Alex Schwartz's User Profile

Alex Schwartz

Alex is an environmental journalist and photographer investigating how nature impacts our daily lives and communities. Originally from Florida, he now lives in southern Oregon by way of Chicago.

twitter.com/alexpshorts

2020
joined atlas
obscura

countries
I've visited

The Surprising Importance of Skunks in the History of Chicago

An Anishinaabe word for skunk likely inspired the city's name.

July 29, 2020

Countries

Cities

Alex Schwartz

The Surprising Importance of Skunks in the History of Chicago

Take your next trip with Atlas Obscura!

Trips Highlight

NEW —Wild South Africa

Delhi and Rajasthan: Colors of India

Upcoming Experiences

Accidental Discoveries

Monster of the Month w/ Colin Dickey: The "Mutes"

Rites of Spring: Nature, Myth, and Legends

Monster of the Month w/ Colin Dickey: Arctic Ghosts

Accidental Discoveries

Upcoming Courses

How to Grow a Dye Garden With Aaron Sanders Head

Life Without Light: Creatures in the Dark With Sarah McAnulty

Designing Walking Tours With Hadley Meares

A Brief History of Scent With Saskia Wilson-Brown

Clowning for Novices: History and Practice With Rose Carver

Latest Places

Arroceros Forest Park

Juntura Hot Springs

Bulgandry Art Site Aboriginal Place

The Dragon's Lair Unleashed

Top Destinations

Countries

Cities

Latest Places to Eat & Drink

Debauve & Gallais

Chorsu Bazaar

Levels Nigerian Cuisine

Sanshing Green Onion Culture Palace

Hai Som Tam Convent

Most Recent Stories

White Rice Is Bland? These Japanese Researchers Beg to Differ

Turn Your Garden Into an 'Ark of Taste' For Nearly Lost Plants

Podcast: Tree Week Love Letters

You've Heard of Cicadas, But Have You Heard of the Magicicada?

Alex Schwartz

The Surprising Importance of Skunks in the History of Chicago