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Natural Chicago

Midwest Wetlands Restoration Boosts Biodiversity and Water Quality

Mar 31, 2025 ● By Sheryl DeVore

April, Katie Kucera looks for marsh marigolds and bluebells while listening for leopard frogs in the wetlands she helps restore, vital for wildlife and mitigating climate change.

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The Growing Spring Presence of American White Pelicans in Illinois

Feb 28, 2025 ● By Sheryl DeVore

The American white pelican, with a 9-foot wingspan and orange pouch, migrates through Illinois in spring and fall. See them at Lake Renwick, Nelson Lake, and Chain O’Lakes this season!

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Bird Flu Affecting Migratory Birds, Especially Waterfowl

Feb 28, 2025 ● By Sheryl DeVore

Ducks, swans, geese, and other waterbirds are natural hosts for avian influenza, with recent cases in Minnesota involving American white pelicans. Report dead birds to Illinois DNR.

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Discover Chicagoland’s Indoor Nature Treasures This Winter

Dec 31, 2024 ● By Sheryl DeVore

Explore area nature centers this season. These free indoor mini-museums feature live animal exhibits, including a 130-year-old snapping turtle, tiger salamanders, and hissing cockroaches!

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Must-Read Books for Nature Lovers This Holiday Season

Dec 01, 2024 ● By Sheryl DeVore

Discover a curated collection of must-read books perfect for nature lovers this holiday season. From Camille T. Dungy’s *Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden*, exploring rewilding and the Black American land experience, to Robin Wall Kimmerer’s latest work, *The Serviceberry*, these recommendations blend lyrical prose with environmental wisdom. Dive into selections like Sy Montgomery’s *Of Time and Turtles* or Zoe Schlanger’s *The Light Eaters*, which reframe our understanding of the natural world. Local bookstore owners share their insights, offering thoughtful gift ideas to inspire, educate, and deepen connections to nature.

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A father and his son standing on a walkway bridge
Local Blogs Beckon Armchair Naturalists to Investigate Midwest Nature

Feb 28, 2022 ● By Sheryl DeVore

Nature blogs offer armchair naturalists a chance to go exploring. Local writers help nature lovers discover everything from the wildlife to the natural wonders of the Midwest. From the Great Lakes to the Great Plains, nature is never far away. Read more here.

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meteor showers
Meteor Watching Connects People to Nature

Aug 31, 2021 ● By Sheryl DeVore

Meteor watching and stargazing are family-friendly activities perfect for an autumn evening. Shery De Vore explores options to see meteor showers in the Chicago area.

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Coneflowers in the garden by Pasquesi Home and Gardens
Preparing Our Home Landscapes for Winter

Aug 31, 2021 ● By Melinda Myers

Fall in Chicago is a season of transition and that includes our gardens. Make the most of beautiful fall days to enjoy it and prepare your landscape for the winter ahead with these great tips from gardening expert Melinda Myers.

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Outside of the main enterance to Peggy Notebaert Nature Center
Chicago City Nature Challenge Inspires Discovery of Urban Wildlife

Mar 31, 2021 ● By Sheryl DeVore

The 2021 City Nature Challenge happens April 30 through May 3 in the Chicago region, and local residents can use iNaturalist to participate in the fun and family-friendly annual virtual event. Every species, including the most common, such as dandelions and squirrels, can be documented.

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Life Goes on Beneath the Frozen Midwest Terrain

Jan 29, 2021 ● By Sheryl DeVore

A pond with a layer of soft snow above the ice may seem to harbor little or no activity, but underneath, where there’s still open pond water or a muddy bottom, life goes on in winter, just at a much slower pace.

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Turkeys, Turkeys Everywhere: Wild Birds and Mushrooms Show Their Woodland Colors

Oct 30, 2020 ● By Sheryl DeVore

During the fall season, nature lovers can enjoy two different types of turkeys. One is a bird, the wild turkey—the other is a mushroom, turkey tail fungus. Writer Sheryl DeVore helps us learn more about both types of turkeys!

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March 2025 Issue

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Natural Awakenings Chicago Magazine April cover monarch butterfly and milkweed
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