Letter from Publisher
Peggy Malecki
It’s May! I'm always amazed how this month unfolds into a palette for our senses, inviting us to step away from our routines, observe the world around us and partake in the annual spring pageant before the calendar forwards to summer.
As early spring transforms into warmer days, I eagerly anticipate the gradual re-foliating of the Chicago area, watching weekly, daily—and in stretches of above average temperatures and sunny days, almost hourly—as tree buds thicken and gradually open. I look forward to the feel of soft, new growth on an evergreen tree and look for the return of Midwest native ephemeral plants like trillium and mayapples. In May, neighborhood fruit trees are blooming, pink and white blossoms cover crabapples and native shrubs, early lilacs are opening their fragrant buds and all around is the breathtaking beauty of new growth. And by May 12, sunset comes after 8 p.m.
While spring blooms tend to favor gentle pinks, lilacs, greens, whites and yellows, ‘tis the season of flashy colors thanks to our avian visitors. Spring migration is well under way, and the monitoring website BirdCast.info estimates May 2 to be the peak night for millions of birds passing through the Chicago area as they head for the North Woods and Canada. Warbler varieties by the dozens, scarlet tanagers, indigo buntings (usually seen around May 12 at my backyard feeder), thrushes and more are a delight to the ears and eyes. Tiny, ruby-throated hummingbirds are back this month, too (track them at HummingBirdCentral.com).
In this issue of Natural Awakenings Chicago, we’ve included information about World Migratory Bird Day, observed this spring on May 11, and a partial list of events informing us about migratory birds and of places to join in the celebration. Spring birds are a visual and auditory delight, but picking out species and voices can be tricky. Fortunately, there are many great phone and tablet apps, one of my favorites being Merlin Bird ID, by the Cornell Lab, which identifies birds in “real time” by their song.
We’re also taking our annual in-depth look at Women’s Wellness, focusing this year on hormonal health for women of all ages, along with some of the myths that may surround hormone treatments. Plus, we look at the role vitamin K2 plays in healthy bones, the latest in treatments for Lyme disease and ways to balance gluten in our diets. In our Seasonal Kitchen section, writer Veronica Hinke shows us some sweet and savory ways to enjoy seasonal rhubarb. Plus, Sheryl DeVore explores the sights and sounds of spring frogs in the Chicago area.
As always, I encourage you to step outside at least once each day and sample the details of the 31 days of May. Let the experience envelope you in a harmony of spring. Try to listen for frogs, watch for the Flower Moon on May 23, enjoy the freshness of green lawns and yellow dandelions in this No Mow May, feel a warm rain or a cool Lake Michigan breeze and take in the once-a-year magic of the “showiest” month of spring!
Happy Mother’s Day! Happy Spring!
