In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly instituted the International Day of Forests as a way to honor and raise awareness globally for the importance of all varieties and types of forests.  The forests of our planet help to filter the air and water we breathe, provide vital food, shelter, and resources to both humans and wildlife, and also protect us from UV rays.  Visiting forests has also shown proven benefits to improve your physical and mental health, as well as a sustainable source of energy and resources.  The International Day of Forests is also an opportunity to raise awarenes for the devastating effects of industrial agriculture, logging, and mining efforts, and inform the general public about the importance of restoring forests, protecting the environment, and increasing our conservation efforts.

Today, we’re going to explore a few of the National Forests and Forest Preserves in Wisconsin, Illinois, and nearby states. We encourage you to get involved with conservation efforts, consider a more sustainable lifestyle, and get out there to appreciate nature with your friends and family!

Three wonderful forests to check out:

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin covers more than 1 million acres of land in northern Wisconsin.  Early logging efforts in the 20th century saw fit to remove the “old growth” forest. In the 1930s, however, many new trees were planted by The Civilian Conservation Corps, resulting in an absolutely lush forest with breathtaking scenery.  This National Forest was originally two separate forests, but are now managed as one property by the USDA Forest Service.  Travelers can enjoy a multitude of activities such as camping (some of which are pet friendly sites), hiking, berry picking (in season), hunting, fishing, cross country skiing, and even snowmobiling.  Nature lovers will rejoice to observe roaming wildlife such as deer, bears, foxes, coyotes, wolves, loons, and songbirds.  If you’re an angler, you’ll be excited to find trout, bass, panfish, and northern pike!  The forest has a number of lakes and streams; Twentymile Creek and the headwaters of the Marengo River also provide clean water flow to Lake Superior!

White Pines Forest State Park in Mt Morris IL covers 385 acres of parklands and is the perfect place for an outdoor getaway.  You’ll enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, picnicking, nature photography, bird watching, archery, cross country skiing, hunting, and much more.  There are more than 100 campsites and picnic areas along Pine Creek, where you’ll be able to observe wildlife, enjoy some fishing, or explore the incredible wildflowers and foliage of the area.  It’s also home to the White Pines Lodge, which has 13 one room cabins, 2 four room cabins, and 1 two room cabin if you prefer less of a “rough-it” approach, and offers a dinner theatre, banquet hall, and delicious dining at the White Pines Lodge Restaurant.

Iron Oaks Forest Preserve in Olympia Fields IL is a fantastic family-friendly destination full of nature adventures, educational opportunities, and recreational activities.  The forest preserve has everything from climbing walls to crate climbing challenges to a high ropes course physical challenge and so much more!  In the winter, visitors can enjoy cross country skiing or snowshoeing excursions on the nature trails.  There are numerous nature programs to enjoy that will put you up close and personal with the great outdoors, as well as multiple STEM based Nature Camps for kids!  It’s a wonderful place to connect with our world on a personal level and learn about our environment.

Other Nature Preserves and  National Forests in Illinois and Neighboring States:

• Shawnee National Forest in Herod IL
• Sand Ridge State Forest in Forest City IL
• Big River State Forest in Keithsburg, IL
• Hidden Spring State Forest in Strasburg, IL
• Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington,IL
• Hoosier National Forest in Bedford, IN
• Yellow River State Forest in Harpers Ferrry, IA
• Stephens State Forest in Chariton, IA
• White Pines Hollow State Forest in New Vienna, IA
• Shimek State Forest in Farmington, IA
• Merrit Forest State Preserve in Colesburg, IA

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Spring has arrived! Today is the Spring Equinox, and we’re celebrating by sharing our best service tips for Spring.  Get your car Road Trip Ready so you can enjoy your vacation for Spring Break, and drive with confidence knowing your vehicle is in tip top shape.

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This week is Poison Prevention Week.  We’ll be highlighting ways to keep your garage and vehicle organized to eliminate safety hazards due to chemicals, oil, and other fluids.  We’ve got some tips on how to dispose of them safely, how to best clean up those messes, and even how to keep your pets out of harm’s way in the garage.  Check it out on today’s blog!

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We know a lot of young drivers are heading out for Spring Break soon, and Summer Vacation is just around the corner from that!  That’s why today’s blog is dedicated to helpful tips for new and recently licensed drivers.  We want to see you hit the road to adventure and make the most of life, but for you to do so as safely as possible!  Check out these hints, tips, and advice from seasoned drivers to keep you and your car in tip-top shape no matter what life throws at you, and where the road takes you.

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Maybe you’ve been to Chicago regularly for work, or perhaps hit the city for a sporting event or parade, but no matter how many times you’ve visited, there’s always something new to discover!  Today we’re highlighting some unique ways to explore the city up close and personal with unique walking tours and other fun activities.

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March is Disability Awareness Month!  If you’re an able bodied person, chances are you may not have thought about how modern day to day activities may not be accessible to folks with disabilities or health concerns.  Today we’re going to shed some light on the subject, such as various accessibility needs to improve on roadways, adapting vehicles, accessible public transport, and related topics.

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The weather outside is still a touch frightful, but never fear because spring is almost here. This March has rolled in like a lion all across the country, but we anticipate it will prance out gently like a little lamb. Speaking of lambs, you know the sort who love to roam prairies, fields, and graze amidst the flowers… you can follow in their footsteps by strolling through beautiful botanical gardens and nature parks!

Today, we’re sharing our picks for beautiful conservatories, curated landscapes, nature preserves, and other magnificent botanical facilities across the state of Illinois.  Fancy yourself a little road trip? We’ve also included the distance mileage to our best estimate, so you can plan your route for a little weekend getaway or day trip as you see fit!

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Today is March 10th, also known as Mar10 Day celebrating all things Super Mario and Nintendo!  We’ve rounded up our picks for super fun gear to deck out your car in Nintendo themed accessories to add a little flair and personality to your vehicle. But first, here’s some fun facts to impress your friends and family today!

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It’s Women’s History Month, and today we’re celebrating great women in Automotive Racing History!  Join us in learning more about these groundbreaking drivers and their wonderful accomplishments.

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Today we’re sharing our tips and tricks about the 68th Annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2023, and best places to watch it along with other fun ways to celebrate the occasion!  The Chicago St Paddy’s Day Parade is the largest one in the whole US, and we’re very proud of that fact.  We’ll be covering where to catch the parade, more information about VIP access, and recommendations for local Irish eateries afterwards. It’s all right here on today’s blog.

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