September 13 Program: Mushrooms of the Chicago Region Presented by Dr Patrick Leacock
September 13, 2015. 2:30-4:30 PM. Room 259, The Priory, 7200 W Division St., River Forest, IL
Program Description:
Mushrooms belong to the Kingdom Fungi and are neither plant nor animal. These odd organisms are important members of the habitats around Chicago, and Cook County has over 800 species. More than half of these decompose wood, leaf litter, or live in the soil. Many are beneficial symbionts of tree roots, while some others are parasitic. There are a variety of edible types, such as morels and chanterelles, but also some deadly poisonous mushrooms to be avoided. The identification of mushrooms requires repeated practice and is best learned from knowledgeable mushroom hunters, though many useful books and websites are available. Similar to bird-watching and learning plants, awareness of mushrooms provides an added layer of nature appreciation.
Dr. Patrick Leacock has been studying the fungi of the Chicago Region for seventeen years. Volunteers and interns assist him with collections and research at the Field Museum of Natural History. Patrick works closely with the Illinois Mycological Association via programs, forays and documenting mushrooms, as well as the N orth American Mycological Association. The club started a citizen science research program this year. He is assembling the rich Chicago mycoflora of over 1200 species. Patrick’s website is www.mycoguide.com and the first IMA mushroom videos can be seen there.
Free and open to the public. Park on the east side of The Priory and enter through the door on the east. Follow the hallway to the end, turn left, and follow that hallway. Turn right up the stairs (or go straight to the elevator), and head up to the second floor.
For the accessibility entrance, enter through the south doors. There is an elevator, which goes to the second floor. Exit the elevator and turn left for Room 259.
Special Event: Walker's Wilds Yard Tour
September 20, 2015, 2:30-4:30 PM, 4509 Wilson Ave., Downer's Grove, IL
Come visit a mature, double lot garden filled with natives, as Linda Walker has spent the past 20+ years tending to and growing many of IL’s native plants. Now her mature garden is flourishing with biodiversity — a native habitat that has evolved into a sanctuary for the many animals that co-exist in her large native plant growing space. For Linda, fall is a favorite time of year, and with all of the color in the trees, shrubs, and perennials, there is much to see and appreciate in her autumnal garden. For example, the Cassia is stunning in the fall with its yellow leaves and blackish pods; the plentiful asters and goldenrods will be in full bloom. The pretty blooms will also be providing late-season sustenance for birds, bees, and butterflies that are getting in their final meals prior to winter hibernation or migration to a warmer clime.
 Be inspired by learning how fall is the best time to plant native plants. And, if you want to step in further, her plants will also be available for sale post walk, including three species of Asclepias (Milkweed), Bur Sedge, and Rattlesnake Master and so many other wonderful local eco-types available. The proceeds benefit Benevolent Youth in Myanmar. You can see the full listing of her plants here: http://dupage.wildones.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/03/2015-Lindas-Loves-Natives-.pdf
You can read about her and her daughter’s work in Myanamar here: Huffington Post article.
Click here to get tickets/RSVP: Walker’s Wilds Yard Tour Free and open to the public.
Photo by Linda Walker: Red-spotted Purple Sunning Itself
October WCWO Events:
October 18, 2015: Boost Next Year's Biodiversity: Eco-sensitive Garden Clean-up presented by Stephanie Walquist, West Cook Wild Ones
To look at future months, we have our Events page updated through January. Click here: Calendar
If you missed Mia Spaid from NIIPN presentating on invasive plants and would like to access a summary of the presentation along with some resources, it is here: Small Changes with Big Impacts |
