George Fell: A Tireless Advocate for Nature in Illinois

BY ANDREW MORKES, AUTHOR OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND There are people who talk, and there are people who do. George Fell was a doer—in spades. There are people who do, but can’t stop talking about themselves and the credit they deserve. Not George Fell. There are people who quit when the powers that be tell …

Black Partridge Woods: Cool Ravines, Great Hiking, and 6 Other Reasons to Visit

Thousands and thousands of years ago, a spring-fed stream began to carve a ravine into a bluff that overlooked a river. As time passed, the ravine grew deeper. Native Americans (including the Potawatomi chief Black Partridge) lived in and/or travelled through the forests, ravines, towering bluffs, and flood plains of the area. Life was good—especially …

Messenger Woods: Famous Spring Flowers and Year-Round Fun

AFTER MONTHS OF GRAY, DREARY WINTER IN CHICAGO, the Virginia bluebells, great white trillium, and other flowers that blanket the gently rolling hills of Messenger Woods Nature Preserve (13800 W Bruce Road, Homer Glen, IL 60491; 815/727-8700; Facebook page) almost hypnotize you when you suddenly see them in all their glory. That’s what Ellen, my wife’s …