For the first time, Illinois has a state mushroom, thanks in large part to a group of students from Chicago's western suburbs. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 3514 into law in August.

CHICAGO (WCIA) — Following an initiative led by Wheaton elementary school students, Governor JB Pritzker named the Calvatia gigantea — also known as the “giant puffball” — as the official mushroom of ...

Roy Heilman Special to The Free Press Aug 31, 2025 Aug 31, 2025 If you need, I’ll give you a moment to tee up the congratulatory emails, and so you can circle around to shower me with thunderous ...

News that a measure in Springfield has drawn the support of both Democrats and Republicans in this highly politicized era should be cause for celebration, but we admit to a bit of initial cynicism ...

Foragers and chefs alike can't get enough of giant puffball mushrooms. The aptly-named giant puffball mushroom or Calvatia gigantea is common in Canada and parts of the U.S., like the midwest. the ...

It‘s known as a giant puffball, with a scientific name of Calvatia gigantea. The mushroom emerged from property just west of Mauston in the township of Lindiana. Each year, the property owners have ...

CHICAGO, Ill. (KFVS) - On Monday, Governor JB Pritzker signed a bill that named the official mushroom of the state of Illinois. Calvatia gigantea, commonly known as the “giant puffball,” is now the ...

Foragers and chefs alike can't get enough of giant puffball mushrooms. The aptly-named giant puffball mushroom or Calvatia gigantea is common in Canada and parts of the U.S., like the midwest. the ...