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Nature

Plasticus porticus art structure.
Chicago Botanic Garden Flourishing for 50 Years

Jun 30, 2022 ● By Carrie Jackson

With a mission to cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life, the Garden is more than just a beautiful place to visit. Access to plants and green spaces helps in a myriad of ways with both personal and community health, ranging from addressing air pollution to increasing community cohesion and social stability.

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Nippersink Creek runs through Hackmatack.
Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge ~ Preserving The Environment For 10 Years

Jun 30, 2022 ● By Sheryl DeVore

The public can now hike, attend events and volunteer at the preserve.

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Person standing in middle of trees in forest with arms spread
Earth-Friendly Hiking

Jun 30, 2022

As stewards of the environment, it’s important that we hike responsibly, leaving no detritus behind, respecting wildlife and preserving the pristine setting for everyone to enjoy.

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Person working out with ropes on sandy beach
The Great Nature Gym: Outdoor Workouts Make the Most of Summer

Jun 30, 2022 ● By Carrie Jackson

Studies show that outdoor workouts improve mental well-being and result in greater feelings of revitalization, increased energy and positive engagement.

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Sign at entrance to Zion National Park
National Parks Enacting New Regulations

May 31, 2022

The National Park Service (NPS) has cracked down on some recreational activities to better manage the human impact on natural environments.

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Group of volunteers cleaning up trash from a park
Eco-Volunteering: Hands-on Ways to Help Our Planet this Summer

May 31, 2022

Helping nature while enjoying the great outdoors is a classic win-win opportunity. Here are a few ideas to join the fun while contributing sweat equity.

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Flourish: Chicago Botanic Garden at 50

May 09, 2022

Starting May 13 through September 25, members, visitors, and program participants are invited to celebrate 50 years of the Garden connecting people to the natural world.

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Baker’s Lake rookery
Northeast Illinois Rookeries Show Real Lives of Local Herons, Egrets and Cormorants

Apr 29, 2022 ● By Sheryl DeVore

Senior wildlife biologist Chris Anchor has been studying rookeries—places where egrets, herons and cormorants nest communally—for decades. Like no other species in the region, these birds offer humans a chance to watch them court, build nests and raise young, says writer Sheryl De Vore.

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Headshot of publisher Peggy Malecki
Letter from Publisher

Apr 29, 2022

Before summer gets here, I encourage you to take in all the wonders that May has to offer.

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a snowy field
New Park Coming to Bull Valley Thanks to Public-Private Conservation Partnership

Mar 31, 2022

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County (TLC) has acquired a 323-acre farm near Bull Valley, fulfilling a community vision to protect the site’s natural and ecological features and resulting in the creation of a new public nature park.

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Volunteer for Chicago River Day

Mar 31, 2022

The celebration draws thousands of volunteers every year to work in and along the river system at nearly 70 greater Chicagoland locations throughout the watershed.

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A hiking trail
Guided Nature Hikes Offer a Sneak-Peek at Spring

Mar 31, 2022 ● By Sheryl DeVore

As the natural world re-awakens in April, local forest preserves offer guided hikes for the public to witness the signs of a new season and get some exercise.

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Plasticware going into disposal bin
Plastic On its Way Out at National Parks

Mar 31, 2022

Poll finds that 82 percent of registered U.S. voters responding would like the National Park Service to stop selling and distributing single-use plastic items.

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Mass of monarch butterflies on plant in nature
Why We Need Wild Places: How to Invite Nature Back into Our Lives and Landscapes

Mar 31, 2022 ● By Sheryl DeVore

Saving wild places is critical for human health and well-being. Here are ways to create spaces, including our lawns, that are hospitable to wildlife and native species.

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Backyard landscaped pond to invite wildlife
Creating a Wild Space at Home

Mar 31, 2022

How to create wild spaces in yards, including what and where to plant and how to manage the land.

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December 2024 Issue

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December 2024 Natural Awakenings Chicago cover image mugs and holidays
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