Waterfall Glen is one of the Chicago region's natural wonders. (Robert Martinez / Flickr)

People’s renewed appreciation of nature has been one of the few positives to come out of the coronavirus pandemic.

For those looking to explore more of the great outdoors while sticking relatively close to home this holiday weekend, or the summer in general, Openlands’“Get OutsideMap” is a terrific guide to many of the natural wonders of Illinois and Indiana.

The map is searchable via a variety of filters, whether you’re a boater, birder or beach comber, looking for sites that are family friendly, pet-friendly or accessible, or simply out to enjoy a walk in the woods, meadows or marshes.

To help you identify flora and fauna you might stumble across, check out the Field Museum’s collection of field guides, covering everything from wild bees and wasps of Illinois, to common frogs and toads, to wildflowers and shrubs.

Now get outside.

Contact Patty Wetli:@pattywetli| (773) 509-5623 |[email protected]