front cover of Carex of Illinois and Surrounding States
Carex of Illinois and Surrounding States
The Oval Sedges
Michael Murphy, Greg Spyreas, and Paul Marcum
University of Illinois Press, 2025
A common group of plants in the Midwest’s natural areas, the oval sedges supply food for wildlife while their roots bind the soil and their vegetation creates habitat. Carex of Illinois and Surrounding States: The Oval Sedges offers a guide to the identification, distribution, and natural history of this diverse group of plants. Focused on the Carex section Cyperoideae, the editors cover Illinois’ twenty-five species, every oval sedge in Indiana and Kentucky, and nearly every species in Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin. A two-step process helps users recognize the notoriously difficult-to-identify plants while illustrations and labeled photographs aid users in evaluating morphological characteristics. The editors also furnish first-ever distribution maps for Illinois’ recently described species and varieties plus up-to-date maps for nearly every other species.

Drawing on the study of thousands of specimens, Carex of Illinois and Surrounding States: The Oval Sedges is an invaluable resource for botanists, ecologists, environmental engineers, and professional and amateur environmentalists interested in a deeper understanding of these essential plants.

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front cover of Common Insects of Texas and Surrounding States
Common Insects of Texas and Surrounding States
A Field Guide
By John Abbott and Kendra Abbott
University of Texas Press, 2020

Thanks to its size and geographic position, Texas is home to nearly 30,000 species of insects, likely making its insect population the most diverse in the nation. Ranging from eastern and western to temperate and tropical species, this vast array of insects can be difficult to identify. In Common Insects of Texas and Surrounding States, John and Kendra Abbott have created the state's most comprehensive field guide to help readers recognize and understand these fascinating creatures.

Containing 1,300 species and more than 2,700 photographs, this guide offers a wealth of information about the characteristics and behaviors of Texas's insects. Each chapter introduces an order with a discussion of general natural history and a description of other qualities helpful in distinguishing its various species, while every species' entry provides a state map showing where it is most likely to be found, a key displaying its seasonal distribution, information about its habitat, and corresponding photos. Featuring colored tabs for quick reference, a glossary, and information about other arthropods, this guide is the perfect companion for anyone wanting to identify and learn more about the many insects of Texas.

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front cover of Edible Wild Mushrooms of Illinois and Surrounding States
Edible Wild Mushrooms of Illinois and Surrounding States
A Field-to-Kitchen Guide
Joe McFarland and Gregory M. Mueller
University of Illinois Press, 2008
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front cover of Edible Wild Mushrooms of Illinois and Surrounding States
Edible Wild Mushrooms of Illinois and Surrounding States
A Field-to-Kitchen Guide, Second Edition
Joe McFarland, Gregory M. Mueller, Michael Kuo, and Patrick R. Leacock
University of Illinois Press, 2027
Fully revised and up to date, the latest edition of the popular nature guide offers amateur mycologists and mushroom-curious chefs a comprehensive reference that encourages anyone to successfully forage for and cook with wild mushrooms. The editors steer newcomers and old hands alike to species in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana, and Kentucky. Features include:

* Fifty-two entries packed with information on edible species;
* Almost 400 color photographs;
* Tips on where and when to look for mushrooms, how to pick them, and identification and note-taking;
* Photographs of lookalikes for safely identifying and avoiding poisonous species;
* An extensive new section on truffles;
* Advice on preparing, storing, drying, and cooking with wild mushrooms, plus an expanded recipe section that invites cooks to serve up wild turkey and morels, toss an oyster mushroom salad, and add mushroom powder to everything.

Reader friendly and detailed, the second edition of Edible Wild Mushrooms of Illinois and Surrounding States is an invaluable morels-to-puffballs resource for Midwestern mushroom hunters.
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