The Center for Wildlife and Plant Ecology has current projects covering a vast arrayof topics. Ecology, inventories, and distributions of plants and animals, remote-sensing measurement techniques, and long-term trend studies are just a few examples of the areas studied by CWE scientists.

The importance of floodplain forest for wintering birds: implications for floodplain restoration J. Hoover
Comparing the diversity and abundance of birds during the winter between bottomland and upland forests, and studying the influence of acorn production by oaks on the winter bird community.
A systematic study of Sarcogyne and Polysporina (Ascomycotina, Lecanorales, Acarosporaceae) in North America D. Ketzner
Taxonomic monograph of two genera of closely related lichens.
A botanical site inventory of the Iroquois County Wildlife Area and the Hooper Branch Nature Preserve, Iroquois County, Illinois L. Phillippe, M. Feist, R. Larimore, D. Busemeyer, P. Marcum, C. Carroll, J. Ellis, J. Ebinger
This project is a floristic and ecological survey of the communities within the Iroquois County Wildlife Area and the Hooper Branch Nature Preserve, Iroquois County, Illinois.
Breeding Bird Atlas of Illinois L. Suloway
The product of this project will be the publication of a book with the results of the Breeding Bird Atlas project supplemented with data from the Breeding Bird Survey for Illinois.

Influence of parental care on juvenile survival and clutch size of neotropical bird J. Brawn, J. Nesbitt, S. Robinson
This project, through experimental manipulation of clutch size, examines the ecological factor that may underlie the evolution of small clutch size in tropical birds.
Survivorship of flood events by seeds: potential implications of flood events as a mode of seed dispersal R. Cosgriff, Yao Yin, P. Brown
An assessment of the ability of seeds, from several floodplain forest species, to survive prolonged flood events and the potential for floods to disperse seeds.
Eastern Bluebird Population Study S. Havera
This long-term study investigates the nesting biology of eastern bluebirds, house wrens, Eurasian tree sparrows, house sparrows and black-capped chickadees on a study area in west-central Illinois.
Evaluation of Moist-soil Plant Communities to Water Level Management at Lake Chautauqua Refuge S. Havera
This study investigates the response of moist-soil plants and their seed production as a result of water level management on Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge in the Illinois River valley.
The Nesting Biology of Mallard in Illinois S. Havera
This project investigates the nesting biology and brood survival of mallards in west-central Illinois.
A status survey of Franklin's ground squirrel in Illinois E. Heske, J. Hofmann
A survey is being conducted to determine the current status in Illinois of Franklin's ground squirrel, a prairie species which appears to have declined in the eastern portion of its range.
Monitoring the long-term nesting success, site fidelity, and population dynamics of a neotropical migratory bird: implications for floodplain restoration J. Hoover
Studying populations of Prothonotary Warblers (1994-present) in the Cache River watershed where several thousand acres of land is being restored to bottomland forest.
The importance of floodplain forest for wintering birds: implications for floodplain restoration J. Hoover
Comparing the diversity and abundance of birds during the winter between bottomland and upland forests, and studying the influence of acorn production by oaks on the winter bird community.
System for automated radio tracking of animals in the field R. Larkin, T. Vandeelen, T. Gosselink, R. Warner, R. Sabick, J. Krakowski
Development of technique for better and more cost-efficient tracking animal movements via telemetry and radio tracking.
Habitat use by migratory birds as revealed by large scale radar R. Larkin, R. Diehl
Data from Doppler radars permits inferences at varying scales about how migrating birds use stopover habitat and about the new question of whether such habitat is limiting for land birds in row-crop dominated areas of Illinois.
Ornithological radar for bird migration studies R. Larkin, G. Swenson, S. Franke
A small, dedicated radar unit serves the dual function of (1) providing "ground truth" - for instance counting individual birds vs. insects - for large-scale studies above and (2) quantifying birds taking off from small isolated woodland patches in agricultural areas.
Simulation of flocking in nocturnally-migrating songbirds R. Larkin
Indirect evidence indicates that small songbirds migrating at night form very loose groups, but the mechanism by which this happens is almost completely unknown.
Migration of Mississippi Valley Canada Geese observed on Doppler radar R. Larkin
All or nearly all of the Mississippi Valley population of Canada Geese migrates over east-central Illinois in some years and bountiful information on this migration was obtained on Doppler radar.
Insect migration at low temperatures R. Larkin
Radar data and concurrent aerial temperature probe show migrating insects at near-freezing temperatures in late winter and early spring.
Seed germination and genetic diversity of Tomanthera auriculata populations B. Molano-Flores, J. Koontz, M. Feist
For this Illinois-threatened hemi-parasite we are investigating its host-preferences, seed germination of self vs. out-crossed seeds, breeding system, and genetic diversity.
Illinois River Restoration Ecology M. Pegg, S. Havera, D. Wahl, P. Brown
This project currently focuses on establishing research and monitoring programs to assess restoration efforts along the Illinois River and in the future will quantitatively evaluate these restoration projects.
Landscape composition and songbird nest predation in the Shawnee National Forest S. Robinson, E. Heske, J. Brawn, T. Van Deelen
This project examines the effects of forest fragmentation and land use (e.g., row crop agriculture or pasture and grassland) in surrounding areas on rates of nest predation, nest parasitism, and presence of avian and mammalian nest predators in forested regions of southern Illinois.
Breeding Bird Atlas of Illinois L. Suloway
The product of this project will be the publication of a book with the results of the Breeding Bird Atlas project supplemented with data from the Breeding Bird Survey for Illinois.
Energy expenditure and habitat use of migrating thrushes M. Wikelski, R. Larkin, R. Diehl, E. Tarlow, A. Raim, P. Mankin
First attempt to use doubly-labeled water to measure carbon turnover in a freely-migrating songbird; data on flight and stopover biology are also obtained while tracking the birds.

Effects of traditional habitat management and ecosystem management on the population ecology of the Northern Bobwhite J. Brawn, E. Heske, J. Seigrist, C. Hoffmann, J. Herkert (The Nature Conservancy)
This project examines what effects different land use practices may have on the size and viability of Northern Bobwhite populations in a large state wildlife area.
Red-headed Woodpeckers as an indicator of ecosystem function in oak savannas J. Brawn, C. Blood
This project compares the densities and nesting success of Red-headed Woodpeckers on established oak savannas with that on newly acquired areas that are undergoing restoration.
Vegetation response to prescribed fire in an isolated and degraded prairie grove in central Illinois J. Ebinger, R. Larimore, J. Taft
This project establishes the baseline vegetation of a degraded old-growth prairie grove prior to restoration management.
Monitoring the long-term nesting success, site fidelity, and population dynamics of a neotropical migratory bird: implications for floodplain restoration J. Hoover
Studying populations of Prothonotary Warblers (1994-present) in the Cache River watershed where several thousand acres of land is being restored to bottomland forest.
The importance of floodplain forest for wintering birds: implications for floodplain restoration J. Hoover
Comparing the diversity and abundance of birds during the winter between bottomland and upland forests, and studying the influence of acorn production by oaks on the winter bird community.
Habitat use by migratory birds as revealed by large scale radar R. Larkin, R. Diehl Data from Doppler radars permits inferences at varying scales about how migrating birds use stopover habitat and about the new question of whether such habitat is limiting for land birds in row-crop dominated areas of Illinois.
Ornithological radar for bird migration studies R. Larkin, G. Swenson, S. Franke
A small, dedicated radar unit serves the dual function of (1) providing "ground truth" - for instance counting individual birds vs. insects - for large-scale studies above and (2) quantifying birds taking off from small isolated woodland patches in agricultural areas.
Applying spatial information technology to ecological risk assessment in Illinois J. Levengood, T. Weicherding, S. Lavin, G. Levin
Pilot study explores the use of GIS technology and Illinois GAP in the ecological risk assessment/screening process.
Illinois River Restoration Ecology M. Pegg, S. Havera, D. Wahl, P. Brown
This project currently focuses on establishing research and monitoring programs to assess restoration efforts along the Illinois River and in the future will quantitatively evaluate these restoration projects.
Monitoring Boltonia decurrens, decurrent false aster, at The Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area L. Phillippe, D. Busemeyer, & R. Larimore
This is a five year monitoring project of the abundance, counting stems, of the Illinois and Federally Threatened Boltonia decurrens (Torrey & Gray) Wood (decurrent false aster) along the TransMontaigne Pipeline right-of-way through the Illinois river floodplain at the Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area, Marshall and Peoria counties, Illinois.
GAP analysis of amphibian and reptile distributions in Illinois C. Phillips and formerly J. Aycrigg
This project involves compiling GAP maps from the Illinois Amphibian and Reptile Distribution Database and editing each species map for accuracy.
Use of satellite imagery to identify natural resources in Illinois L. Suloway
This project examines the feasibility of using SPOT satellite imagery for the identification and delineation of ecosystems, especially wetlands, in three areas of the state.
Urban growth and its impact on natural resources L. Suloway
This project analyzes land use change in the past thirty years in selected urban areas in Illinois using analysis of aerial photography.
Presettlement land cover L. Suloway
This project will create a spatial database of land cover of Illinois in the early 1800's from General Land Office maps drawn for the Public Land Survey conducted from 1804-1856.
Wetlands Trends in Illinois L. Suloway
This study will examine trends in the wetland resource (changes in boundaries, changes in classification, loss, etc.) in the past 20 years by comparing wetlands identified from field examinations to the National Wetlands Inventory data.
Critical Trends Assessment Program Monitoring GIS component L. Suloway
This project provides Geographic Information Systems technology to the CTAP long-term monitoring program and includes site selection, mapping, and analysis for CTAP assessment area reports.
Critical Trends Assessment Program assessment area reports GIS component L. Suloway
GIS technology is used to provide information about land cover, wetlands, public land, and natural divisions in the form of maps, tables, and analyses for the CTAP assessment area reports.
Land cover of Illinois 1999-2000 L. Suloway
A land cover database of Illinois is being developed from 1999-2000 Landsat TM satellite imagery by the Illinois State Geological Survey, The Illinois Department of Agriculture, and the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service; the Illinois Natural History Survey is assisting with the database.

Illinois Deer Hunters' Perceptions of Chronic Wasting Disease in Illinois C.A. Miller, C. Colligan, and L.K. Campbell
Illinois deer hunter's attitudes toward and understanding of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in white-tailed deer in Illinois was examined. Hunter changes and abandonment were examined by proximity and occurrence of CWD.
Illinois Deer Hunter Attitudes Toward High Fence Enclosure Shooting Operations C.A. Miller and C. Colligan
Illinois deer hunter's attitudes toward and understanding of high fence enclosures shooting operations was surveyed through a mail-back survey of firearm, archery, and muzzleloader hunters.
Use of Mechanical Duck Decoys and Estimates of Harvest Among Illinois Waterfowl Hunters: 1999 - 2003 C.A. Miller and C. Colligan
Duck hunters were asked about their use of battery-operated, rotating-wing decoys during 1999-2003 waterfowl surveys. Waterfowl managers have questioned the effectiveness of these decoys in bringing birds into shooting range and their potential impact on higher harvests.
Public Perceptions of Water Quality in Illinois. Report to the Lumpkin Family Foundation. Miller, C.A.
The purpose of this study was to investigate public perceptions of water quality in Illinois and determine perceived risks of contaminants to surface and domestic water supplies. A second intention of this study was to compare attitudes toward water issues held by members of the public with those of county policy-makers.
2002 Illinois Hunter Harvest Survey: Harvest Estimates and Attitudes Toward Policy Issues C.A. Miller, W.L. Anderson, C. Colligan, and L.K. Campbell
An annual survey of resident hunters used to determine their activities and harvests in Illinois.
Agriculture Producers' Perceptions of Wildlife-Related Crop Damage in Illinois C.A. Miller, W.L. Anderson, L.K. Campbell, and J. A. Yeagle
Survey of agricultural producers in Illinois regarding their experiences with and attitudes toward wildlife-related problems on their land in the past year
2002 Illinois Waterfowl Hunter Survey: Harvest Estimates and Season Preferences C.A. Miller, W.L. Anderson, C. Colligan, and L.K. Campbell
An annual survey of waterfowl (duck, goose, and coot) hunters used to determine their activities, harvests, characteristics, attitudes and opinions in Illinois.
Results of the 2002 Illinois Trapper Harvest Survey C.A. Miller, C. Colligan, and L.K. Campbell
An annual survey of furbearer (11 species of mammals) trappers used to determine their activities, harvests, characteristics, attitudes and opinions in Illinois. Survey also used to attain information on vulnerable species, trapper recruitment, and specialization.
Hunter Harvest and Participation in the 2003 Spring Conservation Action Light Goose Season C.A. Miller, C. Colligan, and L.K. Campbell
Survey used to determine activity, harvest, and opinions of hunters participating each year in the Light Goose Conservation Action. Hunters were mailed a survey addressing days afield, harvest, and attitudes toward specific issues related to snow goose hunting, limits, and management practices.
Public Perceptions of Open space in Illinois C.A. McDonald, C.A. Miller, and W.L. Stewart
The purpose of this study was to identify the attitudes of state residence towards open space and provide a comprehensive assessment of the availability and needs of open space in Illinois. Open space is defined as natural areas, parks and recreation areas, wildlife habitat, and lakes and streams; agricultural lands are not defined as open space in this survey.

Eastern Bluebird Population Study S. Havera
This long-term study investigates the nesting biology of eastern bluebirds, house wrens, Eurasian tree sparrows, house sparrows and black-capped chickadees on a study area in west-central Illinois.
Analyses of Ground Inventories of Waterbirds and Bald Eagles at Lake Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge S. Havera
Ground counts of waterbirds and bald eagles conducted at Lake Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge from 1996 to 2001 will be analyzed for species composition, numbers, and migration chronology.
Ground Inventories of Waterbirds and Bald Eagles Using Lake Chautauqua Refuge S. Havera
Ground inventories of waterbirds frequenting Lake Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge will be conducted during 2001-2002.
Aerial Inventories of Waterfowl Populations S. Havera
This long-term project uses aerial inventories of waterfowl to document their distribution and abundance along the Illinois and Mississippi rivers and selected reservoirs in Illinois during fall and spring.
The Nesting Biology of Mallard in Illinois S. Havera
This project investigates the nesting biology and brood survival of mallards in west-central Illinois.
System for automated radio tracking of animals in the field R. Larkin, T. Vandeelen, T. Gosselink, R. Warner, R. Sabick, J. Krakowski
Development of technique for better and more cost-efficient tracking animal movements via telemetry and radio tracking.
Habitat use by migratory birds as revealed by large scale radar R. Larkin, R. Diehl
Data from Doppler radars permits inferences at varying scales about how migrating birds use stopover habitat and about the new question of whether such habitat is limiting for land birds in row-crop dominated areas of Illinois.
Ornithological radar for bird migration studies R. Larkin, G. Swenson, S. Franke
A small, dedicated radar unit serves the dual function of (1) providing "ground truth" - for instance counting individual birds vs. insects - for large-scale studies above and (2) quantifying birds taking off from small isolated woodland patches in agricultural areas.
Simulation of flocking in nocturnally-migrating songbirds R. Larkin
Indirect evidence indicates that small songbirds migrating at night form very loose groups, but the mechanism by which this happens is almost completely unknown.
Applying spatial information technology to ecological risk assessment in Illinois J. Levengood, T. Weicherding, S. Lavin, G. Levin
Pilot study explores the use of GIS technology and Illinois GAP in the ecological risk assessment/screening process.
Status and Function of Isolated Wetlands in Illinois G. Levin, L. Suloway, C. Phillips, A. Plocher, J. Miner (Illinois State Geological Survey), F. Hutto
Combining existing literature, GIS, and field work, we are evaluating existing data on the number and distribution of isolated wetlands in Illinois, proposing ways to inventory them more accurately, and summarizing their biological and hydrological importance.
GAP analysis of amphibian and reptile distributions in Illinois C. Phillips and formerly J. Aycrigg
This project involves compiling GAP maps from the Illinois Amphibian and Reptile Distribution Database and editing each species map for accuracy.
Use of satellite imagery to identify natural resources in Illinois L. Suloway
This project examines the feasibility of using SPOT satellite imagery for the identification and delineation of ecosystems, especially wetlands, in three areas of the state.
Urban growth and its impact on natural resources L. Suloway
This project analyzes land use change in the past thirty years in selected urban areas in Illinois using analysis of aerial photography.
Presettlement land cover L. Suloway
This project will create a spatial database of land cover of Illinois in the early 1800's from General Land Office maps drawn for the Public Land Survey conducted from 1804-1856.
Breeding Bird Atlas of Illinois L. Suloway
The product of this project will be the publication of a book with the results of the Breeding Bird Atlas project supplemented with data from the Breeding Bird Survey for Illinois.
Wetlands Trends in Illinois L. Suloway
This study will examine trends in the wetland resource (changes in boundaries, changes in classification, loss, etc.) in the past 20 years by comparing wetlands identified from field examinations to the National Wetlands Inventory data.
Critical Trends Assessment Program Monitoring GIS component L. Suloway
This project provides Geographic Information Systems technology to the CTAP long-term monitoring program and includes site selection, mapping, and analysis for CTAP assessment area reports.
Critical Trends Assessment Program assessment area reports GIS component L. Suloway
GIS technology is used to provide information about land cover, wetlands, public land, and natural divisions in the form of maps, tables, and analyses for the CTAP assessment area reports.
Land cover of Illinois 1999-2000 L. Suloway
A land cover database of Illinois is being developed from 1999-2000 Landsat TM satellite imagery by the Illinois State Geological Survey, The Illinois Department of Agriculture, and the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service; the Illinois Natural History Survey is assisting with the database.