Where to view fall foliage in Cook County

• Park of the month

With a length of 390 miles from north to south and an ideal climate for deciduous trees, Illinois is one of the most uniquely-situated places to view fall foliage.

Because the state is so long from north to south, fall comes to Illinois several times. It first comes to the northern part of the state in mid-September and works its way gradually south as the weather cools and each region hits its “peak” fall colors at a different time. In northern Illinois, leaves have already begun to change color and will soon reach their peak, turning otherwise mundane vistas into breathtaking, picturesque landscapes.

One of the best ways to experience fall in northern Illinois is to visit the Cemetery Hill Trail at Cook County Forest Preserve’s Paw Paw Woods.

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Chicago Med actor helping raise awareness of Zika virus in Illinois

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is launching a Zika virus awareness campaign with actor Brian Tee, known as Dr. Ethan Choi on the television series Chicago Med.

Tee, who recently welcomed a new baby girl into his family, is hoping to raise awareness on the public health concerns of Zika virus and what people can do to prevent the infection of unborn babies who may suffer birth defects.

First identified in Africa in 1947, Zika virus is a mosquito-borne infection that has spread significantly across the world since the first reported case in Brazil in 2015. For most people, Zika is a very mild infection and isn’t harmful. However, Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Consequently, infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects.

Inspired by his role as a doctor on Chicago Med, and as a new parent, Tee will star in television and radio commercials with information on preventing Zika-related birth defects and the importance of preparing for and having a healthy pregnancy.

The Zika virus education campaign will air the commercials statewide in cooperation with the Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA) Public Education Partnership program. They will broadcast on more than 200 radio stations and IBA member television stations.

For more information on Zika virus, go to www.dph.illinois.gov.

Community builds dog park on south side Chicago

When dog owner Todd Agosto struggled to find a dog park in the south side of Chicago, rather than traveling to a different neighborhood, he built one instead.

Created on a series of abandoned tennis courts in the Jackson Park neighborhood, Jackson Bark has become the third largest dog park in Chicago and the only dog-friendly area in the far south side of the city.

Agosto, who is the proud owner of a pit bull and a German shepherd, first started building the community dog park in 2014. He used his own funds and did most of the work to help create the dog agility and obstacle course.

More than 90 percent of the materials Agosto used for the dog course were salvaged from leftover construction projects in the surrounding neighborhoods. For instance, Jackson Bark’s handmade agility equipment includes recycled tires built into steps that dogs can climb.

The park also boasts two separate play areas, 100 pieces of equipment and a wide variety of toys. Additionally, because it’s equipped with lights, Jackson Bark is one of the only places in Chicago where dogs are welcome after dark.

Although Jackson Bark is not officially recognized by the Chicago Park District, the informal site has become beloved by residents and dog owners all throughout the south side. It is completely run and maintained by Agosto and volunteers from the community.

Jackson Bark recently celebrated its third anniversary on August 26, which also happens to be International Dog Day.

Illinois citizens step up to help victims of Hurricane Harvey

There has been a great effort around the state to send supplies and support to Texas and victims of Hurricane Harvey. One Springfield native, Brad Milliman, not only took it upon himself to get involved, but included his friends, family, and community. Milliman decided to drive to Texas so he could more directly be a part of the relief effort.

Before leaving, Milliman thought that it would be a more productive trip if he transported as many supplies as he could. His grassroots effort started small, with a couple of text messages to family and friends asking for donations. Before long, he had the support of local schools, businesses and individuals. Milliman delivered the supplies he collected to a staging area in Dallas, Texas.

Other communities around the state are also taking action to help in any way they can.

Chicago State University paired with Houston Texans defensive end, JJ Watt, and his Foundation to provide basic necessities along with coloring books and board games. These enjoyable alternatives can offer a much needed distraction to the realities victims of the hurricane are facing.

Small communities are making an effort as well. There is a semitractor-trailer sitting in front of City Hall in the small town of Carlinville for community members to bring donated supplies. Also, at the Glenwood High School football game versus Rochester High School, community members were encouraged to bring bottled water to help the relief effort. Opportunities like this and others have allowed teachers, students and parents to get involved in the nationwide effort.

The Peoria based 182nd Airlift Wing of the Illinois Air National Guard is also playing a role in the recovery effort. The 182nd has sent one of it's C-130 Hercules aircraft along with a crew to assist with relief efforts.