Blaine: true scientist and historian

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County is fortunate to have Valerie Blaine, a true scientist and historian, interpreting the natural world for readers of the Daily Herald and participants in forest preserve activities.

The Aug. 28 article "Tasty or Toxic" is useful, explaining how folks have discovered over centuries which plants or plant parts are safe for food and which are dangerous or deadly.

I am grateful for careful, painstaking scientists who study and collect data, share their findings with each other, correct each other and help us negotiate this complex natural world. Ms. Blaine's gift for sharing science with your readers makes the Herald an educational star!

Ellen McDonald

South Elgin