The National Weather Service isn’t even trying to sugarcoat the forecast for Halloween. It’s all downhill from here.
Stories by patty wetli
Chicago’s Halloween Forecast: It’s Going To Be a Classic ‘Throw On a Coat Over Your Costume’ Kind of Night
Oct 27, 2023 | Patty Wetli
Leaf Peeping is Hitting Its Peak. Here’s How to Take Advantage of Fall Color Season Close to Chicago
Oct 26, 2023 | Patty Wetli
The fall foliage season got off to a slow start in the Chicago region but is making up for lost time. We’ve rounded up some resources to help you make the most of Mother Nature’s spectacular, but short-lived, autumnal display.
In Move Away From Namesake’s History, Chicago Audubon Society Announces New Name: Chicago Bird Alliance
Oct 20, 2023 | Patty Wetli
The Chicago organization is joined by chapters in Detroit and Wisconsin in dropping “Audubon” and adopting the more inclusive, collaborative “Alliance.”
Baby Penguin Takes First Swim at the Shedd Aquarium. You Need to See the Video
Oct 19, 2023 | Patty Wetli
Shedd Aquarium’s newest rockhopper penguin, hatched in June, just took its first swim with the entire colony and the results were mixed.
Hungry Hungry Hippo Enjoys Halloween Treats at Brookfield Zoo
Oct 18, 2023 | Patty Wetli
Caretakers will pass out more pumpkins to animals during Brookfield's “Boo! at the Zoo” event Saturday and Sunday.
Cook County Forest Preserves’ Proposed 2024 Budget Builds on Successes Made Possible by Tax Levy
Oct 17, 2023 | Patty Wetli
"For the first time in a long time, it is not the budget of an agency in a holding pattern, keeping long-term, pressing needs at bay," Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said. "For Fiscal Year 2024, we are moving forward."
Lincoln Yards’ New Glass Tower Has a Trick Up Its Facade. It’s Bird Friendly
Oct 16, 2023 | Patty Wetli
Sterling Bay’s first completed structure at its $6 billion Lincoln Yards riverfront development was constructed with bird-friendly glass. The use of the material is one of several features intended to minimize the sorts of deadly bird collisions Chicago just witnessed in record numbers.
Bird Carnage Continued Over Weekend in Chicago. Whatever Happened to City’s Bird-Friendly Ordinance?
Oct 10, 2023 | Patty Wetli
While the full tally of dead will never be known, wildlife advocates are certain of one thing: The vast majority of bird losses in the past week were preventable.
DIY Paths Are Wreaking Eco Havoc in Cook County Forest Preserves, New ‘Stay on the Trails’ Campaign Aims to Curb Rogue Routes
Oct 6, 2023 | Patty Wetli
When people veer off designated trails, they damage vegetation, compact soil, contribute to erosion and also create pathways for new invasive plant species.
Birders’ Joy Turns to Shock as Massive Migratory Wave Leads to Mass Mortality Due to Collisions With Chicago Buildings
Oct 5, 2023 | Patty Wetli
Chicago is one of the deadliest cities for migrating birds and Thursday’s “insane abundance of migratory action” led to “insane mortality,” birders said. The remedy is as simple as flipping off a light switch.
Here’s Your Chicago Marathon Guide to Street Closures, Which Runners Might Set Records and What Happens to All Those Banana Peels
Oct 5, 2023 | Patty Wetli
The 45th running of the Chicago Marathon will take place Sunday.
Illegal Building in Humboldt Park Will Be Demolished, Museum Leader Apologizes for ‘Missteps’
Oct 4, 2023 | Patty Wetli
Tensions remain as the fight over the building has been seen by some as a symbol of the struggle to maintain Humboldt Park’s longstanding Puerto Rican heritage in the face of gentrification.
Damen Silos Demolition Permit Application ‘Deferred’ Pending Further Review, Mayor Johnson Announces
Oct 3, 2023 | Patty Wetli
More than a year after the State of Illinois sold off the abandoned 23-acre Damen Silos property to MAT Limited Partnership, the fate of the silos — a favorite of urban explorers — is still up in the air.
October in Chicago Is Off to a Scorching Start After a Hotter Than Normal September
Oct 2, 2023 | Patty Wetli
But fear not lovers of all things fall, more seasonal weather is on the way.
Endangered Black-Crowned Night Herons Are Thriving in Chicago. Researchers Want to Know Why
Sep 29, 2023 | Patty Wetli
The more scientists can learn about the Chicago colony of black-crowned night herons, the more they can help these birds help themselves. Because night herons are hanging on in Illinois by a thread.
Spotted Lanternfly Isn’t an Eco Disaster But It Does Have a Major ‘Yuck’ Factor. Here’s How Chicago Can Defend Itself
Sep 27, 2023 | Patty Wetli
The first sighting of the invasive pest was confirmed in Chicago, but we’re years from a major infestation and have learned from cities like Pittsburgh how to minimize the nuisance, an expert said.
Get Ready to Stomp and Squash: Illinois’ First Infestation of Dreaded Spotted Lanternfly Confirmed in Chicago
Sep 27, 2023 | Patty Wetli
The insect was found in the Fuller Park neighborhood of Chicago, according to a spokesman for the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Illegal Building Still Standing in Humboldt Park. Community Meeting Scheduled To Discuss Its Future
Sep 26, 2023 | Patty Wetli
More than a year after the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture began construction on a non-permitted facility in historic Humboldt Park, a community meeting has been scheduled to discuss the project's status and explore future possibilities for the structure.
Are You Ready for ‘Chicagohenge’? Fall Equinox Creates Amazing Sunrise, Sunset Effect
Sep 22, 2023 | Patty Wetli
During the fall and spring equinoxes, the sun rises due east and sets due west, creating an effect dubbed “Chicagohenge.”
Did You Forget To Make Plans for National Public Lands Day This Weekend? We’ve Got You Covered
Sep 22, 2023 | Patty Wetli
Created back in 1994, the day is meant to celebrate the connection between people and the green space in their community.
The Pelicans Have Landed. Here’s Where to See Them Near Chicago
Sep 21, 2023 | Patty Wetli
The Forest Preserve District of Will County is celebrating the birds’ fall arrival during Saturday’s Pelican Watch event at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon.
Chicago’s Looking for Its Next Official Millennium Park Christmas Tree. Think You’ve Got What It Takes?
Sep 20, 2023 | Patty Wetli
The selected tree will serve as the centerpiece of Chicago’s official holiday celebrations in Millennium Park. Here’s how to submit yours for consideration.
Openlands Announces Michael Davidson as CEO, First New Leader at the Conservation Organization in 35 Years
Sep 19, 2023 | Patty Wetli
The last time the conservation organization experienced a changing of the leadership guard, the year was 1988, Ronald Reagan was president, Mike Tyson was heavyweight champ, and floppy disks were still a thing.
After Recent Rains Flooded Ant Colonies, They Formed Their Own Life Rafts
Sep 19, 2023 | Patty Wetli
If their nests become waterlogged, ants will evacuate and form a waterproof ball that floats on the surface until the waters recede.
Brookfield Zoo Has More Big News to Celebrate: A Record-Setting $40M Donation
Sep 19, 2023 | Patty Wetli
Brookfield Zoo has received a historic $40 million gift from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, the largest single private contribution in the zoo's 89-year history, officials announced Tuesday.
Nearly a Foot of Rain Devastates Calumet City With Second Flash Flood This Year: ‘All My Stuff Is Gone’
Sep 18, 2023 | Patty Wetli
Residents of Calumet City are recovering from a second round of flooding in less than three months after more than half a foot of rain fell on the area Sunday.