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DNA is the thread that connects all life on Earth, from microscopic bacteria, to mushrooms, to humans. Explore DNA and learn how scientists today are using DNA research to expand what we know about life on our planet. Learn More -
Explore the amazing processes this pretty wild flower undertakes to reseed itself. Indeed, the Bird's Foot Violet's germination techniques produce small colonies often found on sunny, sandy slopes. Learn More -
Did you know that mushrooms belong to the fungal kingdom, which also includes mildews, molds, rusts, and yeasts? Lacking a true root system, as well as chlorophyll, fungi are usually detrivores and among the only organisms which can decompose wood. A number of specimens are shown here, including the gemmed puffball, morel, field or horse mushroom, bracket fungi, sulphur polypore and both the cup and pear-shaped puffball. Learn More -
Mushrooms appear in many disparate forms, textures, and sizes. This particular case contains the Puffball mushrooms, which have little openings in the top, through which the spores escape. The case contains an additional explanatory text, as well as models of the Water-Measuring Earthstar, Pear-shaped Puffball, Gemmed Puffball, Giant Puffball, and the Bird's Nest fungus. Learn More -
Check out the complicated blooming cycle of this ill-smelling plant, which is actually an arum rather than a cabbage. The Skunk Cabbage attracts numerous insects with its odor, and spiders take advantage of this arrangement by setting up handy webs across the top of the plant. Learn More -
Explore how this flowering tree makes its presence known throughout the summer with its red wooly"caterpillars," its "cotton wisps" and its invasive root systems. The excess of pollen, produced by the male Cottonwood, helps ensure that fertilization of the female plants. This display features some of the uses of the Cottonwood and the different components of the tree. Learn More -
Did you know that mushrooms belong to the fungi kingdom, which also includes mildews, molds, rusts, and yeasts? Lacking a true root system, as well as chlorophyll, fungi are usually detrivores and among the only organisms which can decompose wood. A number of specimens are shown here, including the Sulphur polypore, Pearshaped Puffball, Parosol, and the Dog Stinkhorn. Learn More -
Discover the windy conditions necessary to create and maintain the famous Indiana Dunes. Reaching heights of up to 200 feet, the dunes at Illinois Beach State Park are home to a variety of unusual plants and animals. Learn More -
Take a look underneath the leaves of the Sweet Scented Water Lily and you will find complex rootstocks that anchor it to the bed of a pond or stream. In bloom from June to September, this attractive white water lily can reach a diameter of five inches when fully open. Learn More -
Did you know that mushrooms belong to the fungi kingdom, which also includes mildews, molds, rusts, and yeasts? Lacking a true root system, as well as chlorophyll, fungi are usually detrivores and among the only organisms which can decompose wood. A number of specimens are shown here, including the Gemmed Puffball, Morel, Field or Horse mushroom, Bracket fungi, Sulphur polypore and both the Cup and Pear-shaped Puffball. Learn More
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Tuesday and Wednesday 3pm-7pm
Saturday 9am-5pm
