Letter from Publisher

It’s time to celebrate the new season! And while March in Chicago can be a time of wild swings in the daily weather forecast, the signs of spring are all around us. As the Northern Hemisphere cycles into the growing season, subtle changes that began in February become more obvious each day. Over-wintering birds like goldfinch are starting to show their summer plumage and migrating species like the red-winged blackbird will be making their way back to the Chicago area. Buds on trees and shrubs are getting noticeably thicker and early spring bulbs and native ephemerals are emerging from the frost-heaved soil. While we are sure to have plenty more chilly, gray days and late season snowstorms, the sun has a spring intensity and southwestern breezes bring a warm, earthy smell as the Midwest emerges from the winter freeze.

Although I think of gardening and summer veggies all year, I’m already looking forward to the first tomato of the season. It’s too early to plant all but the hardiest of seeds in outdoor gardens this month, but now is the time to do some serious planning for this season’s vegetable and flower beds and container gardens. I encourage you to consider ways in which you can include more pollinator- and wildlife-supporting native plants, shrubs and trees into your backyard environment this year. Many local groups and forest preserves host native plant sales in May that offer a wide variety of options, and a lot of these sales will open up online ordering this month (which will ensure the best selection and availability) with pick-up later in the season.

Speaking of plants ... in the January issue of Natural Awakenings Chicago, we took a look at the top 10 wellness trends for 2022. Not surprisingly, the growing popularity and availability of plant-based foods topped the list. Research continues to show that eating a variety of fresh, colorful fruits and veggies each day improves overall health and reduces our chances of developing chronic disease. Add to that the growing awareness of the many environmental, ethical, social, health and animal welfare issues surrounding industrial meat production and consumption, and consumers around the globe are shifting their preference to more plant-based diets more than ever. In this month’s issue, Carrie Jackson takes a closer look at the latest trends and options available to help us enjoy more plant-based foods in every meal, and Sheila Julson explores some of the ways to incorporate an array of vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds to create balanced textures and flavors in plant-based meals, plus a couple of tasty recipes perfect for weeknight dinners.

If you’re looking for ways to get involved, learn and connect with our local environment, writer Sheryl DeVore explores some of the great nature-related blogs specific to the Chicago area in this month’s Natural Chicago department. After a winter of reduced daily exercise for some of us, Marlaina Donato offers us a weekend warrior’s guide to help ease the transition back to outdoor activity without injury.

As always, I encourage you to step outside every day, look for signs of the changing seasons and enjoy early spring, no matter what the thermometer says. Listen for bird songs or the call of an owl on a starry evening, notice the soil texture as the ground warms and the new plant growth appears. Watch as the buds on your backyard trees get ready for spring leaves to emerge and animals prepare for the new season. Notice the angle of the sun and feel its warmth. Enjoy this transitional month of March as we prepare for full-on springtime in Chicago in the upcoming months.