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Nature

An art piece of a woman holding a globe
Morton Arboretum Celebrates 100 Years

Dec 30, 2021

rees improve people’s lives and contribute to their well-being. They beautify communities and make them more livable. The Arboretum gives people the opportunity to connect with trees, appreciate them and experience their myriad benefits.

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A wintery forest scene
Have a Nordic New Year

Dec 30, 2021

The Forest Preserve District of Will County will present three programs that tap into the Scandinavian traditions of embracing and enhancing the outdoors, regardless of the weather.

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a sparrow on a tree branch in the winter
Midewin Focuses on Veterans

Dec 22, 2021

The 2022 At Ease Date Planner features photos taken by U.S. military veterans and family members through Brushwood Center’s At Ease Nature and Art Platoon at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.

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A woman standing in a field of yellow flowers looking up to the sky
Reclaim Your Vitality by Going into Nature

Dec 13, 2021 ● By Carl Greer, Ph..D, Psy.D.,

Sponsored Content Being in nature reminds us that vitality involves creativity and change. Author Carl Greer believes nature observes us as we observe it and has many lessons to teach us.

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Stacy Iwanicki, who co-founded a nature book discussion group at Volo Bog, holds her favorite book, A Sand County Almanac. Iwanicki is naturalist at Volo Bog State Natural Area, in Ingleside
Nature and Environment Book Groups Inspire Readers

Nov 30, 2021 ● By Sheryl DeVore

Nature books make great holiday gifts for friends and family. Joining a local book group makes reading even more fun. Of Bogs & Books is one of a few book discussion groups in the Chicago region that focuses only on nature and the environment.

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Celebrating Our Trees

Nov 15, 2021

The annual Chicago Region Trees Initiative partner recognition celebration will have two events this year—a virtual panel on Invasive Species Eradication Innovations and Urban Forestry Awards Ceremonies and a stewardship festival - Invasion of the Nature Snatchers!

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Milkweed pods starting to open
Discovering Nature in November

Oct 29, 2021 ● By Sheryl DeVore

November can seem gloomy as flowers and leaves turn brown and drop to the ground. But there’s plenty to see, enjoy and learn from nature in gratitude and joy this month in the Chicago area.

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Invasive species plant for sale
Banned Invasive Weeds for Sale

Oct 29, 2021

A study finds that about 1,300 invasive plants are sold at garden centers, nurseries and other retailers.

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Headshot of publisher Peggy Malecki
Letter from Publisher

Sep 30, 2021

October brings us to an intersection of seasons as the colors, sounds, aromas, textures and tastes of the natural world transition from late summer’s hazy sweetness to the crispness of fall.

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Indigenous elder wearing headdress
Return Native Lands to Protect Nature

Sep 30, 2021

Land is being transferred to or co-managed by Indigenous tribes, repatriating culturally and ecologically important resources with the former occupants and local communities.

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A dusk photo of blurred out fall leaves and the moon
Connect to the Divine Feminine

Sep 13, 2021

Participants can connect with Mother Earth through a curated blend of ceremonial modalities that include gardening harvest, meditation, kundalini yoga, cacao ceremony, sacred and practical ritual, fire ceremony and nurturing cravings for creativity.

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Wild bee on deadwood
Wild Bees Thrive on Forest Deadwood

Aug 31, 2021

Scientists have found that creating deadwood in coniferous forests is a promising restoration measure to promote an abundance of aboveground nesting bees.

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Two people walking side-by-side, one with arm around the other down sidewalk in urban area covered with trees overhead
Wealth Distribution Linked to Urban Canopies

Aug 31, 2021

An analysis has found that a pattern of inequitable distribution of trees has deprived many communities of the health and other benefits that sufficient tree cover can deliver.

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2020 Chicago region tree census, Morton Arboretum
New Arboretum Tree Census Reveals Ways To Protect Chicago Region’s Urban Forest

Jul 30, 2021 ● By Sheryl DeVore

In the past decade, millions of ash trees have died in the Chicago region, with more likely to die in another 10 years. Meanwhile, the percentage of invasive species continues to rise, causing harm to the region’s ecosystems. Trees continue to provide numerous benefits for humans and wildlife, and there’s much individuals can do to improve and maintain a healthy urban forest.

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Headshot of publisher Peggy Malecki
Letter from Publisher

Jul 30, 2021

Happiness is a topic that’s been written about throughout human history, and the subject of countless songs, poems, paintings, movies, websites and self-help books. Certainly happiness is one of humanity’s most important themes, and rightly so.

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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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