapes and an array of colorful wildflowers that may include bluebells, trillium, woodland phlox, birdfoot violet, and more.
May has arrived, and the woodlands are covered with emerald shapes and an array of colorful wildflowers that may include bluebells, trillium, woodland phlox, birdfoot violet, and more.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 05-06-2025
May has arrived, and the woodlands are covered with emerald shapes and an array of colorful wildflowers that may include bluebells, trillium, woodland phlox, birdfoot violet, and more.
chicagonaturenow.com
May 6, 2025 at 5:02 AM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 05-06-2025
May has arrived, and the woodlands are covered with emerald shapes and an array of colorful wildflowers that may include bluebells, trillium, woodland phlox, birdfoot violet, and more.
May has arrived, and the woodlands are covered with emerald shapes and an array of colorful wildflowers that may include bluebells, trillium, woodland phlox, birdfoot violet, and more.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 04-29-2025
By this time in April, our woodland flowers are well into their blooms. Look for the magnificent shows of bluebells and trillium.
By this time in April, our woodland flowers are well into their blooms. Look for the magnificent shows of bluebells and trillium.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 04-29-2025
By this time in April, our woodland flowers are well into their blooms. Look for the magnificent shows of bluebells and trillium.
chicagonaturenow.com
April 29, 2025 at 12:39 PM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 04-29-2025
By this time in April, our woodland flowers are well into their blooms. Look for the magnificent shows of bluebells and trillium.
By this time in April, our woodland flowers are well into their blooms. Look for the magnificent shows of bluebells and trillium.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 04-22-2025 Earth Day Edition
On this Earth Day, our woodlands are lush and flowering, which may include the spectacular bluebell and trillium.
On this Earth Day, our woodlands are lush and flowering, which may include the spectacular bluebell and trillium.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 04-22-2025 Earth Day Edition
On this Earth Day, our woodlands are lush and flowering, which may include the spectacular bluebell and trillium.
chicagonaturenow.com
April 22, 2025 at 12:01 PM
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT 04-22-2025 Earth Day Edition
On this Earth Day, our woodlands are lush and flowering, which may include the spectacular bluebell and trillium.
On this Earth Day, our woodlands are lush and flowering, which may include the spectacular bluebell and trillium.