Illinois nick name

2 ANSWERS

1. GiGi
   

   The nickname for Illinois is The Prairie State. The North American prairie is one of the most endangered ecosystems on earth. The grasslands of North America began to form about 20 million years ago, but in some areas up to 99 percent of the prairie has been destroyed (in just the last 125-150 years). Wildflowers are the jewels of public lands - tread lightly, take only photos and memories - do not pick flowers or dig up plants. Illinois also recognizes a state prairie grass (big bluestem).

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2. GiGi
   

   THE NAME:
   The state of Illinois was named after the Illinois River.
   The river was named by French explorer Robert Cavelier Sieur de La Salle in 1679 after the Indians he found living along the banks.
   Illinois is the French spelling for the Illinois and Peoria Indian word "iliniwok," meaning men or warriors and perhaps referring to members of the Illinois tribe.
   
   The Prairie State:
   This familiar nickname for Illinois dates back at least as far as 1842. Most of the state was once covered with prairie grasses. Today, Illinois continues to pay homage to the prairie. According to the Illinois Compiled Statutes, Illinois has designated the third full week of September as Illinois Prairie Week "...to be observed throughout the State as a week for holding appropriate events and observances in the public schools and elsewhere to demonstrate the value of preserving and reestablishing native Illinois prairies."

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