Turn Any Patio Into a Pollinator Haven

Turn any patio or balcony into a pollinator haven in Glencoe, Illinois with expert guidance from Chicago Botanic Garden curator Jacob Burns. Learn container plant combinations that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, using perennials and annuals for season-long bloom, color, and biodiversity in small urban and suburban spaces today naturally. Read More »

It’s June and Farmers Market Season Is Busting Out All Over

Explore Chicagoland farmers market season in Chicago, Illinois, as peak summer brings fresh local produce across the region. Discover weekly market updates, seasonal crops like strawberries, asparagus, and tomatoes, and find local food destinations using regional trackers. Celebrate vibrant community markets throughout the greater Chicago area all season long seasonally. Read More »

Celebrate 30 Years of Prairie Restoration at National Trails Day Event

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington, Illinois hosts a National Trails Day celebration and 30th anniversary open house on June 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors can hike, bike, and explore prairie restoration, bison projects, conservation efforts, and family activities highlighting the transformation of this historic landscape event. Read More »

When School’s Out, Mood Is In: Creating a Happier Summer at Home

Discover natural ways to support children’s emotional well-being during summer in Chicago, Illinois. Learn how herbs like lemon balm, skullcap, and arnica can help calm anxiety, ease stress, and treat minor injuries. This guide offers gentle, home-based remedies to help kids reset, relax, and thrive after a busy school year. Read More »

Letter from the Publisher

June Publisher Letter from Natural Awakenings Chicago, Illinois celebrates the start of summer with reflections on outdoor memories, wellness themes, and seasonal features including men’s health, farmers markets, gardening, and outdoor living. Explore vitality, nature connection, and community insights while welcoming longer days and the beauty of the solstice season. Read More »

Invasive Plant Species: Non-Native Shrubs Remain Priority, but Others Can Cause Problems in Chicago Region

Invasive plant species threaten ecosystems across the Chicago region, with non-native shrubs like buckthorn and honeysuckle causing major damage to native forests and wildlife. Experts from the Morton Arboretum highlight control efforts, removal strategies, and native plant replacements that help restore biodiversity in urban and suburban natural areas around Chicago. Read More »

Educational Corner: Common Green Darner (Anax junius)

Learn about the Common Green Darner dragonfly, one of North America’s earliest spring fliers. Recognized by its bright green thorax, long flight season and impressive migrations, this fascinating species thrives across diverse habitats. Discover identification tips, unique behaviors and interesting facts about this remarkable aerial insect in natural ecosystems today. Read More »

Chicago Male Clinic: Redefining Men’s Performance, Recovery and Longevity

Chicago Male Clinic in Chicago, Illinois helps men optimize performance, recovery, sexual health and longevity through personalized, whole-body care. Offering regenerative therapies, chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage and wellness coaching, the clinic focuses on improving circulation, strength, energy and confidence to support long-term vitality and healthy aging. Read More »

Healthy Skin Starts in the Gut

Discover the powerful connection between gut health and skin health with insights from Northbrook, Illinois esthetician Olivia Ilie. Learn how the gut microbiome, nutrition, inflammation, and hormone balance influence acne, rosacea, eczema, and overall skin wellness, and why healthy, radiant skin starts from within. Read More »

ILFMA Appoints Libby Ervin as New Executive Director

The Illinois Farmers Market Association (ILFMA) has appointed Libby Ervin as its new executive director. Bringing eight years of experience in nonprofit management, agriculture, and food systems, Ervin will lead statewide efforts to support farmers markets, strengthen partnerships, and advance local food initiatives across Illinois. Read More »

Finding Meaning and Hope in Troubled Times: A Conversation With Jeffrey Rubin

Integrating psychotherapy and mindfulness, Jeffrey Rubin highlights emotional resilience, equanimity and self-awareness as essential tools for navigating stress and fostering meaningful human connection. Read More »

All-Purpose Fresh Ginger, Cilantro and Chile Pepper Marinade

A tangy-sweet marinade infused with ginger, lime and chile adds bold, aromatic depth to grilled vegetables and proteins. Read More »

Cold Sweet Potato Salad With Arugula

Chilled sweet potatoes tossed with peppery arugula, citrus and mint offer a refreshing, bright twist on summer salad favorites. Read More »

Grilled Fajita Vegetables and Tofu With Marinade

Zesty marinated tofu and vibrant grilled vegetables create a bold, smoky fajita spread layered with spice, citrus and fire-kissed flavor. Read More »

The Best Black Bean Burgers

Hearty black bean burgers packed with walnuts, spices and vegetables deliver a smoky, satisfying plant-based bite that rivals classic grill favorites. Read More »

Summer’s Fleeting Joys

Savoring simple summer moments—from fresh fruit to sunset gatherings—can deepen mindfulness, stretch time perception and restore a sense of ease in a fast-paced season. Read More »

Less Impact, Deeper Purpose: Tips for Leaving a Lighter Footprint

Sustainable living habits, from reducing consumption to mindful purchasing, lower environmental impact while fostering purpose, stronger relationships and a more intentional lifestyle. Read More »