Marcia Sacks; Marcia is a published writer, astrologer and meditation instructor; her website is chock full of useful information, including a free newsletter:

 

www.marciasacks.com

The American Council on Exercise, fitness watchdog and the organization through which Evamarie is certified for personal training, group fitness instruction, and lifestyle and weight management consultation:

 

www.acefitness.org

Dr. Len Kravitz, award-winning presenter, speaker, researcher and authority in the field of exercise science:

 

www.drlenkravitz.com

Stillman Nature Center, South Barrington, Illinois; tucked discreetly in a residential area, this 80-acre preserve features hiking trails through prairie, wetlands and forest, along with specialty programs such as Owl Walks (a must see) and Sunday morning Bird Hikes.  A newly built bird blind lets visitors peek at activity in the marsh:

 

www.stillmannc.org

Spring Valley Nature Sanctuary, Schaumburg, Illinois.  To hike the over 3.5 miles of trails through woods, prairie, historic farm and wetlands, it's hard to imagine that this 135-acre refuge is smack dab in the middle of busy Schaumburg!  In addition to an array of nature programs for all ages, Spring Valley has its own rustic log cabin:

 

www.parkfun.com/dir/spv/spgvlly.html

The Thoreau Society (honoring the life, philosophy and works of Henry David Thoreau, plus working to help preserve Thoreau Country), The Walden Woods Project (helping to protect Walden Pond), and The Thoreau Institute (world's largest collection of Thoreau and Thoreau-related materials) :

 

www.walden.org

Adams Duo; Jonathan and Jennifer Adams create a unique and refreshing new sound with the unusual paring of cello and fingerstyle guitar. Combining classic style with modern sensibility, the duo draws on influences from ethnic and classical, to jazz and popular music. Like all true innovators, the duo defies simple classification and continue to stretch the boundaries of contemporary instrumental music:

 

www.adams-duo.com

Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, Wisconsin.  Excellent hiking trails, 500-foot bluffs, swimming beaches, rock climbing and camping:

 

www.devilslakewisconsin.com

John Acorn:  "Acorn the Nature Nut".....Not that I'm biased or anything, but the Crocodile Hunter never held a candle to this guy's informative and witty TV show!  Fortunately, video tapes of individual episodes (along with cool accessories) are still available for sale:

 

www.greatnorth.ab.ca/Acorn.html

The Nature Conservancy.  As an Illinoisan, I'm especially partial to the Nachusa Grasslands and the mysterious Cache River State Natural Area, both of which are among the places the Nature Conservancy helps protect:

 

www.nature.org