The mission of the Section for Wildlife and Plant Ecology is to conduct basic and applied research on wildlife, their habitats, and the wetlands of Illinois. The Section is composed of research biologists, ecologists, and supporting personnel. Funding is provided by the Illinois Natural History Survey and through grants and contracts obtained by the scientists. The Section includes the following groups:

• The IDOT Biotic Surveys group conducts biological surveys on Threatened and Engdangered species and High-Quality Natural Areas in Illinois.
• The IDOT Wetlands Group conducts biological surveys and determinations of wetlands, participates in studies of mitigation of wetlands, and conducts studies of wetland soils, and plant and animal communities.
• The CTAP group monitors the condition of forests, wetlands, grasslands, and streams throughout the state of Illinois.
• The GIS group conducts landscape analyses that help determine the extent and condition of different community and habitat types in support of conservation policy decisions.
• The Human Dimensions group studies human attitudes toward wildlife and wildlife management decisions.

The Professional Scientists focus upon the ecology, populations, and management of terrestrial and wetland wildlife and their habitats. The scientists in the Section are prominent members of the wildlife research community and have a long heritage of leadership and credibility in research.