Tag Archives: Exploring Nature in Illinois

November 19, 2014

Best of Illinois: Exploring nature and finding fungus

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The Best of Illinois regional catalog highlights some Press titles that focus on Midwestern subjects including history, art, architecture, food, politics, music and more. Three titles that focus on natural history provide readers an opportunity to take an excursion into … Continue reading →

July 30, 2014

Exploring Illinois: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge

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The Upper Mississippi River National Fish and Wildlife Refuge stretches for 261 river miles from Cordova, Illinois to the mouth of Wisconsin’s Chippewa River. Dozens of bird species can be spotted at the Refuge, especially during migratory season. Perhaps most … Continue reading →

July 23, 2014

Exploring Illinois: Ayers Sand Prairie

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Ayers Sand Prairie in Carroll County was once the western edge of the Wisconsin Glacier. Among the small dunes explorers can spy plants and animals friendly to the dry growing conditions such as the birds-foot violet and the Olympia marble … Continue reading →

July 16, 2014

Exploring Illinois: Kickapoo State Park

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The middle fork of the Vermilion River runs through Kickapoo State Park. Just a short walk from Middle Fork Woods Nature Preserve, explorers will find forest-lined bluffs and a a multitude of creatures.  Large dragonflies patrol the banks along the … Continue reading →

July 9, 2014

Exploring Illinois: Henry N. Barkhausen Wetlands Center

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Henry N. Barkhausen Wetlands Center is the perfect starting point for exploring the Cache River ecosystem. From the visitor center window one can spy muskrat, river otter hummingbirds and various other creatures that thrive in the restored wetlands. But there … Continue reading →

July 2, 2014

Exploring Illinois: Matthiessen State Park

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Matthiessen State Park in LaSalle County is a feast for the eyes in all seasons. With greenery and wildflowers in the spring and summer, colorful foliage in the fall, and the arresting sight of icefalls in the winter, there is … Continue reading →

June 25, 2014

Exploring Illinois: Ballard Nature Center

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The Ballard Nature Center is a glimpse into what Illinois was like before the landscape gave way to cultivation for corn and soybeans. Located between Altamont and Effingham, just off old Route 40, Ballard Nature Center is a remarkable prairie … Continue reading →

June 18, 2014

Exploring Illinois: Little Black Slough Nature Preserve

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On the very the southern tip of Illinois, in the Cache River State Natural Area, you’ll find Little Black Slough Nature Preserve. Well known for its cypress-tupelo swamp, Little Black Slough has floodplain forests, upland woods and small patches of … Continue reading →

June 11, 2014

Exploring Illinois: Garden of the Gods

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The Garden of the Gods Recreation Area in the Shawnee Hills is a treat for anyone with a taste for geology. The sandstone bluffs and huge boulders at Garden of the Gods present unique formations including one dubbed “Camel Rock.” … Continue reading →

June 4, 2014

Exploring Illinois: Robert Allerton Park

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Robert Allerton Park in Piatt county hosts over 1,090 species of plants and sixty species of breeding birds.  The Sangamon river floodplain is the perfect environment for a variety of flowers including cardinal flowers, Dutchman’s breeches, spring beauty, wild geranium … Continue reading →