Exploring Nature in Illinois: A Field Guide to the Prairie State

by Michael R. Jeffords, Susan L. Post

Loaded with full color photographs and evocative descriptions, Exploring Nature in Illinois provides a panorama of the state's overlooked natural diversity. Naturalists Michael Jeffords and Susan Post explore fifty preserves, forests, restoration areas, and parks, bringing an expert view to wildlife and landscapes and looking beyond the obvious to uncover the unexpected beauty of Illinois's wild places.
 
From the colorful variety of birds at War Bluff Valley Audubon Sanctuary to the exposed bedrock and cliff faces of Apple River Canyon, Exploring Nature in Illinois will inspire readers to explore wonders hidden from urban sprawl and cultivated farmland. Maps and descriptions help travelers access even hard-to-find sites while a wealth of detail and photography offers nature-lovers insights into the flora, fauna, and other aspects of vibrant settings and ecosystems. The authors also include diary entries describing their own impressions of and engagement with the sites.
 
A unique and much-needed reference, Exploring Nature in Illinois will entertain and enlighten hikers, cyclers, students and scouts, morning walkers, weekend drivers, and anyone else seeking to get back to nature in the Prairie State.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Natural History, Travel

257 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful resource for exploring the diverse flora and fauna of Illinois.

[Julie Durnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely done with beautiful photos and great information, some places I knew of and many I did not.
Hoping to visit a few this year.

[Emily Kestrel · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first moved to Illinois 13 years ago, I thought it was flat and boring--one giant cornfield. Luckily I soon joined my local Audubon group and visited different parks and nature preserves. My love of birds turned into an obsession, and I began to explore as many different places and habitats as I could manage in a reasonable driving distance. It didn't take me long to discover that Illinois is not at all boring. On the contrary, it is fascinating and diverse, with everything from canyons and forests, to rivers and wetlands, to sand prairies and park-like oak savannas, to...well, you get the picture.

This book more than does justice to the biological richness and beauty of the state, with tantalizing descriptions of the locations and gorgeous photography. I have visited most of these locations, and yes, they are all worth the trip! This book motivates me to go out and explore all these locations again, and not just for the birds. (Although, to be honest, mostly I'll look for birds; I just can't help myself!)

[Eleanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book that is sure to inspire anyone to explore the Prairie State. IL is actually quite large and its topography is quite varied. Each state park is given at least 2 pages of pics and text, and the summary of each is enough to help the reader decide whether to visit or not. The only false note in this book is the at times forced "poetic" quotes by the author's wife at the start of each park's summary, but they are easily ignored. Jeffords doesn't just relate the facts of the parks, he covers the ecosystems of each as well. A guidebook and reference to be used often.

[Abbigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book that covers the many natural wonders of Illinois in brief overviews. A great testament to people who still think Illinois is the worst. I cant wait to go to all of the places in this book.

[K Kriesel · Rating 2 out of 5]

An ok introduction to different parks in Illinois. These are great if you're thinking about visiting any of these parks but can't decide which one, but other than that very little useful information.

[Sylvia Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly what the authors want it to be: an invitation to explore. Of course, the first thing I did was read about all the places I'd been to, and love, and was surprised about all of the things I hadn't known about them. Now, I really, really want to revisit them all, and also visit the other special places, all chosen for their biodiverity, featured so beautifully in photos in the book. That biodiversity is an eyeopener to me. I tend to focus almost exclusively on birds when I'm out in nature. The occasional butterfly, or a beautiful wildflower, or a scary burr oak (yes, burr oaks are scary), will divert my focus momentarily, but reading this book makes me want to get out there and really LOOK. This is exactly the book I needed when I lived in Illinois, moaning that there was nothing to see but corn and soybean fields. Luckily, the local Audubon group showed me that there are lots of beautiful, birdy places to visit, even in central Illinois; this book would have introduced me to many more.

[Pam Cipkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

The highlight of this book is the beautiful pictures of scenic natural areas around the state of Illinois. The different ecosystems found in Illinois are described and explained, including prairies and savannahs, both of which I've had the experience of learning more about and appreciating since I moved here 10 years ago. Excellent descriptions of the flowers and plants in each area. Lots of tips on what trails to follow and particular things to see. I learned about areas very near my home that I did not know about, and areas further away that I plan on visiting now. This is a book I will refer back to whenever I make a trip to a different part of the state. A valuable resource for nature lovers!

[Champaign Public Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must-read for anyone who enjoys nature. You’ll be thrilled by the diversity and uniqueness of Illinois’ overlooked natural treasures. Beautiful photographs and a conversational tone convey the feeling that you’re taking a friendly walk with the authors. Directions to each site and suggestions for the ideal time of year to visit make this the perfect adventure planning guide.

Recommended by Melissa R.

[John Pyrce · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors note that Illinois has only 0.07% of its area in the state that still is as it was just 200 years ago before widespread settlement and cultivation, making it 49 of the 50 states in terms of area still in an unmodified state. Having said this, the authors list a remarkable number of places that still exist and can be enjoyed. For the few I am familiar with, their descriptions seem fair. I am eager to explore some of the other places that I have never heard of before.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book exploring natural areas in Illinois. Whether you are an armchair naturalist or require a guidebook to lead you to various state parks, nature centers and preserves, this book should satisfy your needs. Each location is thoroughly described (including seasonal high points) accompanied by lovely photographs.

[Mmfniteowl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Checked out from library and liked it so much I purchased this book.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the beautiful pictures in this book. It was so interesting reading about all the different kinds of nature that is in Illinois. Makes me wish I could visit all the places mentioned in the book.