Illinois may soon be adding two new items to its list of state symbols, thanks to recent legislative efforts.

The soybean is on track to become our official State Bean. Rep. Matt Hanson and Sen. Doris Turner are spearheading the initiative, which recognizes Illinois' status as the nation's leading soybean producer. 

The designation would highlight the crop's significant role in our state's agricultural economy.

In a fun twist, the giant puffball mushroom is set to become the official State Mushroom. This proposal came from an unlikely source: elementary school students in Wheaton. 

The children conducted extensive research, even reaching out to over 100 scientists, before presenting their case to lawmakers. Sen. Seth Lewis helped guide the bill through the legislature.

Both bills have successfully passed through the General Assembly and are now in the final stages of becoming official. These additions would join over 30 existing state symbols, including more recent designations like dolostone as the state rock and the eastern milksnake as the state snake.

It's worth noting that many of our state symbols, including these latest proposals, have been initiated by students. According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, these symbols often find their way into school curricula, helping students connect with their state's natural world and history.

We'll keep you posted on the final outcomes for these potential new state symbols. 

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