Students from the Prairie School of DuPage in Wheaton cemented their place in Illinois history on Monday when Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 3514 into law. The bill designates the Calvatia gigantea, commonly known as the “giant puffball,” as the official mushroom of the State of Illinois. State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) worked with students and filed the bill on their behalf.
Beginning in November 2023, the students from Prairie School conducted research, collected data, and surveyed over 100 stakeholders across Illinois to determine the most fitting mushroom to represent the state. The giant puffball was ultimately chosen after the students voted in a school-wide election. To see their proposal turned into law, they actively participated in the legislative process by presenting their findings to Lewis and asking for his support and assistance. Students traveled to Springfield and watched one of their classmates and their teacher provide testimony before the Senate’s State Government Committee. Students and parents also submitted several witness slips in favor of the bill.
“It was a pleasure to work with students from the Prairie School of DuPage on this state symbol project,” said Lewis. “I was impressed with the amount of qualitative and quantitative data they collected and was proud to carry SB 3514 on their behalf. These bright students not only learned a great deal about various mushrooms native to Illinois, but through this process they received valuable hands-on experience in how an idea can be transformed into public policy. As a result, these scholars will forever have a place in our history.”
The giant puffball can be found all across grassy areas statewide and is known for its size, sometimes reaching nearly 20 inches wide. While most of the fungus remains hidden underground, the giant puffball’s large, round, white fruiting body is what people commonly see. As it matures, its thin outer layer flakes away to reveal yellow to green-brown spores inside. This unique and temporary appearance makes it one of the most recognizable mushrooms in the state.
“I am pleased to receive the Governor’s support for Senate Bill 3514, which crowns the Calvatia gigantea, or ‘giant puffball,’ as Illinois’ new state mushroom,” said State Representative Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg), who carried Lewis’ bill in the House of Representatives. “This unique fungus, known for its enormous size, can be found across the state and showcases our rich, natural heritage while providing a fun way for Illinoisans to learn more about conservation, biodiversity, and the environment.”
As a culmination of the project and legislative process, students from Prairie School of DuPage will join Senator Lewis and Representative Mussman for a behind-the-scenes tour of the fungi exhibit at the Chicago Field Museum on October 8.
“At Prairie School of DuPage, we strive to nurture life-long learners, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and hands-on, real-world challenges. When one of our students, Charlotte DiGangi, asked, ‘What is the Illinois State Mushroom’? Her question led the class to a deep investigation of the fungal biome of Illinois, the state political system and legislative processes,” said Liza Moraitis, Head of School at Prairie School of DuPage. “We encourage our students to use their observations to enact meaningful social contributions through research, investigation, and collaboration. The empowering opportunity to use personal curiosity and community activism to create positive change is a cornerstone of our education and is a responsibility as global citizens.”
After signing the bill, Governor Pritzker said, “Today we celebrate not only a new state symbol, but the hard work and dedication of our state’s young leaders. The giant puffball will now stand as a testament to the curiosity and determination of the bright students of Illinois, who have shown us that even the youngest among us can make a difference.”
With the governor’s signature, the Calvatia gigantea joins a host of other officially designated state flora and fauna that can be found on the Illinois DNR website.