Letter from Publisher

The house wrens in my backyard are quite busy these early days of summer. My office window’s open, and I hear the near-constant song of the tiny bird parents as they flit back and forth around the yard—under the native plants, through the remaining leaf litter and into the oak branches—to gather a steady supply of caterpillars, spiders and other nutritious morsels for their brood. The wrens nest yearly in one of the birdhouses hanging in my dwarf pear tree, and right now the cedar box they chose is filled with hungry, young birds that get more vociferous each day. Soon the nestlings will fledge, but for now, I’m enjoying the annual dawn to dusk serenade of the wren family as they go about their business.

If you’ve had a chance to visit any of the Chicago region’s 90-plus farmers markets, you’re likely already enjoying greens, asparagus, rhubarb, spinach and spring crops along with some early summer produce just coming into season. Markets, farm stands, CSAs, co-ops, you-pick farms, independent groceries and some local chains are also abundant with Michigan and other Midwest-grown summer berries, which, along with cherries, are hitting their peaks of tasty and nutritious perfection right now. Be sure to check out Bob Benenson’s famers market spotlight in this month’s issue to get started (and find out at the end of the article on how to get the link to Local Food Forum, Bob’s blog that covers Chicago area good food topics, including the markets).

When I was growing up in Chicago, strawberries were only available in season at the grocery or produce store (unless you bought them frozen or as jelly or jam) or if we picked them from my grandparents’ gardens. As a treat, my mom would buy the small Dolly Madison (or was it Burny Brothers?) dessert shell sponge cakes, and then thinly slice the berries on top and drizzle with a little Hershey’s chocolate syrup, or maybe a small dollop of vanilla ice cream. Mostly, I’d simply dip the ripe berries into a sprinkle of sugar or slice into Cheerios and enjoy.

Thankfully, in-season, locally grown strawberries are now more abundant at area markets, and we have many weeks to enjoy fresh (or freeze or otherwise preserve them for an off-season treat). To help you celebrate, we’re featuring three delectable recipes this month for strawberry-centered desserts.

In this July issue of Natural Awakenings Chicago, we’re exploring the importance of the soil microbiome and the relationship of soil health to the nutritional value of the food it grows, and ultimately, our own gut microbiome and health. Our ongoing coverage of regenerative agriculture and soil heath, as well as our monthly Natural Chicago section, are designed to tell the ongoing stories of how people, planet and purpose are linked across all facets of our lives, and how our daily choices make a difference in our wellness and the health of the environment.

We have 31, 24-hour increments this month, and I ask you to please make some time each day to step outside and enjoy our natural world. Seek out the night moths and fireflies, enjoy Lake Michigan or a nearby waterway, explore a natural area, walk a path at lunch, enjoy the birdsong as you tend your garden or simply sit on your patio and savor the lingering sunset.

 

Happy Summer!