Illinois Natural History Survey - University of Illinois

INHS Reports Autumn 2000

Book by INHS Scientist Wins National Award

Stephen P. Havera, Director of the Forbes Biological Station of the Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), was honored by the Wildlife Society as the recipient of its 2000 Wildlife Publications Award for the Outstanding Book Category for his comprehensive book on Illinois waterfowl.

The book, Waterfowl of Illinois: Status and Management, was published last year by INHS. The award was presented on September 13 during the Wildlife Society's 7th Annual Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

The 672-page book and its companion field guide are based on more than a century of research. They capture the rich waterfowl tradition of the region and document the history, habitats, populations, harvest, nesting biology, management, banding, food habits, programs, and other information relevant to waterfowl and wetlands.

Havera has studied a variety of wildlife species in agricultural, forest, and wetland landscapes during his 30-year career with the Survey. He has been conducting studies at the Forbes Biological Station near Havana since 1978 and became director of that station in 1982. Havera, a native of Peoria, received a B.S. degree in Biology from Bradley University and a Masters in Zoology and a Doctorate in Ecology from the University of Illinois. He holds a faculty appointment at both universities.

Havera is the fourth member of the Survey's Center for Wildlife Ecology to win the award. Previous winners were Harold C. Hanson in 1966 for The Giant Canada Goose, Frank C. Bellrose in 1976 for Ducks, Geese and Swans of North America, and Bellrose and Daniel J. Holm in 1994 for their book Ecology and Management of the Wood Duck.

Waterfowl of Illinois: Status and Management and the companion field guide, Waterfowl of Illinois, are available from the Publications Shop.

Charlie Warwick, editor