Don Parker

The Health Benefits of Vitamin N: A Dose of Nature

When we think of our health care provider, most of us probably picture a doctor in a white coat, sitting in a sterile office under fluorescent lights and filling out prescriptions for the pills we need.

Camping Opens in the Forest Preserves

With the launch of the Forest Preserves' new program, local camping is now available to families and individuals for the first time in more than half a century. I wrote and edited content as part of the team that rolled out this new offering.

The Ecosystems of the Forest Preserves of Cook County

From sand prairies to floodplain forests, the preserves contain multitudes.

Green Since 1915—and Going Greener

The Forest Preserves of Cook County has always had sustainability at the core of its mission, but for our centennial we’re taking a fresh look.

Try This: Phenology

Since the dawn of time, people have been keeping track of natural phenomena.

Habitat 2030 Website

Habitat 2030 is a group of dynamic young(ish) volunteers who care about the remarkable natural areas of the Chicago region. We are continuing the illustrious history of local volunteer stewardship and helping to build a culture of 20-30-40-somethings who will understand and care about our preserves long into the future.

Intuit Takes Education Beyond the Exhibit

Every visitor to Intuit gets an education. But not everyone sets foot inside Intuit's building, which is why for years the organization has made significant efforts to bring arts education outside its walls.

Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights: 20 Ideas for Fun and Easy Activities

Every kid should have the chance to climb a tree, follow a trail or camp under the stars. I wrote copy for this brochure, incorporating input from a wide range of community groups and educators.

One Wild Decade

We’ve traveled to the far ends of the region and discovered miracles in large preserves and small backyards; we’ve followed guides, scientists, canoeists, seed collectors, and buckthorn-cutters in all kinds of weather.

Spring Fashions Unveiled in Chicago

A natural parody.

The Volunteer Ecosystem

Through September 2016, I helped launch and produce this new monthly e-newsletter for volunteers, a collaboration between The Nature Conservancy and the FPCC.

The Forest Way Newsletter

The Forest Way shares the latest news and initiatives of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. I helped launch it and oversaw production for its first three years.

Chicago Wilderness 2002-2009

For its 13-year run, Chicago Wilderness Magazine covered the native plants, animals and ecosystems of the Chicago region, and the people who work to preserve them.

New Boathouse Opens on Busse Reservoir

Forest Preserves Launches Major Natural and Cultural Resources Plan

Mowers Move to Propane Power