Patty Wetli
@pjdubs.bsky.social
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📥 45
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I report on urban nature for WTTW News/PBS Chicago. Expect lots of pics of flowers.
Doesn’t “The Moss Files” have an awesome ring? Would 10/10 watch a show about botanists solving crimes using slivers of moss and flecks of pollen.
news.wttw.com/2025/11/25/c...
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CSI: Moss Edition. Field Museum Researchers Say This Basic Plant Is a Valuable but Underused Forensic Tool
Detectives are using all kinds of gizmos and gadgets to solve crimes these days, but they're overlooking the lowest of low-tech clues: moss. A Field Museum researcher wants to change that.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/11/25/csi-moss-edition-field-museum-researchers-say-basic-plant-valuable-underused-forensic
4 days ago
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Snowy owls were a bit of magic Chicagoans needed. But the birds need their space more. Read on for my interview with a snowy researcher who busted some myths and talked about the many, many threats these birds face in the wild.
news.wttw.com/2025/11/24/c...
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Chicago Park District Limits Access to Snowy Owls, Citing Safety Concerns. Here’s What to Know About the Arctic Visitors
Chicagoans have been going gaga over a pair of snowy owls that have settled in at Montrose beach. Maybe a little too gaga.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/11/24/chicago-park-district-limits-access-snowy-owls-citing-safety-concerns-here-s-what-know
5 days ago
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Eyes on the sky 2nite/2morrow! Gotta love space weather! Shout out to NOAA for staying on the job.
news.wttw.com/2025/11/11/s...
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Severe Solar Storm Hurtling Toward Earth Means Chicago Could See Northern Lights This Week
The national Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a "severe" alert as solar particles speed toward Earth. The geomagnetic activity could produce auroras visible as far south as Alabama.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/11/11/severe-solar-storm-hurtling-toward-earth-means-chicago-could-see-northern-lights-week
18 days ago
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reposted by
Patty Wetli
WTTW - Chicago PBS
about 1 month ago
Sears' legacy still looms large in North Lawndale, where the community has, bit by bit, reclaimed remnants of its industrial past and turned the story of abandonment into reinvention. Next up on the restoration agenda: the historic Sears Sunken Garden.
https://to.wttw.com/4qp2iZZ
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Restoration of Historic Sears Sunken Garden Underway in North Lawndale, With a Design From Lurie Garden Mastermind
It's been 50 years since Sears traded in its sprawling headquarters campus on Chicago's West Side for a tower in the Loop. But the retail giant's legacy still looms large in North Lawndale.
https://to.wttw.com/4qp2iZZ
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I give you Comet Lemmon! Oh Chicago, if the light pollution doesn’t get you, the cloud cover will. 😂 Beautiful night anyway. 🌃
about 1 month ago
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Bat signal? (Has this always existed?)
about 1 month ago
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Lights out Chicago! Intense bird migration forecast for tonight. If you have exterior Halloween lighting, unplug tonight.
about 2 months ago
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Those are INSECTS!!! Nature is wild.
news.wttw.com/2025/10/09/h...
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Has Your Tree Sprouted Warts? The Cause Is Absolutely Gall-ing
Ever seen a tree that looks like its leaves have sprouted warts or are suffering from a really bad rash? Welcome to the wild, wonderful world of plant oddities known as galls.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/10/09/has-your-tree-sprouted-warts-cause-absolutely-gall-ing
about 2 months ago
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This was every sewer grate I passed last night before the really heavy rain fell.
about 2 months ago
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Han Solo will be sharing the limelight with fellow honoree David Willard, aka, the ornithologist who’s spent 50 years studying bird collisions, and making Chicago safer. Congrats!
news.wttw.com/2025/09/30/h...
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Harrison Ford Will Receive Conservation Award at Field Museum’s Half-Earth Day in October
Harrison Ford is one of the most famous people on the planet. David Willard has spent a career and his retirement cataloguing dead birds. Both will be recognized as conservation superstars during Octo...
https://news.wttw.com/2025/09/30/harrison-ford-will-receive-conservation-award-field-museum-s-half-earth-day-october
about 2 months ago
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Han Solo will be sharing the limelight with fellow honoree David Willard, aka, the ornithologist who’s spent 50 years studying bird collisions, and making Chicago safer. Congrats!
news.wttw.com/2025/09/30/h...
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Harrison Ford Will Receive Conservation Award at Field Museum’s Half-Earth Day in October
Harrison Ford is one of the most famous people on the planet. David Willard has spent a career and his retirement cataloguing dead birds. Both will be recognized as conservation superstars during Octo...
https://news.wttw.com/2025/09/30/harrison-ford-will-receive-conservation-award-field-museum-s-half-earth-day-october
about 2 months ago
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We’ve seen the Chicago River is fit for swimming. But how about raising a family?
news.wttw.com/2025/09/22/b...
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Baby Fish Shed New Light on Health of the Chicago River in First-of-Its-Kind Study
The Chicago River has proven itself fit for swimming. But what about raising a family? No one’s ever tallied the number of larval fish in the waterway, until now.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/09/22/baby-fish-shed-new-light-health-chicago-river-first-its-kind-study
2 months ago
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You’ve gotta fight for your right to COMPOOOOOST! Proposed amendment would prohibit HOAs and landlords from adopting rules that keep people from subscribing to compost services.
news.wttw.com/2025/09/22/c...
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Chicagoans’ Right to Compost Could Get a Boost From City Council
The Chicago City Council could make it easier for people to keep organic waste out of landfill.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/09/22/chicagoans-right-compost-could-get-boost-city-council
2 months ago
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Will the real allergen please stand up?
news.wttw.com/2025/09/15/r...
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Ragweed vs. Goldenrod: One of Them Makes You Sneeze, the Other is the Bee’s Knees
If your fall allergies have kicked in, ragweed is the likely culprit, but goldenrod often takes the blame.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/09/15/ragweed-vs-goldenrod-one-them-makes-you-sneeze-other-bee-s-knees
2 months ago
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Chicago's porches and balconies could be the next biodiversity hot spots.
news.wttw.com/2025/09/09/p...
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Prairie in a Pot: Chicago Plant Scientist Tackles Challenge of Native Gardening on an Urban Balcony
Jeremie Fant, director of conservation at Chicago Botanic Garden, has spent 15 years experimenting with growing native plants in containers on his 10-foot by 5-foot Chicago condo balcony.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/09/09/prairie-pot-chicago-plant-scientist-tackles-challenge-native-gardening-urban-balcony
3 months ago
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I'm OBSESSED. "I had no idea that something like this was so close to Chicago, a world-class fossil location."
news.wttw.com/2025/09/04/t...
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There’s a Mother Lode of Fossils in Chicago’s Backyard, and It Could Hold Clues to the Evolution of Life on Earth
Mazon Creek is one of the most significant fossil sites in the world, and it’s in Chicago’s backyard. The Field Museum is behind a push to reinvigorate research at the site, with the help of community...
https://news.wttw.com/2025/09/04/there-s-mother-lode-fossils-chicago-s-backyard-and-it-could-hold-clues-evolution-life
3 months ago
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Who needs pick-me-up? Who doesn’t?! This Waterlily Weigh-off is a blast! Horticulture gone WILD.
news.wttw.com/2025/08/21/w...
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Water Lilies Flex Their Muscles in Global Botanic Garden Weigh-Off Challenge. How Do Chicago’s Contestants Stack Up?
Now in its third year, the Waterlily Weigh-Off has bulked up to more than 40 competitors across eight countries. The winner will be announced Aug. 28.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/08/21/water-lilies-flex-their-muscles-global-botanic-garden-weigh-challenge-how-do-chicago-s
3 months ago
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Gonna need a “No Wake” sign over here. There’s a drain there — somewhere.
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4 months ago
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Spotted: Dead Man’s Fingers!!!! Such a cool sighting on a neighborhood stroll.
4 months ago
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This rodeo is less “ride ‘em, cowboy” and more “yehaw, let’s catch some bad guys.” Whatever it takes in the fight against invasive species.
news.wttw.com/2025/08/07/w...
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This Weekend’s Rusty Rodeo Is All About Wrangling the Invasive Rusty Crayfish
On Saturday, people of all ages are invited to join the rodeo in Kane County and wrangle the rusty crayfish, an invasive species that's infiltrated local waterways.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/08/07/weekend-s-rusty-rodeo-all-about-wrangling-invasive-rusty-crayfish
4 months ago
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If you want to swim in the Chicago River — and yes, this is really happening — the deadline to apply is Monday.
news.wttw.com/2025/08/07/c...
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Chicago River Swim Announced for September, and This Time Organizers Have the City’s Approval
The event will mark the first open water swim in the Chicago River in nearly 100 years, according to organizers.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/08/07/chicago-river-swim-announced-september-and-time-organizers-have-city-s-approval
4 months ago
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It’s a matter of when, not if, armadillos will show up in Chicago. And they may be closer than suspected. 😱😱😱 Climate change has enabled their northward progress. How will local ecosystems respond?
news.wttw.com/2025/08/06/a...
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Armadillos Are Coming. Is Chicago Ready?
Armadillos have been making a slow but steady push north. At this point, it’s a matter of when, not if, they’ll turn up in Chicago, according to one expert.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/08/06/armadillos-are-coming-chicago-ready
4 months ago
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R-E-S-P-E-C-T. That’s what community stewards want from the Chicago Park District when it comes to management of natural areas.
news.wttw.com/2025/07/25/c...
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Chicago Park District Mowed Down a Thriving Natural Area. Mistake? Nope. Just ‘Systemic Failing’ to Communicate
What does the Chicago Park District owe its community of volunteer natural area stewards? Some say a little respect, and maybe a heads up if the district is going to mow down acres of native plants.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/07/25/chicago-park-district-mowed-down-thriving-natural-area-mistake-nope-just-systemic
4 months ago
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Jack o Lantern or Chanterelle?
#mushrooms
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4 months ago
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Ugh, spotted a whole lotta teasel in Legion Park.
@lglyndal.bsky.social
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4 months ago
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Saw my first hummingbird moth!!! The coolest thing ever. And so many bumblebees loving the bee balm in River Park.
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5 months ago
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Chicago transit coverup exposed — in a totally delightful way.
news.wttw.com/2025/07/09/b...
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Back in Time: Lincoln Square Construction Project Excavates Remnant of Chicago’s Not-so-Distant Streetcar Past
Newly exposed tracks and rail ties, excavated during construction, were part of what was once one of the world’s largest streetcar systems.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/07/09/back-time-lincoln-square-construction-project-excavates-remnant-chicago-s-not-so-distant
5 months ago
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I might have gasped when I saw this rooftop garden at Center on Halsted. It takes the term “pollinator-friendly” to new heights. Kudos to the volunteer stewards who’ve worked wonders.
news.wttw.com/2025/07/08/m...
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This Magical Rooftop Pollinator Garden in Lakeview Is Normally Off Limits. Enjoy a Rare Glimpse
Only a small group of people have regular access to the enchanting rooftop sanctuary atop the Center on Halsted in Lakeview. Let's take a look.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/07/08/magical-rooftop-pollinator-garden-lakeview-normally-limits-enjoy-rare-glimpse
5 months ago
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Y’all have a whole three-day weekend to come up with names for Chicago’s piping plover chicks!
news.wttw.com/2025/06/30/c...
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Contest Announced To Name Chicago’s 3 Piping Plover Chicks. Here’s How To Enter
A contest is now open to submit names for Imani and Searocket’s three offspring.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/06/30/contest-announced-name-chicago-s-3-piping-plover-chicks-here-s-how-enter
5 months ago
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Gorgeous purple and white prairie clover plus my new obsession, prairie cordgrass, at River Park. I don’t remember the prairie clover ever being this abundant.
5 months ago
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Greetings from Kansas.
5 months ago
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Look at these fluff balls! So CUTE. Congrats to the monitors who’ve helped the plovers get to this point. Fingers crossed for the chicks’ health and development.
news.wttw.com/2025/06/17/a...
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Adorable Piping Plover Chicks Hatch in Waukegan: See the First Photos as the Countdown Begins for Chicago
Father's Day took on extra meaning this year for Lake County's piping plover papa Pepper — he's a dad again, at least three times over.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/06/17/adorable-piping-plover-chicks-hatch-waukegan-see-first-photos-countdown-begins-chicago
5 months ago
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There’s an orange fish in the Chicago River. Did someone lose a Koi?
6 months ago
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Stumbled across a lovely bunch of large-flowered beardtongue in Legion Park. Nice work Chicago Park District!
6 months ago
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This is REAL! Most fun I’ve ever had at the Ravenswood Post Office! 60625 rules!
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6 months ago
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reposted by
Patty Wetli
Marsh Maiden
6 months ago
I have been told that planting seeds is an act of hope! Loads of hope happening here
news.wttw.com/2025/05/20/t...
Thanks
@pjdubs.bsky.social
for covering local environmental issues
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There’s a Shortage of Native Seeds, So Cook County Preserves Is Growing Its Own Supply
Cook County Forest Preserves is on a mission to restore 30,000 acres of habitat to high-quality condition by the year 2030. There’s just one tiny little problem: a lack of native seed.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/05/20/there-s-shortage-native-seeds-so-cook-county-preserves-growing-its-own-supply
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Cotton ball clouds
6 months ago
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What the dust just happened?!
7 months ago
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I love when it’s so windy, the surface of the Chicago River moves one direction and the current flows the opposite.
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7 months ago
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Spiny softshell? Love this.
7 months ago
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Click thru for video because, trust me, you haven’t lived til you’ve seen a sea otter crack open a mussel. Great conservation work by Shedd Aquarium, Aquarium of the Pacific and
@montereybayaquarium.org
news.wttw.com/2025/05/12/e...
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Endangered Sea Otters Trained at Shedd Aquarium Are Ready To Become Surrogate Moms and Help Return Rescued Pups to the Wild
As part of its commitment to conserve the endangered southern California sea otter, Shedd Aquarium is a partner in a groundbreaking surrogate mom program.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/05/12/endangered-sea-otters-trained-shedd-aquarium-are-ready-become-surrogate-moms-and-help
7 months ago
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Marshes reclaimed from Chicago’s steel mills, and the amphibians have shown up! Great time wading around Big Marsh with
@myamphibia.bsky.social
news.wttw.com/2025/05/09/s...
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Step Into Chicago’s Swamps, Where a Shedd Researcher Has Found Surprising Biodiversity
Chicago was once a swamp. In some places, it still is. But will climate change undo wetland restoration efforts?
https://news.wttw.com/2025/05/09/step-chicago-s-swamps-where-shedd-researcher-has-found-surprising-biodiversity
7 months ago
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Look at this gorgeous Shooting Star. First time I’ve seen it in Legion Park natural area! Maybe cuz I was looking harder? Maybe cuz prescribed burn worked? Either way, exciting!
@lglyndal.bsky.social
@cassi.bsky.social
7 months ago
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Plants get the short end of the stick when it comes to research and funding. Here’s one program that puts flora first.
news.wttw.com/2025/05/05/i...
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Illinois’ Rare Plants Have a Fighting Chance of Survival Thanks to This Volunteer Monitoring Program
The community science program Plants of Concern is designed to keep Illinois’ rare plants from going extinct.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/05/05/illinois-rare-plants-have-fighting-chance-survival-thanks-volunteer-monitoring-program
7 months ago
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Per the Trump Admin proposed rule, you can’t kill, say, a spotted owl. But you can cut down the tree it’s nesting in. And that wouldn’t be considered “harmful.” Undoing 50 years of legal precedent for the interpretation of “harm” including a SCOTUS ruling.
news.wttw.com/2025/04/23/t...
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The Trump Administration Plans to ‘Upend’ the Endangered Species Act. Here’s What That Could Mean for Illinois
A proposed change to the United States’ Endangered Species Act could threaten not only to reverse decades of progress but accelerate the pace of loss, experts said.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/04/23/trump-administration-plans-upend-endangered-species-act-nixing-protections-habitat-here
7 months ago
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Imani is back!!! He and Pippin are vying for turf and I know it’s serious business but it’s also the cutest turf war ever. ❤️❤️❤️ Crossing fingers that both fellas find a mate this year.
news.wttw.com/2025/04/18/i...
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Imani, Chicago’s Native Plover Son, Is Back at Montrose and He’s Already Battling for Turf. See the Adorable Video
Imani hatched at Montrose Beach in 2021. He has faithfully returned every year since, and last year he finally made a love connection.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/04/18/imani-chicago-s-native-plover-son-back-montrose-and-he-s-already-battling-turf-see
7 months ago
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Chicago’s first ever Stationery Fest led us down the rabbit hole of fountain pens, wax seals, washi and junk journaling. Analog 4Ever!
news.wttw.com/2025/04/17/t...
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Take Note! Chicago Stationery Shops Enjoying Revived Interest in Analog Communication, Fueled by Social Media and Celebrities
Analog communication is having a moment, ironically thanks to digital platforms where people share product info and connect over their shared love of stationery.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/04/17/take-note-chicago-stationery-shops-enjoying-revived-interest-analog-communication-fueled
8 months ago
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Great day for Chicago nature lovers! The piping plovers have arrived. “It lifts my heart every year when they come back.”
news.wttw.com/2025/04/11/p...
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The Plovers Have Landed. At Least 2 of the Endangered Birds Are Confirmed at Montrose Beach
The wait is on to see whether at least one, or possibly two, pairs of plovers will nest at Montrose Beach this year.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/04/11/plovers-have-landed-least-2-endangered-birds-are-confirmed-montrose-beach
8 months ago
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Whoa! Milkweed and the pong-pong tree are in the same family! Plus I’ve got ONE detail
#whitelotus
fudged about this deadly plant.
news.wttw.com/2025/04/09/k...
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This Killer Pong-Pong Fruit Was the ‘White Lotus’ Breakout Star. Next Week at The Field Museum, You Can Get a Rare Look at the Specimen
Poisonous plants are having a moment, courtesy of the “White Lotus.” The Field Museum has a whole collection of toxic specimens, and the public can get a rare look next week.
https://news.wttw.com/2025/04/09/killer-pong-pong-fruit-was-white-lotus-breakout-star-next-week-field-museum-you-can-get
8 months ago
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Well that stinks! Research coming out of Chicago Botanic Garden and Northwestern U gets to root of corpse flower’s biodiversity problem.
news.wttw.com/2025/04/04/e...
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Endangered Corpse Flowers in Botanical Collections Could Be Inbred to Extinction Due to Shoddy Recordkeeping: Study
Newly published research suggests that despite all the pampering corpse flower plants receive from their curators, conservation efforts have fallen short in one key area that threatens the species’ su...
https://news.wttw.com/2025/04/04/endangered-corpse-flowers-botanical-collections-could-be-inbred-extinction-due-shoddy
8 months ago
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