Chicago Region Tops U.S. National Parks in Native Plant Biodiversity! Part 2 (Originally published on 1-17-2018 and updated on 1-14-2026)   Last week, in the first part of this series, I compared the natural splendor of the Chicago region to the sixty-three U.S. national parks. I framed the beauty and biodiversity of the Chicago region in terms of the famed and...

Chicago Region Tops U.S. National Parks in Native Plant Biodiversity! Part 1 (Originally published on 1-11-2018 and updated on 1-14-2026)     A local bookstore stopped carrying my book that celebrates Chicago’s natural wonders because it wasn’t selling as well as a cheaply produced, highly advertised book commemorating the hundredth anniversary...

This is our final wildflower forecast of the season and our Fall Color Preview. It’s time to experience the final blooms of the season and to plan your fall color outings around Chicago.

Get out and experience the final dramatic blooms of the year. September is the Month of Gold in many of our prairies and oak savannas, but actually offer a variety of colors from pinks and purple to rusts and reds.

September is The Month of Gold as the sunflowers and goldenrods steal the shows. However, while some preserves turn to gold, while others paint themselves with pink and purple. Immerse yourself in the colorful, whimsical, wonderful world of Chicago nature.