Should Illinois Rethink Its State Bird?

Jerome McDonnell (left) and Robb Telfer at The Morton Arboretum
Jerome McDonnell (left) and Rob Telfer at The Morton Arboretum Megy Karydes
Jerome McDonnell (left) and Robb Telfer at The Morton Arboretum
Jerome McDonnell (left) and Rob Telfer at The Morton Arboretum Megy Karydes

Should Illinois Rethink Its State Bird?

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Our choices of state flower and bird could directly influence conservation efforts for those plants and animals — and Robb Telfer wants to talk about them. The Illinois state bird is the northern cardinal, while the state’s official tree is the white oak. But should they stay that way? Telfer joins us to discuss why we might want to rethink our state symbols and how symbols can be more than just symbolic, influencing activism, fundraising and more. 

This week, we’re broadcasting from the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, sharing the beauty and science of the world around us with our listeners.