Full course description
Live Zoom meetings: June 12th and July 3rd from 6:30 to 9:30 pm
In-person field experiences: June 16th-21st from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm (Saturday will conclude at noon)
This course will introduce students to the ecosystems of Northeast Illinois, with an emphasis on current research, assessment methods and management practices designed to restore them and the environmental services they provide.
Local ecosystems and communities will be studied in terms of their physical, chemical, and biological components, structure, and processes. Field trips will be supported by local researchers and expert practitioners. Planned activities will expose students to research, assessment, planning, implementation, and monitoring methods and technologies. Field sessions will be conducted over an intensive six-day period, after which non-credit students are invited to join the July 3rd Zoom session of presentation by the credit-seeking students.
Sites and Activities:
- The Morton Arboretum: Prairie and woodland soils, Herbarium science, Oak ecosystems
- Illinois Beach State Park: Dune & swale ecology, succession and restoration; Fish populations; Endangered species conservation
- Flint Creek, Fox River: Watersheds; Physical, chemical and biological stream assessments; Dam removal
- Nachusa Grasslands: Large scale prairie and savanna restoration, Species reintroduction, Seeds
- Deer Grove Forest Preserve: Wetland mitigation, Vegetation monitoring protocols
- Bluff Spring Fen: Butterfly monitoring, Fen ecology/Ice Age geology, Prairie rescue, Restoration techniques, Wrap-up
Transportation and lodging, if needed, are the responsibility of enrolled students. Carpooling and lodging arrangements will be organized in early June.