Illinois Trails

Hike wilderness trails in the middle of the Corn Belt.

Some suspect the animals died of dehydration, and employees were disciplined over negligent care.

Des Plaines resident charged with hate crime following June 14 verbal abuse

In the '80s, fewer than 100 otters lived here; now, we have about 30,000. Here's a peek at what'd behind the conservation success.

A new history organization hosted a walk at Beaubien Woods.

The Cook County officer was scheduled for a disciplinary hearing on his role in a racially charged harassment case that went viral.

The case began when a woman shared a video of a man harassing her in a Cook County preserve while the officer looked on.

The two fledglings hatched at Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve near Elgin.

Fort Sheridan debuts new accessible trails, educational exhibits, and trailhead amenities.

While known for its lake views, modern architecture, deep-dish pizza, and those World Series champion Cubs, the Windy City is also close to some of the Midwest’s best hiking trails. Glacier-scraped terrain, hardwood forests, and meandering rivers are all within two hours of the Magnificent Mile.

The paddling trips will incorporate plant surveys and a stop at the new River Island.

500 dockless bikes will make it easier for people to pull off a cruise in the woods.

Here's where to rent a boat and get out on the water for exercise, fishing, wildlife-watching, and more.

The small group pioneered a 210-mile loop linking natural areas throughout Chicagoland.

A tour boat pulled a couple to safety after they fell from their rented kayaks.

Land managers struggle to protect the last white lady's slipper orchid plant in the preserve system.

A woman sustained bite injuries from the three dogs, presumed to be feral,

Kane County Health Department has issued an alert warning of an increase in the bloodsucking insects.

The connector expands hiking and biking options and makes traveling between forest preserves safer.

The 39-year-old man fell into the Fox River in mid-90s temperatures.

The trailblazers are out to prove that Windy City hikers can enjoy wild, long-distance routes too.

Members hope the system of nesting boxes will boost the population of the declining falcon.

The 2018 Trust for Public Land's ParkScore report gives the Windy City high marks for investment and public access.

Conde Nast Traveler's new list highlights the 50 most scenic spots across the U.S.

A native plant expert's picks for where to spot lupine, violets, trillium, and more.

A man and woman were taken to the hospital after suffering head wounds last week.

Officials spread a sticky bacterium in an attempt to control the invasive bug.

Testing discovered unacceptable levels of lead Chicago's tap water at hundreds of sites.

The new property is on the Chicago River's North Branch Canal and about a quarter mile from the company's Goose Island location.

Biologists warn pet owners to be extra-careful in May and June, when coyotes get territorial.

Several miles of separate cyclist/pedestrian lanes have opened, and a Navy Pier bridge is under construction.

Many turtles are injured and killed crossing the road this time of year.

At 122 feet tall and almost 29 feet around, the cottonwood beat out the previous champion tree, a cypress in southern Illinois.

The new program lets users pick up and leave bikes anywhere with electronic locks.

The new events will offer an after-hours peek at the woods.

This father-son team has decades of experience searching Illinois for Native American artifacts.

The next phase of the Building on Burnham plan focuses on turning the Chicago River into a recreation hub.

The super-popular state park is struggling to handle its millions of visitors.

Last weekend's snowstorm hit new highs for April across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota.

Savannah Buik used climbing to help her overcome an eating disorder.

A collection of 177 park-themed quilts will be on display in June and July in several forest preserve sites.

Voters will decide which of three Chicago park projects will win the grant.

First sighting since project began eight years ago

One species is increasing, while another saw a slight decline.

Three lakes open for fishing April 7.

Racine has applied for permission to draw 7 million gallons of water a day from Lake Michigan for the planned tech plant.

Hunting fees pay for wildlife conservation. With participation dropping, who will pick up the slack?

The scenic lakeshore sand dunes are attracting more and more visitors every year.

Marc Berman, head of the Environmental Neuroscience Lab, has recorded positive cognitive effects from just photos or sounds of nature.

The two species are enemies in the wild, but Wisconsin biologists found they surprisingly tolerate each other in cities.

City planners use these detailed maps to conserve open space, waterways, and animal habitats.

The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is one of few landscapes to earn National Historic Landmark status.

The volunteer organization does everything from trail work to political advocacy to tree-planting in public school lots.

Some neighborhood groups oppose construction plans for the South Side complex.

In artist Peter Gorman's new map-based print, 20 diagonal road junctions look like snowflakes and dancing figures.

Local organizations are studying ways to improve the Logan Boulevard & Western Avenue junction.

Aldermen will decide on a contract for an interactive mastodon model for Phillips Park.

Now's the time to go for trail ranger, gardener, naturalist, and camp counselor jobs.

The best local trails, as selected by BACKPACKER Local scout Erica Zazo.

Wondering about that city, river, or road name? Chances are, it can be traced back to the area's original residents.

The Surfrider Foundation filed suit against U.S. Steel for polluting Lake Michigan waters.

At least two others have died searching for a supposed trove of jewels and gold hidden somewhere in the West.

Scientists at Brookfield Zoo are using artificial insemination to help the species recover.

The city made the bold decision to preserve 22 acres of land rather than sell to developers.

For frequent riders, the bike share program goes way beyond tourism.

A land trust donated four parcels adjacent to park boundaries.

The Strava fitness map show exactly where Chicagoans love to work out.

The little-known North Shore preserve proposes new educational programs and a rehabbed pond.

The proposal to merge and redesign courses at Jackson Park has drawn community criticism.

The court declared a provision banning guns in public parks unconstitutional.

Why adding Divvy stations on the South and West Sides was a smart move.

22 million pounds of plastic enter the waters each year from microplastics and beach litter.

Expect to pay a bit more to sleep at Devil's Lake and Mirror Lake State Parks this year.

The group seeks documents relating plans for big changes at Jackson Park.

The CEO of Chicagoland's Camping World looks to merge his RV empire with the outdoor recreation market.

Chicago-area museums and nature parks have an exciting year of cultural and environmental special events on the calendar.

The Chicago team was instrumental in the creation of the new Parque Nacional Yaguas.

Meteorologists suspect a widely observed flash across the Tuesday night sky was a meteor, not lightning.

Chicago Department of Transportation plans to discuss a proposal to make Chicago Avenue safer for cyclists and pedestrians this year.