The Illinois Natural History Survey conducts research across the entire spectrum of biological and ecological study. Many of these research projects involve researchers from two or more of the Survey's centers or from other scientific institutions. Here we present an overview of our various project areas and, where possible, a link to research pages available under that area. In some cases there may be no online information available, or the project's index may not be complete.
The Survey uses a powerful Geographic Information System (GIS) to map, analyze and better understand the diverse landscapes of Illinois. GIS systems use geographic location---mapping where things are---as the basis for the organization, synthesis, and analysis of information. The Survey's GIS includes information on statewide land cover, species ranges, collection site locations, wetlands, public lands, administrative boundaries, census tracts, roads, streams, and many other geographically referenced datasets and digital base maps.
The Critical Trends Assessment Program (CTAP) is an on-going process to evaluate the State of the Illinois environment. It also provides scientific support for the Ecosystems Program under Conservation 2000, a multi-year initiative of former Governor Edgar to preserve and restore Illinois ecosystems. The primary goal of CTAP is to conduct statewide & regional assessments of environmental conditions. But when CTAP's first statewide assessment was completed in 1994, scientists reported that there was not enough data available to adequately assess ecosystem health. To rectify this situation CTAP has developed methods such as land cover mapping and volunteer monitoring to systematically collect data and monitor ecosytems throughout the state.
The first European settlers in North America brought with them several domesticated animals and a variety of plants for food, fiber, garden, and medicinal purposes. They also brought unintended species, such as the house mouse, Norway rat, housefly, and numerous weeds, including dandelions. Over the years, a great number of other non-native species have been brought to this continent from all over the world. Some of these species have been able to reproduce on their own and are thoroughly naturalized. Some of these cause harm to the local flora and fauna, threatening the stability of Illinois ecosystems. The INHS studies the various introduced and invasive species and attempts to gather and disseminate information about their biology and ecology.
The face of Illinois was forever changed with the arrival of humans, particularly European settlers. Gone are most of our prairies, wetlands, floodplain forests, and upland woods. Much of what remains of these habitats has been severely modified, and even many relatively high-quality areas are deteriorating because of invasion by non-native species or improper management practices. Indeed, it is estimated that 99.93% of Illinois' natural habitats have been significantly degraded or destroyed. Given this tremendous loss, it is imperative that we manage what remains of our natural heritage in ways that ensure its survival and facilitate its improvement. The INHS is actively involved in many aspects of this effort through its projects of restoration ecology: determining what Illinois habitats were like before disruption and discovering how to manage or restore them.
Wetlands are an extremely important component of our natural landscape. They reduce the deleterious effects of floods and drought by storing and gradually releasing water. They reduce erosion and remove sediment from runoff, and also filter or remove toxicants, such as heavy metals and excess nutrients. Some wetlands are areas of groundwater recharge. They provide important habitats for native plants, fish, game, and other wildlife and are crucial in maintaining our biodiversity. Finally, as places to observe and photograph nature, to hike, to hunt, or to fish, wetlands have recreational and aesthetic values. Scientists at the INHS are dedicated to increasing scientific knowledge and public awareness of wetlands, and helping to reduce the loss or degredation of this valuable resource for the state of illinois.
"Chicago Wilderness" refers to both a place and a partnership of organizations. The place is a regional nature reserve that currently comprises over 200,000 acres of protected habitat. Major habitats in the region include forests, oak savannas and woodlands, grasslands, streams, and wetlands. The level of biodiversity is remarkable given the metropolitan nature of the region. The partnership is made up of over 60 public and private organizations, including the INHS, and is dedicated to protecting, managing, and restoring the ecosystems of the region. Scientists from the INHS have participated in the various activities of the group as principal investigators, participants in workshops, and as members of various teams.
As the landscape of Illinois has changed over the years, the habitat for fish and wildlife populations has generally declined, and management of these resources has become more complex and important. The need for information to make sound decisions has never been as great as it is today. Scientists at the INHS have a long history of research on fish and wildlife, and that heritage continues. This research frequently provides information which contributes to the wise management of fish and wildlife resources in Illinois and across the nation. The work ranges from conceptual to applied, is extremely diverse, and is conducted throughout the state.
For well over a century, humans have used a great number of approaches to help alleviate pest problems with insects, mites, plant-parasitic nematodes, bacterial, fungal, and viral plant pathogens, weeds, and vertebrate animals. However, no appraoch has been more popular and successful than Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The primary goal of IPM is to reduce losses from pests in ways that are not only effective but also economically sound and environmentally compatible. Long-term solutions to problems is an important goal of IPM: reducing or modifying the impact of pests and reducing injury to tolerable levels if of greater concern than simply killing pests.
The first European settlers to arrive in Illinois encountered a fabulous natural landscape. The rapid settlement and development of the state dramatically affected its biology. Large areas of native habitat have been converted to agricultural fields and areas for industrial and urban development. Logging, mining, and pollution have degrated the remaining natural habitats. Regrettably, only a tiny fraction of our original ecosystems have survived. In this regard, Illinois ranks 49th among the states. Currently, there are 511 species listed as threatened or endangered, and it is estimated that at least 115 species have been completely lost from the state. Survey scientists monitor, study, and advise on these threatened or endangered species, and take part in many projects to protect and restore their habitats.
The biological collections of the INHS are an invaluable and irreplaceable resource. First established in the mid-19th century for the purpose of documenting the flora and fauna of Illinois, the collections preserve some of the earliest natural history specimens collected in the Midwest. From their humble beginnings the INHS collections have grown into important, internationally known repositories of specimens and information. Although primarily used as tools for basic research in biological systematics, evolution, and ecology, the collections are also of crucial importance for education, applied biology, and conservation of natural resources. Through the ongoing efforts of INHS staff and improvements in information retrevial technology, the collections continue to become ever more accessible to researchers, conservationists, educators, policymakers, and the general public.