Janine MacLachlan, author of the forthcoming University of Illinois Press book Seasonal Markets of the Heartland, has been blogging about her recent road trips. And, she’s taking pledges to help fund her travel:

Pledge $100 or more
LIMITED REWARD 4 of 6 remaining

Naming rights one of the first trees in my own small but growing orchard. You’ll have a choice between seckel pear, two Idareds or three unknown apple varieties initially planted by birds but transplanted and lovingly cared for. Plus an invitation to visit your tree if you find yourself in Fennville, Michigan. Homemade ginger ale included as you gaze at your tree from the red Adirondack chair.