“My Journey into the Wilds of Chicago” — Performance & Book Signing
Friday, January 10, 2020
7:00PM
Riverside Township Hall
Friday, January 10, 2020 in the Riverside Township Hall Auditorium lecture to immediately following the Annual Meeting.
Mike MacDonald is an internationally published photographer, nationally acclaimed author, professional comedian and public speaker, and conservationist. His informational, inspirational performances are a fusion of humor, passion, and world-class photography.
For over twenty-five years, Mike has been photographing Chicago’s natural wonders, with images that have been nationally and internationally featured in many publications, including Outdoor Photographer, Petersen’s Photographic, Boy’s Life, and BBC’s Gardens Illustrated magazine. Most recently, his landscapes of Chicago’s nature were part of the 2019 and 2020 editions of the Sierra Club Wilderness Wall Calendar.
There are many words that describe Mike’s unique background. But only one word is needed to describe the man: passionate. And Mike is passionate about Chicago nature.
Through passionate public speaking, inspirational writing, and breathtaking photography, he conveys the marvels and magnificence of a wild Chicago that rivals any place on Earth. Playing the role of “nature matchmaker,” Mike introduces people to Chicago’s natural beauty and biodiversity in the hope of sparking thousands of love affairs.
There is more protected natural area within fifty miles of downtown Chicago than most of the national parks. Yet, most Chicagoans are unaware. Until now! Come to be informed and inspired, as internationally published photographer and nationally acclaimed author and humorist, Mike MacDonald, takes you on a virtual journey into Chicago’s wild side—a verdant, untamed Chicago that has been there all along, just waiting to be explored.
Combining breathtaking images and imaginative storytelling, Mike leads you on an adventure into wondrous, enchanted lands located just up the road from home, work, and school. From kaleidoscopic tallgrass prairies to the open canopies of rare oak savannas, from the free-flying expanse of the butterfly to the mysterious world of the coyote, Mike’s startling photographs and inspirational stories of a vast and scenic Chicago represents a loving invitation to get out into nature and play.
Mike’s nationally acclaimed literary coffee-table book, entitled My Journey into the Wilds of Chicago: A Celebration of Chicagoland’s Startling Natural Wonders, is based on this very performance. Publishers Weekly wrote about the book, “It is celebratory, soulful, and poetic…”
A book signing with refreshments follows the performance. Copies of Mike’s book will be available for purchase.