Posted: May 2, 2025

Written by: Hanna Meyer, Education & Outreach Coordinator

Whether you know about these organisms or not, they play a major role in our ecosystems of Winneshiek County! Especially at a time of year when many are beginning to hunt for edible mushrooms, it is important you can identify a few of the basics. Never eat anything foraged in the wild unless you have verified with multiple credible sources that it is safe. Join us for a Wild Foraging class at Lake Meyer this spring!

Take the quiz here: Lichens, Mosses, & Fungi

For a fun challenge throughout the year, Winneshiek County Conservation will share several “Knowing Nature” quizzes. Each themed quiz will feature several species found in Winneshiek County. If you try all of the quizzes by the end of 2025, you will have experience identifying over 100 different types of plants, animals, and fungus!

Want to dive deeper into learning about the wildlife of Winneshiek County? Track seasonal changes and natural wonders with our YouTube playlist: “Noting Nature.”

Thank you to Luther College professor, Birgitta Meade, for compiling these “Knowing Nature” quizzes and allowing us to share them with the wider public. Most of the photos in these quizzes were taken by Winneshiek County Conservation naturalist Larry Reis.