Letter from Publisher

There’s something truly magical about an idyllic, late June evening in the Midwest. I eagerly anticipate the warm, extra hours of evening light all year long. It’s time to sit outside, whistle to the evening song of robins in the neighborhood trees, listen to a few crickets and more than a couple of cicadas, and search for the yellow flash of early fireflies. Lingering outside for “just a few more minutes” (and after the streetlights come on) is a cherished routine on these near-solstice nights.

Chicago’s longest day this year will be on June 20, when we’ll officially have 15:13:41 hours of daylight between 5:15 a.m. and 8:29 p.m. For the early risers and the night owls among us, the sun’s full day begins and ends with what’s called astronomical twilight, faintly glowing over Lake Michigan’s Eastern horizon at 3:30 a.m. and fading out in the Western sky in that seemingly indistinguishable moment between navy blue and dark of night at 10:41 p.m.

With local and state parks, nature centers, forest preserves, accessible trails, nearby natural areas and the lakefront all beckoning, there are myriad ways for nearly everyone in the Chicago area to embrace the official start of summer. Whether it’s an outdoor yoga class, a festival, a family gathering or simply enjoying a stroll, the opportunities for new adventures abound. This is a time for urban, suburban and rural dwellers; hikers; evening walkers; lakefront runners; soccer players; trail bikers; birdwatchers; sailors; kayakers; outdoor enthusiasts; gardeners; dog walkers; and backyard readers (just to name a few) to soak in the season and gather memories to last a lifetime.

There are ample opportunities to explore our northern Illinois summer at farmers markets, music festivals, art and craft fairs, public gardens and arboretums, and outdoor dining patios. When the sun is high in the sky, the eventide is lingering and the foliage lush and green, summer seems all the sweeter.

We’re excited to share this issue of Natural Awakenings Chicago with you, featuring a focus on Men’s Health Month, but as always, designed to nourish everyone’s mind, body and spirit. Whether it’s tips on building healthy muscle, supporting emotional well-being, learning about summer birds in Chicago or trying a seasonal recipe using fresh farmers market produce, we hope you find inspiration within these pages.

May you find a peaceful time and place to pause and embrace the spirit of the season. As always, I encourage you to step outside daily, leave the A/C and computer behind and immerse yourself in our natural world. Look for birds and their young fledglings at a feeder, go barefoot in the grass, dance in a summer rain, sit quietly while watching a bee go from flower to flower, enjoy the Strawberry Moon on June 22 and get up early (or stay up late) to experience the astronomical twilight hours near the solstice. And savor each of the 30 days of this magical month.

       Wishing you a vibrant start to your summer,
                  a joyous Solstice and a Happy Father’s Day!