Research

The Stream Ecology Lab’s research examines how stream and river habitats shape aquatic life. Projects combine long-term monitoring, field surveys, spatial modeling, and conservation planning to better understand aquatic communities and the conditions that shape them.

CREP Aquatic Life Monitoring Project

The CREP Aquatic Life Monitoring Project evaluates how conservation practices affect stream habitat, fish communities, and benthic macroinvertebrates within the Illinois River and Kaskaskia River basins. Monitoring supports the assessment of biological responses associated with land enrolled in the Illinois Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP).

Learn more about the CREP Aquatic Life Monitoring Project.

CREP Easement Monitoring

CREP Easement Monitoring supports conservation partnerships among the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, scientists, and landowners. Conservation Resource Specialists support easement enrollments, conduct monitoring, manage habitats, document ecological conditions throughout participating counties, and support the federal CRP and CREP programs.

Read more about CREP Easement Monitoring.

Assessing Population Viability

This project creates habitat suitability models for the Eastern Sand Darter and the River Redhorse, both listed as threatened in Illinois. It examines where these fish live, how many there are, and which habitats they prefer within the Embarras and Kankakee River systems. The goal is to use this information to help guide conservation efforts and inform management decisions.

Explore Assessing Population Viability.

Modeling Freshwater Mussel Distribution

Freshwater mussels are among the most endangered aquatic species in the world. This project creates models of where they live, the number of species found in different areas, and where unique species are concentrated across the Midwest to guide efforts to protect them.

Learn more about Modeling Freshwater Mussel Distributions.

Prioritizing Illinois Protected Lands

This project supports conservation efforts by identifying and prioritizing protected lands and stream segments, and evaluating factors such as species rarity, the quality of natural communities, and vulnerability to disturbance. The findings inform how we manage resources and care for these areas of Illinois.

Read about Prioritizing Illinois Protected Lands.

Updating Illinois Stream Characterization and Assessment

Illinois’ stream classification tools, such as the Biological Stream Characterization (BSC) and Biologically Significant Streams (BSS), are being updated to incorporate species distribution models for fishes, freshwater mussels, and several aquatic insects in wadeable streams statewide. This effort improves the biological references for stream assessment.

Visit Updating Illinois Stream Characterization and Assessment.

Smallmouth Bass Long-Term Assessment

This project assesses the health of Smallmouth Bass in Illinois Rivers, including the Mackinaw and Vermilion. It focuses on exploring population dynamics, habitat quality, and movement behavior to inform fisheries management decisions.

Learn more about Smallmouth Bass Long-Term Assessment.

Jordan Creek Monitoring

Jordan Creek has been a critical site for long-term stream research since the 1950s. Scientists continue to monitor its water chemistry, temperature, fish populations, and invertebrate communities using consistent methods to allow for comparisons over time.

Explore Jordan Creek Monitoring.

Past Projects

In addition to ongoing research, the Stream Ecology Lab has completed studies on various issues affecting Illinois streams and rivers. The lab has studied mussel communities, habitats, how climate changes impact aquatic insects, and more.

Browse the lab’s Past Projects.