Langham Island Field Trip: On June 29 th the KNK Torrent Chapter went to Langham Island to see one ofthree (?) species known only from Illinois (a.k.a. endemic). One is the American Fairy Lantern (Thismiaamericana), which was last seen at its only known home near Lake Calumet in 1916. Another, theSangamon Phlox (Phlox pilosa var.…
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Invasive species April 2024 European Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea). Reed Canary Grass (RCG) originated in Europe, Asia, and Canada. It is unclear if there was a native strain of RCG in Illinois. The native and European strains of RCG are hard for botanists to tell apart with the naked eye but easy for ecologists to separate. See that…
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Doing our part as individuals as we enjoy nature takes a little etiquette. Beyond the usual field trip guidelines of bug spray and sturdy shoes, I would like to discuss an often-overlooked aspect of hiking etiquette, cleanliness, and sanitation. Now, I’m not going to talk about using outhouses (please don’t hover over the seat; you’re too…
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