Students successfully push for Illinois state mushroom

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The group of young students responsible for Illinois' state mushroom were at the Field Museum Tuesday to learn more about the mushroom they promoted.

"Does anybody want to raise their hand and share what they already know about mushrooms," a staff member asked the class.

It's safe to say elementary students at Prairie School of DuPage in Wheaton are mini mushroom experts.

"We know the basic forms of mushrooms, and we know a lot about calvatia gigantea, giant puff balls," one student said.

Calvatia gigantea, or the giant puffball, is now Illinois' official state mushroom, thanks to an initiative led by these students and born from the idea of sixth grader Charlotte DiGangi.

"I wanted to make sure there was a state mushroom because it shows the importance of all animals or plants," Charlotte said.

The students worked with Senator Seth Lewis (24th-R) on the bill, which passed unanimously through a Senate committee.

"Starting with the kids, and then the opportunity to have a lasting impact. When you can have a little fun in this process as well, I take advantage of that every day, and it's inspiring," Lewis said.

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