Tag Archives: field guides

November 30, 2014

The winter mushroom, Flammulina velutipes

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Flammulina velutipes (Curtis) Singer Edible, but tough. Despite appearances, the commercially produced “enoki” mushroom found in many grocery stores is a cultivated form of this mushroom. One of the best-known and most-produced mushrooms in the world, Flammulina velutipes has a … Continue reading →

September 5, 2014

Entoloma salmoneum, or the hunt for the gnome’s hat of mushrooms

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Entoloma salmoneum (Peck) Saccardo  Entoloma salmoneum can be found growing alone or scattered in leaf litter under hardwoods, or in moss under conifers; frequently on rotting, moss-covered conifer logs. When thumbing through Mushrooms of the Midwest, you see Entoloma salmoneum among the … 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 11, 2014

A great decade for Chicago architecture

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The AIA Guide to Chicago is the premier guidebook for exploring the architectural treasures of a city known for an urban landscape of art and innovation. It’s not only the iconic designs of Burnham, van der Rohe or Wright that … 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 26, 2014

Michael Agnew identifies ‘The Midwestern IPA’

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Michael Agnew has been visiting media outlets and brewpubs throught the Midwest to discuss his book A Perfect Pint’s Beer Guide to the Heartland. Recently the author visited KARE 11 TV in Minneapolis/St. Paul. On the KARE 11 News Agnew discussed … 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 →