Observations by mckins

These flowers can be found around rivers and streams in the park during spring and throughout the summer, they look like a bright sea of blue. It can’t not partake in self-fertilization and is pollinated by bumblebees but due to its shape bumblebees have to hover, making it a rare occurrence. Butterflies are more common around the flowers. www.lakeforest.edu/academics/programs/environmental/courses/es203/mertensia_virginica.php

This flower grows in full to partial sun and is fairly common throughout Illinois. It is used in prairie restorations even though it is typically found in wooded areas. www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/fs_sunflowerx.htm

This was probably the third bug of this kind I saw that day. I was at my grandmas house which is located right by Matthiessen state park. He chilled on my hand for a little bit then flew around our porch checking everything out. These stink bugs are a nuisance and love to eat fruits veggies and other crops. They were accidentally introduced from east Asia. If the bug is crushed or smashed on exposed skin, they produce dermatitis in a percentage of the population. Extension.psu.edu/brown-marmorated-stink-bug

I was out on a hike last year at the nature preserve near starved rock, I found this mushroom growing on this old log and was interested in how large and cool looking it was. This mushroom has a variety of health benefits and can boost the immune system. Some even say it helps fight cancer and ease the pain that chemo patients go through! Draxe.com/turkey-tail-mushroom/

These plants were spread out around the forest floor, and this type of ginger is native to Missouri. The plant isn’t used for culinary purposes, even though it has a reminiscent scent. This plant occurs in rich woods. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b460

This species was spread throughout the forest, they produce the largest edible fruit native to North America. They provide food for many forest creatures. The trees grow in clusters and pollen produced from the plant cannot pollinate that same plant. www.nps.gov/articles/pawpaw.htm

I was sitting in my backyard doing homework when this little guy landed on my hand. He stayed there for about 7 minutes and chilled with me, then flew off. I read the males perch on tall objects in sunny areas to watch for females, so he was probably looking for some cute lady butterflies. Some of their species are attracted to the sodium in sweat so it could be another reason he was hanging out. There was a good amount of tree coverage and it was about 80 degrees.

source: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Asterocampa-celtis

I found this flower on the side of the road near comlara while I was driving home. It attracted a lot of butterflies which was a big reason I was interested in it. The plant is a “pollinator magnet” and attracts many kinds of butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators. There was a lot of prairie grass around and they were fully exposed to sunlight, it was 80 degrees.

source: https://www.prairienursery.com/store/native-plants/rough-blazingstar-liatris-aspera#.W6l5jGhKito

I found this damselfly at comlara, he flew from bush to bush along the outer edge of the lake. I believe this is an adult male as they are blue and have a large black stripe on their head. It was 80 degrees.

Source: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/51355210/0

The bright colors of this poisonous plant are very attention grabbing. I found this pokeweed along the constitution trail, it is toxic to humans and animals excluding birds. The entire plant grows more toxic with age and the berries are most toxic while they are green. The cooked plant and leaves is called poke salad. It was 76 degrees out and there were many bushes and trees around.

Source: http://nadiasyard.com/our-native-plants/american-pokeweed/