A beautiful fall hiking destination with easy trails and diverse ecosystems
A Nature Conservancy gem in Northern Indiana that features prairies, oak forests, and bison
Ghost stories of Chicago’s southwest suburbs and my own ghost story
Great destinations on Chicago’s South Side and in the Southland to check out this weekend and beyond
Nearly 22 acres of restored woodlands, wetlands, a play area for kids, and a pond on the far North Side of Chicago. A perfect place for a short hike or contemplation.
An Ice Age remnant and the only quaking bog in Illinois
A terrific canoeing/kayaking/hiking destination in the Chicago area
These were the topics of the 7 most-popular articles last month at my blog, Nature in Chicagoland, as selected by my readers. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, be sure to check with the forest preserve, nature center, or other destinations regarding parking lot or facility closures before you head out. And be sure to engage in physical distancing as you enjoy your outing.
Here are links to the articles.
1. Sand Ridge Nature Center: Indoor and Outdoor Education and Fun in All Seasons (Please note that the nature center exhibit buildings remain closed due to the pandemic, but washrooms are open)
2. Kankakee Sands: Bison Hunting, Wide Open Spaces, and Great Hiking

3. A Personal Ghost Story, Ghosts of Chicago’s Southwest Suburbs, and 11 Spots for Post-Ghost-Tour Fun



5. West Ridge Nature Preserve: An Oasis in Chicago
6. Volo Bog: An Ice Age Remnant and the Only Quaking Bog in Illinois
7. Nippersink Creek Provides a Great Kayaking or Canoeing Adventure Just an Hour From Chicago
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ABOUT ANDREW MORKES
I have been a writer and editor for more than twenty-five years. I’m the founder of College & Career Press (2002); the editorial director of the CAM Report career newsletter and College Spotlight newsletter; the author and publisher of “The Morkes Report: College and Career Planning Trends” blog; and the author and publisher of Hot Health Care Careers: 30 Occupations With Fast Growth and Many New Job Openings; Nontraditional Careers for Women and Men: More Than 30 Great Jobs for Women and Men With Apprenticeships Through PhDs; They Teach That in College!?: A Resource Guide to More Than 100 Interesting College Majors, which was selected as one of the best books of the year by the library journal Voice of Youth Advocates; and other titles. They Teach That in College!? provides more information on environmental- and sustainability-related majors such as Ecotourism, Range Management, Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Built Environment, Sustainability Studies, and Sustainable Agriculture/Organic Farming. I’m also a member of the parent advisory board at my son’s school.
In addition to these publications, I’ve written more than 40 books about careers for other publishing and media companies. I’ve written and edited many books for Infobase including the venerable Encyclopedia of Careers & Vocational Guidance, the Vault Career Guide to Accounting, and many volumes in the Careers in Focus, Discovering Careers, What Can I Do Now?!, and Career Skills Library series.