Just a little essay that I wrote about my dad and a lost umbrella.

Dad’s Umbrella

BY ANDREW MORKES, AUTHOR OF “MORKES THIS and THAT” Photo by ALTEREDSNAPS on Pexels.com The mud rooms, car trunks, and closets of America are cluttered with beat-up umbrellas that blow-o…

A new article at my blog! Coral Woods Conservation Area: A Splendid Chicagoland Nature Destination in All Seasons When the fall colors emerge in earnest in a few weeks or so, Coral Woods will provide some stunning hikes. tinyurl.com/45exsyf9#mchenrycountyil#hiking

Coral Woods Conservation Area: A Splendid Chicagoland Nature Destination in All Seasons

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 …

I've published a new story at my blog, Nature in Chicagoland: Visit Crabtree Nature Center to Enjoy Top-Notch Hiking Trails, an Outdoor Play Area for Kids, and a Beautiful Nature Center tinyurl.com/4d7ftmtc#hiking#prairies#forests

Northern Lights Above Chicago! Some photos of the Aurora Borealis I captured last night from my Chicago North Side backyard. Taken around 10:23 pm with an iPhone 14 on Night Mode; no edits I was just about to go in for the night, and there they were! #chicago#northernlights#auroraborealis

Bluesky now has over 10 million users, and I was #2,977,946! "Wow," he says while winking.

Looking for some great nature destinations in Chicagoland? If so, my book Nature in Chicagoland (306 pgs/210 photos) is available at City Newsstand/City News Cafe (4018 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago)/Chicago-Main Newsstand (860 Chicago Ave., Evanston). I'm grateful for their support!

Hiking Biking Birding Beaching Paddling Camping Nature Center-ing If you're looking for some great Chicago-area spots to do these/other outdoor activities, visit my blog Nature in Chicagoland for info on 150+ popular/off-the-beaten-path nature destinations tinyurl.com/2p9ch874

Where to Go This Weekend

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 150 popular and off-the-beaten path destinat...

Please check out my latest story on my blog, Nature in Chicagoland: tinyurl.com/57y9mmrf

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 It’s hard to believe 23 years have passed since the terrible events of September 11, 2001. At the time, I was working as a managi...

I've posted a new article on my blog: 6 Things to Do at South Shore Nature Sanctuary There are many things to love about this tiny nature preserve nestled on the shore of Lake Michigan. Check out my article for more info. tinyurl.com/5n8595ja#lakemichigan

Here's the latest story at my blog, Nature in Chicagoland Visit Anderson Japanese Gardens for Peace, Beauty, Waterfalls, and Stunning Landscape Design 90 Outdoor Destinations to Visit This Summer in Chicagoland 13/90 @AndersonGardens #rockfordillinois#Japanesegardenstinyurl.com/bd3kwtae