The Prairie Room at Heller Nature Center is showcasing a unique photography exhibit of Illinois’ endangered and threatened species by renowned photographer Carol Freeman.  The exhibition, which runs through April 2020, includes extraordinary photos of endangered orchids, dragonflies, and owls.   Freeman hopes these images will inspire some to learn more about these species and to help preserve them.

Carol Freeman’s true passion is photographing nature. Her images reflect her philosophy of finding beauty in everything. She sees with an artist’s eye and feels with a naturalist’s heart. Her respect for nature has led her to create beautiful, light-filled images with low-impact techniques that leave the habitat just as she found it. Her shots are all achieved without the use of flash, fill, or tripod.  Her photos have appeared in many publications, including several Photoshop books by Scott Kelby, Audubon Wildflower Calendar, and magazines, including National Geographic, Canadian Geographic, Better Homes & Gardens, Garden Design, Kew, Nikon World, Northshore, Nature Photographer, and Birds & Blooms. Her images adorn the covers of Chicago Wilderness, Illinois Now, Chicago Home & Garden, Outdoor Illinois, and Horizons. She was featured in The Costco Connection and Professional Photographer magazines. In the winter 2010 issue of Nikon World Magazine featured Freeman’s photography.

Freeman founded a not-for-profit called Team Green Environmental Network, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to environmental education. Its mission is to educate, enlighten, and inspire people to reconnect with and learn to appreciate nature.  From 1990-2003 she owned and operated a successful graphic design company, Freeman Design. She also art-directed the award-winning Chicago Wilderness Magazine for four years.  Freeman received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Illinois, with a minor in photography. She continues taking classes to earn a Naturalist Certificate.

Heller Nature Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am to 3 pm. Please contact Heller Nature Center at 847.433.6901 before your visit to be sure the Prairie Room is accessible for your viewing.