Andrew Morkes

I have a new article up at my blog, Nature in Chicagoland.

Co-author of Beer Hiking Chicago Discusses Great Nature and Hops Spots

Visit tinyurl.com/wafxmksa to read the interview and learn more about the book.

#books @helvetiq.bsky.social #Chicago #nature #beerlover #hiking

I've published a new article at my blog, Nature in Chicagoland:

Dan Ryan Woods: Urban Opportunities for Hiking, Biking, Picnicking, Fitness, and Winter Fun–Plus 20 Places to Hang Out in Beverly After Your Visit

You can read it at tinyurl.com/c5yu4fxk

#chicago #hiking #danryanwoods #southside

The 7 Most-Popular Stories at Nature in Chicagoland in January 2026 - Nature in Chicagoland BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG

The 7 Most-Popular Stories at Nature in Chicagoland in January 2026

20+ indoor places to beat the cold. Ghosts of Chicagoland. An interview with a talented Irish author. 6 great nature spots on Chicago’s South Side. Cuba Marsh. The time I made Lin Brehmer laugh. My favorite photos of 2025...more.

I braved (and actually enjoyed) the cold and light snow and had a great morning hike at Dunning-Read Natural Area.

Swallow Cliff Woods: Exercise and Go Sledding on a 100-Foot Bluff

Check out my article to learn more about this great destination.
tinyurl.com/bdfd3zp4

A great spot to sled, snowshoe, or cross-country ski.

#swallowcliffwoods #chicagoland #sledding #forests

Taken on this day in 1976. My mom loved to write the date on most of the photos she took with her Polaroid Land Camera.

I have many great memories of backyard forts, tree houses, and other fun growing up in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago.
#CoolPhotoFind #LovedOurTreehouse #Chicago #oldphotos

Remembering Lin Brehmer and the Time I Made Him Laugh - Nature in Chicagoland BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND BLOG

Today is the three-year anniversary of WXRT radio legend Lin Brehmer’s passing. In 2022, I wrote a story celebrating his life and the special place he and WXRT held in my life as I grew up in Chicago, as well as about the time I met him at a party. Here's the story for anyone who is interested.

My Favorite 32 Photos That I Took Last Year - Nature in Chicagoland BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG

I reviewed every photo I took using my phone in 2025 & selected my favorite shots & share stories. This was a fun little art project. I recommend revisiting your past photos, picking your favorites & writing down some stories of why you love the image or the moment it celebrates #photography #nature

Flags, airplanes, dogs, and other splendid sights in a Chicago snowstorm

7 Things to Do at Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve - Nature in Chicagoland BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG

I've posted a new story at my blog, Nature in Chicagoland, which features 300+ nature and non-nature stories.

If you’re looking for great hiking, biking, birdwatching, and wide-open spaces, than Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve in Deer Park, Illinois, is the spot for you.

@lcfpd #hiking #nature

Happy New Year!
I want to thank my “Nature in Chicagoland” readers for visiting my blog in 2025. Visit tinyurl.com/5n7zrdwf to read the 8 most-popular new articles (as selected by readers). I’m grateful to those who take the time to read my stories and correspond with me about nature in Chicagoland.

I wrote many stories about nature spots in 2025, but I also explored other topics that were near & dear to my heart. Here are the most popular non-nature stories in 2025 based on page views by my readers. Visit tinyurl.com/5em4wyjy to read the articles.
#books #family #music #baseball #guineapigs

Celebrating the Artistic Excellence of My Beloved Friend, David Fode - Nature in Chicagoland BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND

A story today to celebrate the life and creative excellence of my friend David Fode, who was born on this day and passed away in 2022. A great artist and even better human being. We had a wonderful friendship that is greatly missed. #art #friendship

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

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

You're welcome! Cindy Crosby is such a great writer.

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

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

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

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

Had a great hike yesterday at Crabtree Nature Center in far northwestern Cook County @fpdcc

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"

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

Thanks, Sheila. I appreciate your kind words and condolences. My mom would probably get a kick out of my new use of them after all these years. A few months before my mom died, she gave my son (who loves baking) all of her cookie cutters. She was so happy to share them with him.

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 …

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.

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

Thanks, Dale.

Chicago Sun-Times Outdoors Columnist Dale Bowman Retires: An Appreciation - Nature in Chicagoland BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG

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

Remembering My Community of Saints on The Day of the Dead - Nature in Chicagoland BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND

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

Thank you for your kind words and condolences. She made the world a more beautiful place.

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