Susan Nix has always had the nature bug. She has wonderful memories of taking her kids for nature walks through the woods.
These days she finds it provides her with much-needed comfort and solace from her job reviewing cancer cases, reading many sad stories about cancer patients every day as she works from home conducting cancer research.
“That is one of the main reasons I need to get out of my house on the weekends,” Nix said. “Walking or hiking in the preserves are my peace, a place to clear my mind.”
Nix has two adult children and four four-legged animals. She is also an artist and enjoys drawing and painting, but photography is her favorite. Nix shares her beautiful nature photos on Instagram.
Here’s her story.
Discovering DuPage Forest Preserves
I grew up in Westmont and have always loved walking and hiking outside. My children were also brought up going on nature walks since they were young. We have many wonderful memories. As adults they still walk with me and I love it.
Mayslake Forest Preserve in Oak Brook is one of Susan Nix's favorite preserves to visit.
Favorite Forest Preserve and Time to Visit
I prefer to walk early mornings as the birds start to wake or late evenings to find the owls and deer. Sunsets at both Mayslake and Lyman Woods are my favorites.
Lyman Woods in Downers Grove is one of Susa Nix's favorite preserves to visit.
What Brings Her Back Time and Time Again
There are so many beautiful preserves to choose from: the sunsets, the fawns playing, the butterflies, fall colors, winter birds... I can go on and on.
Susan Nix captured this beautiful photo of two deer at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook.
Nature’s Lessons
To really appreciate the “find” and be patient.
A photo by Susan Nix of a bald eagle at Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville.
Favorite Thing to Do in the Preserves
I enjoy so many things, but to just listen to all the sounds. The summer night bugs, the winds blowing through the trees, the owls, the deer crunching sticks and the different sounds each bird makes.
Susan Nix captured this photo of a great horned owl at Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville.
Favorite Nature Quote
“An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
That is very true for me. It will always make my day much better. More than likely, it will give me energy to go back out in the evening as well.
How Nature Inspires
It is beauty with all the imperfections and none of it is permanent. What you see one day will be different the next.
Advice to Others
Walk outside, look, listen and be still. And maybe go alone. Enjoy the peace and solitude.
The boardwalk at Lyman Woods Forest Preserve in Downers Grove.
If you have a fun or unique way of catching nature in our preserves and would like to be featured in a “Catching Nature” blog, please contact Deb Humiston at dhumiston@dupageforest.org.
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
