You can camp, golf and — starting next weekend — even go zip lining, but plenty of closures and restrictions remain in effect. Here’s a look at what you can and can’t do in the preserves, and when.
Stories by Patty Wetli
Want to Create Jobs and Fund Social Services on the South and West Sides? Buy Flowers
These days, buying flowers might seem like the very definition of a nonessential luxury purchase. But dozens of struggling nonprofits are in fact relying on flower sales to fund the vital social services they provide.
What You Need to Know About Chicago Parks in Phase 3 of City’s Reopening
Chicago parks may be “reopening” next week — though technically the outdoors was never “closed,” except along the lakefront — but access to facilities and equipment will remain limited.
Chicagoans Aren’t Waiting on Lightfoot to Begin Cleanup, Rebuilding
Neighbors are taking care of each other, grabbing brooms, raising money and distributing food. “I’m cleaning up my community on behalf of my people,” said one volunteer.
Tuesday’s Heat Was One for the Record Books
The mercury soared to 94 degrees on June 2, topping the previous record of 92 degrees set for the date back in 1944.
#BlackBirdersWeek Sends the Message That Nature Is for Everyone
The social media campaign running through Friday was founded by 30 African American scientists, birders and nature lovers as a response to the racism encountered by birder Christian Cooper in New York’s Central Park.
Pritzker Calls Up 250 More Guardsmen to Assist Local Law Enforcement
A “surge of destructive action” across Illinois prompted Gov. J.B. Pritzker to issue a disaster proclamation Monday for nine counties and deploy additional state police and National Guard members.
Weekend of Protests, Social Gatherings May Cause Coronavirus Spike, Chicago’s Top Doc Says
Officials are worried Chicago may see a spike in COVID-19 cases after a weekend of not just protests but a general abandoning of public health guidelines.
‘Livelihoods Completely Devastated.’ City Vows to Help Businesses Rebuild After Looting
A weekend of protests, looting and violence rocked many of Chicago’s commercial districts, which were already suffering due to the coronavirus pandemic that temporarily closed many businesses and kept residents at home.
Lightfoot: ‘We Did Not Stand By and Let the South and West Sides Burn’
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Police Superintendent David Brown disputed claims that resources were used to protect downtown at the expense of Chicago’s neighborhoods during weekend protests and rioting. The opposite occurred, they said.
New Season of ‘Somebody Feed Phil’ Shows the Chicago Restaurant Scene We All Want Back
Chicago’s restaurant scene has been hit hard during the coronavirus pandemic. A new episode of the Netflix series “Somebody Feed Phil,” which filmed in the city in 2019, serves as a reminder of why these businesses are worth saving.
Take a Virtual Hike Through Chicago’s Rare Original Prairie Remnant
The Illinois Native Plant Society is hosting a Facebook Live virtual hike through James Woodworth Prairie Preserve on Saturday.
Hiking Guide Gives New Meaning to ‘Rails to Trails’
A new guidebook showcases the region’s best hiking trails accessible via the CTA, Metra or the South Shore Line. Because someday, we’ll ride trains again.
State Park Campgrounds Open Friday: Here’s What to Expect
First of all, take note that “reopened” doesn’t mean “back to normal.” Guidelines, including limiting campsites and campfires to registered occupants, are in place.
SpaceX Set to Launch First Astronauts. Here’s How to Watch
It’s a big day for NASA and Elon Musk’s SpaceX as they send humans into space Wednesday, the first crewed launch from American soil since 2011 and the first by a private firm.
Are Appeals Court Judges Kicking the Can on Obama Center Lawsuit?
After hearing oral arguments last week, appeals court judges are questioning whether a lawsuit against the construction of the Obama Presidential Center has any standing in federal court.
Southeast Side Coalition Unveils ‘Good Neighbor’ Blueprint for Developers
Southeast Side residents have created guidelines for the types of development they want to see in their neighborhoods, outlining their priorities in a blueprint for developers.
Blues, Gospel & House Music Fests Heading Online, City Announces
The Millennium Park at Home series will deliver concerts online via YouTube and Facebook, kicking off Memorial Day weekend with a virtual version of the House Music Festival.
Go Figure, But a ‘Convert Your Lawn to Prairie’ Webinar is the Hottest Ticket in Town
People have been spending a lot of time in their yards, and it seems that’s led to plenty of folks jumping on the native plant bandwagon, if a sold-out series of webinars is any indication.
Chicago’s Park System Among Nation’s Best, New Ranking Says
In an annual ranking by The Trust for Public Land, Chicago’s park system came in 10th out of the nation’s 100 largest cities, earning high marks for accessibility and amenities.
It’s World Bee Day: Let’s Hear It For Our Native Bees
The United Nations created World Bee Day to raise awareness of these pollinators and the threats they face. The honey bee may get all the glory, but there are 400-500 species of bees native to Illinois.
General Iron Closed While Explosion Investigated, Residents Want More
Chicago officials have ordered General Iron to cease operations while Monday’s explosion is investigated, but residents, who have been fighting for a shutdown of the facility, say the action doesn’t go far enough.
This Month is the Wettest May in Chicago History. Could More Records Fall?
For the third year in a row, Chicago has set a new record for the most precipitation in May. But as rainy as it’s been, it will take an epic deluge to rival the city’s wettest month of all time.
City Presents Plan for Final Coal Plant Demolition, Water Cannons Included
The city says what’s left of the Crawford Coal Plant needs to be demolished out of safety concerns. But this time, officials promise ample water will be on site to guard against a repeat of April’s botched implosion.
‘Stay Home’: That’s the Message from Forest Preserves for Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day is traditionally one of the busiest weekends in the Forest Preserves, but because of COVID-19, people are being encouraged to hold cookouts, picnics and other holiday activities at home this year.
