2025 Science Symposium Abstracts
Oral Presentations:
“Turtles in Trouble: Assessing the Health of Ornate Box Turtles in Illinois” – Laura Adamovicz, DVM, PhD - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Abstract: Ornate box turtles (Terrapene ornata ornata) are declining across their range due to fragmentation, degradation, and loss of their prairie habitat, road mortality, and increased predation. In addition to these man-made threats, health and disease can influence the ability of wildlife to survive and reproduce, but these are poorly understood in wild ornate box turtles. To address this knowledge gap, we have been conducting comprehensive health assessments in ornate box turtles from the Nachusa Grasslands since 2016. In 2024, we expanded these efforts to incorporate ornate box turtle populations representing most of the species' remaining range in Illinois. This presentation will review differences in health status and disease occurrence in Illinois ornate box turtle populations and highlight opportunities to intervene and support this species. Contact email: adamovi2(at)illinois.edu
Abstract: Ornate box turtles (Terrapene ornata ornata) are declining across their range due to fragmentation, degradation, and loss of their prairie habitat, road mortality, and increased predation. In addition to these man-made threats, health and disease can influence the ability of wildlife to survive and reproduce, but these are poorly understood in wild ornate box turtles. To address this knowledge gap, we have been conducting comprehensive health assessments in ornate box turtles from the Nachusa Grasslands since 2016. In 2024, we expanded these efforts to incorporate ornate box turtle populations representing most of the species' remaining range in Illinois. This presentation will review differences in health status and disease occurrence in Illinois ornate box turtle populations and highlight opportunities to intervene and support this species. Contact email: adamovi2(at)illinois.edu
“Functional and Structural Impacts of Bison Grazing Intensity on Plant Communities in Tallgrass Prairie Restorations” – Samantha Berk, MS candidate, Northern Illinois University. Advisor: Holly Jones, PhD.
Abstract: Bison utilize their landscapes unevenly because they selectively graze grasses and tend to repeatedly graze the same areas. While research on maintaining plant diversity has largely focused on grazing as a presence or absence, how the amount of grazing (“intensity”) impacts plant functional diversity, or the diversity of a plant community by the characteristics (“traits”) that species have, is understudied. Similarly, we don’t fully understand how varying grazing intensities affect prairie vegetation structure and ecosystem function. In this study, I examine how bison grazing intensity influences plant functional diversity, vegetation structure, and ecosystem function in tallgrass prairie restorations. Preliminary findings indicate that grazing intensity strongly influences vegetation height and density throughout the growing season; with the vegetation of grazing lawns (“high intensity”) being shorter and less dense (more sparse) than vegetation in the low and no grazing treatments. Grazing intensity also shows some influence on plant traits. Generally, plants respond to different grazing intensities by changing their leaf size, leaf strength, and forage value; but overall, which traits respond to grazing, and how these traits respond to grazing, varies species to species. The results of this study will improve our understanding of how bison reintroduction impacts prairies and will empower managers to make informed decisions on how to effectively apply grazing. Contact email: samanthaberk12(at)gmail.com
Abstract: Bison utilize their landscapes unevenly because they selectively graze grasses and tend to repeatedly graze the same areas. While research on maintaining plant diversity has largely focused on grazing as a presence or absence, how the amount of grazing (“intensity”) impacts plant functional diversity, or the diversity of a plant community by the characteristics (“traits”) that species have, is understudied. Similarly, we don’t fully understand how varying grazing intensities affect prairie vegetation structure and ecosystem function. In this study, I examine how bison grazing intensity influences plant functional diversity, vegetation structure, and ecosystem function in tallgrass prairie restorations. Preliminary findings indicate that grazing intensity strongly influences vegetation height and density throughout the growing season; with the vegetation of grazing lawns (“high intensity”) being shorter and less dense (more sparse) than vegetation in the low and no grazing treatments. Grazing intensity also shows some influence on plant traits. Generally, plants respond to different grazing intensities by changing their leaf size, leaf strength, and forage value; but overall, which traits respond to grazing, and how these traits respond to grazing, varies species to species. The results of this study will improve our understanding of how bison reintroduction impacts prairies and will empower managers to make informed decisions on how to effectively apply grazing. Contact email: samanthaberk12(at)gmail.com
“The Enemy of My Enemy: Seed Removal of Invasive versus Native Plant Species at Nachusa Grasslands” – Peter Guiden, PhD – Asst. Professor of Biology, Hamilton College.
Abstract: Seed survival is critical to restoration. Successful restoration requires native seeds to establish while minimizing establishment of invasive seeds. Native animals that consume seeds, such as rodents or invertebrates, are commonly seen as antagonists in restoration. Yet, recent research shows that animals differ greatly in their diets, with some species preferentially eating invasive plant seeds. We performed an experiment at Nachusa Grasslands in July and October to learn what habitat conditions promote consumption of invasive seeds, and to pinpoint which animal groups were responsible for these patterns, focusing on rodents and invertebrates. Invasive seeds were consumed 2.5 times more often in July compared to October. This suggests that invertebrates play an important role in controlling invasive seeds, as freezing temperatures in October likely limited invertebrate activity in the fall. Furthermore, the most common rodent species at Nachusa, deer mice, appears to play a key role in controlling invasive species: in plantings with the highest deer mouse activity, invasive seeds were 6 times more likely to be consumed than native seeds. In plantings where invasive species are especially problematic, promoting invertebrate activity or deer mouse activity (e.g., using prescribed fire) may help control invasive plants. Contact email: pguiden(at)hamilton.edu
Abstract: Seed survival is critical to restoration. Successful restoration requires native seeds to establish while minimizing establishment of invasive seeds. Native animals that consume seeds, such as rodents or invertebrates, are commonly seen as antagonists in restoration. Yet, recent research shows that animals differ greatly in their diets, with some species preferentially eating invasive plant seeds. We performed an experiment at Nachusa Grasslands in July and October to learn what habitat conditions promote consumption of invasive seeds, and to pinpoint which animal groups were responsible for these patterns, focusing on rodents and invertebrates. Invasive seeds were consumed 2.5 times more often in July compared to October. This suggests that invertebrates play an important role in controlling invasive seeds, as freezing temperatures in October likely limited invertebrate activity in the fall. Furthermore, the most common rodent species at Nachusa, deer mice, appears to play a key role in controlling invasive species: in plantings with the highest deer mouse activity, invasive seeds were 6 times more likely to be consumed than native seeds. In plantings where invasive species are especially problematic, promoting invertebrate activity or deer mouse activity (e.g., using prescribed fire) may help control invasive plants. Contact email: pguiden(at)hamilton.edu
“Bison Reintroduction Outcomes Vary Across the Tallgrass Prairie Region’s Productivity Gradient” – Ethan Rose, PhD candidate, Michigan State University. Advisor: Lauren Sullivan, PhD
Abstract: Native grazers play a crucial role in grassland biodiversity by creating patchy disturbance and preventing dominant plants from suppressing other species. Existing ecological theory predicts that this effect becomes stronger as primary productivity and competition for sunlight increases. At unproductive sites, grazing is predicted to have a neutral or negative effect as competition for other resources like water becomes more important and plants struggle to regrow lost tissues. In the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, reintroducing extirpated bison is expected to increase plant diversity, heterogeneity, and habitat quality based on limited research. However, reintroduction efforts must consider the interactive effects of grazing and productivity in this variable ecosystem. To align practical management goals with ecological theory, I quantified bison reintroduction outcomes including plant diversity, heterogeneity, and floristic quality at 8 sites spanning the region’s broad productivity gradient. The overall effect of bison reintroduction on plant diversity and heterogeneity was positive and increased with site productivity. However, the driest and least productive sites showed no response to bison grazing. Ongoing work will assess bison impacts on early plant community assembly and rare species across the region. These findings can inform more effective and targeted restoration priorities for the tallgrass prairie and grasslands globally. Contact email: roseethan(at)msu.edu
Abstract: Native grazers play a crucial role in grassland biodiversity by creating patchy disturbance and preventing dominant plants from suppressing other species. Existing ecological theory predicts that this effect becomes stronger as primary productivity and competition for sunlight increases. At unproductive sites, grazing is predicted to have a neutral or negative effect as competition for other resources like water becomes more important and plants struggle to regrow lost tissues. In the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, reintroducing extirpated bison is expected to increase plant diversity, heterogeneity, and habitat quality based on limited research. However, reintroduction efforts must consider the interactive effects of grazing and productivity in this variable ecosystem. To align practical management goals with ecological theory, I quantified bison reintroduction outcomes including plant diversity, heterogeneity, and floristic quality at 8 sites spanning the region’s broad productivity gradient. The overall effect of bison reintroduction on plant diversity and heterogeneity was positive and increased with site productivity. However, the driest and least productive sites showed no response to bison grazing. Ongoing work will assess bison impacts on early plant community assembly and rare species across the region. These findings can inform more effective and targeted restoration priorities for the tallgrass prairie and grasslands globally. Contact email: roseethan(at)msu.edu
“Impacts of Bison Grazing and Prescribed Fire on Small Mammal Trophic Niches in Restored Grasslands” – Lizzy Small, MS candidate, Northern Illinois University. Advisor: Holly Jones, PhD.
Abstract: Restoration ecology seeks to re-establish functional ecosystems, yet the impact of management practices like bison grazing and prescribed fire on species' ecological roles is often underexplored. This study examines how these disturbances influence the trophic niches of small mammals (Peromyscus maniculatus, Peromyscus leucopus, and Microtus ochrogaster) in a restored grassland ecosystem using stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N). Bayesian standard ellipse area (SEA) was used to measure trophic niche size. Bison grazing caused a contraction of trophic niche breadth in both generalist species, likely due to selective feeding and resource limitation. For the dietary specialist Microtus ochrogaster, bison grazing also reduced its trophic niche breadth, reflecting limited access to preferred grasses. In contrast, prescribed fire expanded trophic niche breadth for all species, likely due to increased resource availability from post-fire plant regeneration. Interestingly, fire also expanded the trophic niche of Microtus ochrogaster, suggesting that resource abundance, not preference, can drive changes in niche breadth for specialists. Our findings highlight the ecological impacts of disturbance regimes and stress the importance of informed management for enhancing ecosystem resilience in restored grasslands. Contact email: elizzsmall(at)gmail.com
Abstract: Restoration ecology seeks to re-establish functional ecosystems, yet the impact of management practices like bison grazing and prescribed fire on species' ecological roles is often underexplored. This study examines how these disturbances influence the trophic niches of small mammals (Peromyscus maniculatus, Peromyscus leucopus, and Microtus ochrogaster) in a restored grassland ecosystem using stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N). Bayesian standard ellipse area (SEA) was used to measure trophic niche size. Bison grazing caused a contraction of trophic niche breadth in both generalist species, likely due to selective feeding and resource limitation. For the dietary specialist Microtus ochrogaster, bison grazing also reduced its trophic niche breadth, reflecting limited access to preferred grasses. In contrast, prescribed fire expanded trophic niche breadth for all species, likely due to increased resource availability from post-fire plant regeneration. Interestingly, fire also expanded the trophic niche of Microtus ochrogaster, suggesting that resource abundance, not preference, can drive changes in niche breadth for specialists. Our findings highlight the ecological impacts of disturbance regimes and stress the importance of informed management for enhancing ecosystem resilience in restored grasslands. Contact email: elizzsmall(at)gmail.com
“Investigating the Conservation Value of Range-edge Populations Using an At-risk Legume” – Cameron P. So, PhD candidate, McGill University and Quebec Centre for Biodiversity Science. Advisors: Anna Hargreaves, PhD; Daniel Schoen, PhD.
Abstract: In many countries and jurisdictions, at-risk species tend to be populations found at the northernmost edge of their geographical range. These northern range edge populations may carry unique genetic adaptations that contribute to a species’ overall genetic diversity. Despite their potential importance, range edge populations for most at-risk plants lack genetic studies that may guide their conservation. I am testing two contrasting theoretical predictions that can directly inform conservation: edge populations are adapted to local conditions or suffer from poor genetic quality arising from inbreeding and genetic drift when populations are small. Sundial lupine (Lupinus perennis) is an at-risk perennial legume found in rare oak savanna and pine barren ecosystems in eastern North America. To test for local adaptation, I reciprocally transplanted ~8000 seeds among 3 core and 3 edge populations in Ontario, Michigan, and Ohio. For earlier-expressed components of fitness, I found no pattern of local adaptation for survival. To assess genetic quality, I whole genome sequenced 18 populations and am quantifying metrics of genetic health metrics, including genetic diversity, inbreeding, genetic differentiation, and effective population size. Conservation management suggestions for these edge populations will be complemented by future genomics-based assessments of local adaptation. Contact email: cameron.so(at)mail.mcgill.ca
Abstract: In many countries and jurisdictions, at-risk species tend to be populations found at the northernmost edge of their geographical range. These northern range edge populations may carry unique genetic adaptations that contribute to a species’ overall genetic diversity. Despite their potential importance, range edge populations for most at-risk plants lack genetic studies that may guide their conservation. I am testing two contrasting theoretical predictions that can directly inform conservation: edge populations are adapted to local conditions or suffer from poor genetic quality arising from inbreeding and genetic drift when populations are small. Sundial lupine (Lupinus perennis) is an at-risk perennial legume found in rare oak savanna and pine barren ecosystems in eastern North America. To test for local adaptation, I reciprocally transplanted ~8000 seeds among 3 core and 3 edge populations in Ontario, Michigan, and Ohio. For earlier-expressed components of fitness, I found no pattern of local adaptation for survival. To assess genetic quality, I whole genome sequenced 18 populations and am quantifying metrics of genetic health metrics, including genetic diversity, inbreeding, genetic differentiation, and effective population size. Conservation management suggestions for these edge populations will be complemented by future genomics-based assessments of local adaptation. Contact email: cameron.so(at)mail.mcgill.ca
Posters:
“The Biological Legacy of Invasive Birdsfoot Trefoil and How it Connects Human and Environmental History” - Kamal Ehrlich, MS candidate, Northern Illinois University. Advisor: Holly Jones, PhD.
Artist Statement: 1) “Puzzle Pieces” – One open field with attachable pieces depending on what you want to see. An interactive piece. Pencil on vellum; acrylic on vellum. 2) “Yellow Fodder” - Two mirrored paintings from a sunrise on a livestock pasture (left) to a sunset on a restored prairie (right). Acrylic on paper.
Artist Statement: 1) “Puzzle Pieces” – One open field with attachable pieces depending on what you want to see. An interactive piece. Pencil on vellum; acrylic on vellum. 2) “Yellow Fodder” - Two mirrored paintings from a sunrise on a livestock pasture (left) to a sunset on a restored prairie (right). Acrylic on paper.
“Testing C4 Challenge Hypothesis in a Bison-Grazed Mixed Tallgrass Prairie” - Luke Fannin, PhD candidate, Dartmouth College. Advisor: Nathaniel J. Dominy, PhD.
Abstract: The rise and spread of C4 grasses are posited to be a major driver of the morphological evolution of herbivores, often termed the “C4 challenge” hypothesis. Previous work suggested that C4 grasses are tougher to chew and more abrasive than C3 grasses, improving defoliation resistance. Additionally, increased defoliation of C4 grasses may drive increased enrichment of silica within re-growing tissues. We tested these predictions in the Nachusa plant community. We found that the average fracture toughness of C4 grasses was lower than C3 graminoids during peak C4 herbivory; C3 and C4 graminoids were more tough than sympatric C3 forbs. C3 graminoids also had significantly higher % insoluble ash (silica proxy) in their dry matter than C4 graminoids and C3 forbs. We found no difference in average fracture toughness or silica deposition between C4 leaves grown in exclosure plots vs. bison plots in Fall, after the peak of summer herbivory. Our results are inconsistent with the C4 challenge hypothesis; C4 grasses are less challenging for bison to process during peak consumption. Likewise, silica and toughness appear less responsive to elevated bison herbivory, suggesting external drivers (e.g., environment) may play a more dominant role in shaping these traits in C4 grasses. Contact email: Luke.D.Fannin.GR(at)dartmouth.edu
Abstract: The rise and spread of C4 grasses are posited to be a major driver of the morphological evolution of herbivores, often termed the “C4 challenge” hypothesis. Previous work suggested that C4 grasses are tougher to chew and more abrasive than C3 grasses, improving defoliation resistance. Additionally, increased defoliation of C4 grasses may drive increased enrichment of silica within re-growing tissues. We tested these predictions in the Nachusa plant community. We found that the average fracture toughness of C4 grasses was lower than C3 graminoids during peak C4 herbivory; C3 and C4 graminoids were more tough than sympatric C3 forbs. C3 graminoids also had significantly higher % insoluble ash (silica proxy) in their dry matter than C4 graminoids and C3 forbs. We found no difference in average fracture toughness or silica deposition between C4 leaves grown in exclosure plots vs. bison plots in Fall, after the peak of summer herbivory. Our results are inconsistent with the C4 challenge hypothesis; C4 grasses are less challenging for bison to process during peak consumption. Likewise, silica and toughness appear less responsive to elevated bison herbivory, suggesting external drivers (e.g., environment) may play a more dominant role in shaping these traits in C4 grasses. Contact email: Luke.D.Fannin.GR(at)dartmouth.edu
“The Tale of the Frankenplants: Comparing Plant Characteristic Data from an Experimental Prairie and Nachusa Grasslands” – Ana Guthrie, Lab Technician, Northern Illinois University. Advisor: Holly Jones, PhD.
Abstract: Experimental plant communities are vital to our understanding of how to predict and combat the consequences of biodiversity loss around the globe. However, experimental communities are not always realistic when compared to real-world communities. To investigate this issue of realism, I’ve collected plant data from both Northern Illinois University’s experimental prairie named “Community Assembly and Prairie Ecosystem Restoration” (“CAPER;” Dekalb, IL) and Nachusa Grasslands. My study explores the differences of five characteristics (i.e. plant height, stem density, leaf size, SLA, and LDMC) in 12 different species of plants found at both the experimental prairie site and Nachusa Grasslands. Overall, I found the characteristics of plants at the experimental prairie to be 26% different from plants at Nachusa. We expect that this difference may be due to the fact that CAPER was restored using plant plugs while Nachusa Grasslands uses seeds, which means experimental plants did not compete at the seed and seedling stage. Our findings suggest experiments may not be applicable to the real world. We hope by acknowledging the difference between experimental and natural communities, we will be more confident in drawing conclusions from experiments that are realistic for communities in the real-world, like Nachusa Grasslands. Contact email: christianaguthrie01(at)gmail.com
Abstract: Experimental plant communities are vital to our understanding of how to predict and combat the consequences of biodiversity loss around the globe. However, experimental communities are not always realistic when compared to real-world communities. To investigate this issue of realism, I’ve collected plant data from both Northern Illinois University’s experimental prairie named “Community Assembly and Prairie Ecosystem Restoration” (“CAPER;” Dekalb, IL) and Nachusa Grasslands. My study explores the differences of five characteristics (i.e. plant height, stem density, leaf size, SLA, and LDMC) in 12 different species of plants found at both the experimental prairie site and Nachusa Grasslands. Overall, I found the characteristics of plants at the experimental prairie to be 26% different from plants at Nachusa. We expect that this difference may be due to the fact that CAPER was restored using plant plugs while Nachusa Grasslands uses seeds, which means experimental plants did not compete at the seed and seedling stage. Our findings suggest experiments may not be applicable to the real world. We hope by acknowledging the difference between experimental and natural communities, we will be more confident in drawing conclusions from experiments that are realistic for communities in the real-world, like Nachusa Grasslands. Contact email: christianaguthrie01(at)gmail.com
“Bees of Nachusa Grasslands: Community Dynamics, Flower Preferences, and Parasite Loads of Native Bees and Domesticated Honey Bees at Nachusa Grasslands” – Robert P. Jean, PhD –Senior Entomologist, Environmental Solutions & Innovations
Abstract: During bee studies at Nachusa, federally endangered rusty patched bumble bee (RPBB, Bombus affinis), other native bees, and honey bees (not native to Nachusa Grasslands) have been observed using flowers. A large apiary with several honey bee hives along Stone Barn Road is present in about the center of the grasslands. Since parasite transfer and competition with honey bees are among the leading concerns for RPBB conservation (see species status assessment or species recovery plan), interactions between bumble bees and honey bees are being assessed. Surveys comprised two sampling events during peak bloom periods at 12 sites distributed at three distances across Nachusa from a known apiary and 2024 represented the third year of studies. Surveys in 2024 yielded a total of 1,171 bee specimens (5 families, 24 genera, and 118 species) vouchered or observed visiting native and/or non-native floral resources at various distances from the known apiary and in supplemental collections. Honey bees were observed and collected at all sites and all three distances from the apiary. Bumble bees were found across all samples at all distances from the apiary, but species composition and abundance varied with distances. No RPBB were observed in 2024. Parasite load analyses on bumble bees and honey bees are currently ongoing but 2023 results suggest low parasite levels. Contact Email: rjean(at)envsi.com
Abstract: During bee studies at Nachusa, federally endangered rusty patched bumble bee (RPBB, Bombus affinis), other native bees, and honey bees (not native to Nachusa Grasslands) have been observed using flowers. A large apiary with several honey bee hives along Stone Barn Road is present in about the center of the grasslands. Since parasite transfer and competition with honey bees are among the leading concerns for RPBB conservation (see species status assessment or species recovery plan), interactions between bumble bees and honey bees are being assessed. Surveys comprised two sampling events during peak bloom periods at 12 sites distributed at three distances across Nachusa from a known apiary and 2024 represented the third year of studies. Surveys in 2024 yielded a total of 1,171 bee specimens (5 families, 24 genera, and 118 species) vouchered or observed visiting native and/or non-native floral resources at various distances from the known apiary and in supplemental collections. Honey bees were observed and collected at all sites and all three distances from the apiary. Bumble bees were found across all samples at all distances from the apiary, but species composition and abundance varied with distances. No RPBB were observed in 2024. Parasite load analyses on bumble bees and honey bees are currently ongoing but 2023 results suggest low parasite levels. Contact Email: rjean(at)envsi.com
“Plains, Trains, and Automobiles: A State-wide Analysis of Human-Caused Blanding’s Turtle Mortality” – Rich King, PhD – Professor Emeritus, Northern Illinois University.
Abstract: Radio-telemetry records of adult Blanding’s turtles collected by 18 site managers and researchers were used to assess the impact of human-caused mortality. Among 461 records spanning 38 years and representing a total of 1,451 years of tracking, 76 deaths occurred, 21 of which were the results of agricultural activities (“plains”), entrapment between railway tracks (“trains”), vehicle strikes (“automobiles”), or other human causes. Survival analysis shows that human-caused deaths have raised annual adult mortality from 4.3% to 5.2%, a 21% increase over mortality from other causes. Population projections indicate that this increase is sufficient to trigger population declines and leave populations smaller than about 30 adults vulnerable to extinction. Furthermore, if juveniles also suffer human-caused mortality, even populations of 100 adults were vulnerable to extinction. Increased preserve size, modified agricultural practices, and installation of road and rail barrier and passage systems would increase the probability of Blanding’s turtle population persistence. Contact email: rbking(at)niu.edu
Abstract: Radio-telemetry records of adult Blanding’s turtles collected by 18 site managers and researchers were used to assess the impact of human-caused mortality. Among 461 records spanning 38 years and representing a total of 1,451 years of tracking, 76 deaths occurred, 21 of which were the results of agricultural activities (“plains”), entrapment between railway tracks (“trains”), vehicle strikes (“automobiles”), or other human causes. Survival analysis shows that human-caused deaths have raised annual adult mortality from 4.3% to 5.2%, a 21% increase over mortality from other causes. Population projections indicate that this increase is sufficient to trigger population declines and leave populations smaller than about 30 adults vulnerable to extinction. Furthermore, if juveniles also suffer human-caused mortality, even populations of 100 adults were vulnerable to extinction. Increased preserve size, modified agricultural practices, and installation of road and rail barrier and passage systems would increase the probability of Blanding’s turtle population persistence. Contact email: rbking(at)niu.edu
“Influence of Raccoon (Procyon lotor) Abundance on Prevalence of Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) in Northern Illinois” – Ashley G. McDonald (PhD candidate), Jennifer Schultze (MS candidate) – Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Advisors: Clayton K. Nielsen, PhD; F. Agustin Jimenez, PhD
Abstract: Zoonoses are attributed to approximately 75% of emerging infectious diseases. Contraction of zoonotic infections is linked to urbanization, as land development increases the probability of human interaction with wildlife. Omnivorous animals such as raccoons, the definitive host of raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis), thrive in urban settings due to the abundance of anthropogenic resources. The goal of this study is to assess the influence of raccoon abundance on the prevalence of raccoon roundworm in 5 study areas in northern Illinois representing a rural-urban gradient. Raccoons (n=280) were captured and removed from sites by collaborators during April-June 2022-2024. Upon necropsy, intestinal tracts were examined to determine raccoon roundworm prevalence. Capture per unit effort (CPUE), a measure of wildlife population abundance, was calculated as the number of raccoons captured per 100 nights of capture effort at each site. The relationship between raccoon abundance and roundworm prevalence was investigated using logistic regression. Roundworm prevalence decreased with increased raccoon abundance (X2=4.37, P=0.036). These findings suggest that population reduction of raccoons in areas of high abundance might be an ineffective tool to reduce the risk of infection to the human population. Future analyses examining the relationship between land-use, roundworm prevalence, and raccoon abundance might provide a better understanding of the influence of population demographics on roundworm prevalence. Contact email: Ashley.g.mcdonald(at)siu.edu
Abstract: Zoonoses are attributed to approximately 75% of emerging infectious diseases. Contraction of zoonotic infections is linked to urbanization, as land development increases the probability of human interaction with wildlife. Omnivorous animals such as raccoons, the definitive host of raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis), thrive in urban settings due to the abundance of anthropogenic resources. The goal of this study is to assess the influence of raccoon abundance on the prevalence of raccoon roundworm in 5 study areas in northern Illinois representing a rural-urban gradient. Raccoons (n=280) were captured and removed from sites by collaborators during April-June 2022-2024. Upon necropsy, intestinal tracts were examined to determine raccoon roundworm prevalence. Capture per unit effort (CPUE), a measure of wildlife population abundance, was calculated as the number of raccoons captured per 100 nights of capture effort at each site. The relationship between raccoon abundance and roundworm prevalence was investigated using logistic regression. Roundworm prevalence decreased with increased raccoon abundance (X2=4.37, P=0.036). These findings suggest that population reduction of raccoons in areas of high abundance might be an ineffective tool to reduce the risk of infection to the human population. Future analyses examining the relationship between land-use, roundworm prevalence, and raccoon abundance might provide a better understanding of the influence of population demographics on roundworm prevalence. Contact email: Ashley.g.mcdonald(at)siu.edu
Susan McIntyre, Illinois Natural History Survey
“Floristic quality of bison wallows at Nachusa Grasslands”
“Floristic quality of bison wallows at Nachusa Grasslands”
“The Influence of Surrounding Floral Neighborhoods on Bee Visitation Rates of Penstemon spp.” – Gabriella Muller. Advisor: Bethanne Bruninga-Socolar, PhD
Abstract: Bees provide both ecologically and economically important services. However, due to climate change and habitat degradation, bee diversity and population numbers are declining. This endorses restoring endangered habitat types that support native bees, such as tallgrass prairies. However, little is known about the mutualistic relationships wild bees share with their native plant counterparts in restoration settings. The genus Penstemon is attractive to a variety of bee species and is becoming increasingly included in prairie restorations. Due to this, the genus Penstemon was chosen to obtain a better understanding of how floral neighborhood assemblages affect bee foraging within The Nachusa Grasslands. We observed bee visits to focal Penstemon individuals and recorded bee foraging paths within designated floral neighborhoods. We analyzed bee foraging choice as a function of the diversity of the plant community to better understand bee interactions with Penstemon. Analysis shows that bee visits to Penstemon were determined by the abundance of Penstemon flowers and not the abundance of co-flowering plants. Our results suggest that invasive species are not interfering with bee visits to Penstemon and that bees only visit Penstemon when it is efficient to do so. The implications of this analysis suggest that managers of tallgrass prairie restorations may want to consider the spatial density of plants if their goals include maintaining pollination of rare plant species. Contact email: gabriellamuller888(at)gmail.com
Abstract: Bees provide both ecologically and economically important services. However, due to climate change and habitat degradation, bee diversity and population numbers are declining. This endorses restoring endangered habitat types that support native bees, such as tallgrass prairies. However, little is known about the mutualistic relationships wild bees share with their native plant counterparts in restoration settings. The genus Penstemon is attractive to a variety of bee species and is becoming increasingly included in prairie restorations. Due to this, the genus Penstemon was chosen to obtain a better understanding of how floral neighborhood assemblages affect bee foraging within The Nachusa Grasslands. We observed bee visits to focal Penstemon individuals and recorded bee foraging paths within designated floral neighborhoods. We analyzed bee foraging choice as a function of the diversity of the plant community to better understand bee interactions with Penstemon. Analysis shows that bee visits to Penstemon were determined by the abundance of Penstemon flowers and not the abundance of co-flowering plants. Our results suggest that invasive species are not interfering with bee visits to Penstemon and that bees only visit Penstemon when it is efficient to do so. The implications of this analysis suggest that managers of tallgrass prairie restorations may want to consider the spatial density of plants if their goals include maintaining pollination of rare plant species. Contact email: gabriellamuller888(at)gmail.com
“The Big Picture: How Habitat and Landscape Variables Shape Small Mammal Communities within Restored Prairies” – Bianca Saftoiu, Graduate Research Assistant and MS candidate, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Advisor: Jinelle Sperry, PhD.
Abstract: Prairie restoration in the Midwest plays a crucial role in conserving native flora and fauna within this increasingly threatened ecosystem. Small mammals are valuable indicators of ecological health due to their roles in ecosystem processes and sensitivity to habitat changes. As part of a broader study across 21 restored prairie sites, we investigated how habitat and landscape variables influence small mammal detection and occupancy probabilities. Notably, the restored prairie at Nachusa Grasslands exhibited a Shannon’s Diversity Index of 1.08 for its small mammal community—exceeding both the average (0.88) and median (0.98) diversity values observed across other sites. Nachusa’s plant community also demonstrated an above-average conservatism score, suggesting that its diverse and high-quality vegetation may provide key habitat features that support a richer small mammal community. Preliminary occupancy model results further reveal distinct responses among prairie specialists and habitat generalists to environmental variables, emphasizing the need to consider both habitat and landscape characteristics in restoration planning and management. Contact email: saftoiu2(at)illinois.edu
Abstract: Prairie restoration in the Midwest plays a crucial role in conserving native flora and fauna within this increasingly threatened ecosystem. Small mammals are valuable indicators of ecological health due to their roles in ecosystem processes and sensitivity to habitat changes. As part of a broader study across 21 restored prairie sites, we investigated how habitat and landscape variables influence small mammal detection and occupancy probabilities. Notably, the restored prairie at Nachusa Grasslands exhibited a Shannon’s Diversity Index of 1.08 for its small mammal community—exceeding both the average (0.88) and median (0.98) diversity values observed across other sites. Nachusa’s plant community also demonstrated an above-average conservatism score, suggesting that its diverse and high-quality vegetation may provide key habitat features that support a richer small mammal community. Preliminary occupancy model results further reveal distinct responses among prairie specialists and habitat generalists to environmental variables, emphasizing the need to consider both habitat and landscape characteristics in restoration planning and management. Contact email: saftoiu2(at)illinois.edu
“Efficacy of Predator Control as a Management Method for Northern Illinois Raccoons” -Jennifer Schultze (MS candidate) and Ashley G. McDonald (PhD candidate) – Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Advisor: Clayton K. Nielsen, PhD.
Abstract: Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are highly adaptable mesopredators that negatively impact several vulnerable avian and reptilian species, including the endangered Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) found in portions of northern Illinois. For raccoons, predator removal has commonly been investigated as a management strategy to increase survival of vulnerable populations, but many of these studies have neglected to determine the efficacy and long-term feasibility of predator removal in mesopredator populations. We determined the efficacy of raccoon removal by placing 109 camera traps across 6 study sites in northern Illinois during February-August 2022-2024 to monitor raccoon occupancy before, during, and after trapping efforts were performed. Each year, single-season occupancy models indicated detection and occupancy probabilities were highest before removal and decreased after removal for the following 2-3 months. From 2023 to 2024, multi-season occupancy models indicated colonization rates decreased across all removal sites from 49 to 8% and extinction rates increased by 9%. Conversely, the control site had extinction rates close to zero and colonization rates that increased to 80% by 2024. These findings demonstrated a short-term population reduction, and provided evidence for long-term feasibility, as indicated by a decrease in raccoon colonization and an increase in extinction at the removal sites. Establishing a long-term trapping program (i.e., 5 to 10 years) with bi-annual or multiple trapping periods per year could benefit long-term reductions in raccoon populations. Contact email: Jennifer.schultze(at)siu.edu
Abstract: Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are highly adaptable mesopredators that negatively impact several vulnerable avian and reptilian species, including the endangered Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) found in portions of northern Illinois. For raccoons, predator removal has commonly been investigated as a management strategy to increase survival of vulnerable populations, but many of these studies have neglected to determine the efficacy and long-term feasibility of predator removal in mesopredator populations. We determined the efficacy of raccoon removal by placing 109 camera traps across 6 study sites in northern Illinois during February-August 2022-2024 to monitor raccoon occupancy before, during, and after trapping efforts were performed. Each year, single-season occupancy models indicated detection and occupancy probabilities were highest before removal and decreased after removal for the following 2-3 months. From 2023 to 2024, multi-season occupancy models indicated colonization rates decreased across all removal sites from 49 to 8% and extinction rates increased by 9%. Conversely, the control site had extinction rates close to zero and colonization rates that increased to 80% by 2024. These findings demonstrated a short-term population reduction, and provided evidence for long-term feasibility, as indicated by a decrease in raccoon colonization and an increase in extinction at the removal sites. Establishing a long-term trapping program (i.e., 5 to 10 years) with bi-annual or multiple trapping periods per year could benefit long-term reductions in raccoon populations. Contact email: Jennifer.schultze(at)siu.edu
“Hitching a Ride? Bison as Potential Co-dispersers of Seeds and Symbiotic Mycorrhizal Fungi” – Tristan Wells, Senior, Dartmouth College. Advisor: Bala Chaudhary, PhD.
Abstract: Almost all native prairie plants form belowground symbioses with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, but their ability to disperse into new environments is underexplored. This project explores 1) the ways bison might disperse AM fungi and plant seeds across grasslands, and 2) how bison might be changing AM fungal communities through grazing and wallowing behavior. We collected bison fur samples from across Nachusa Grasslands, grew plants from the seeds in the fur, and assessed whether these plants formed AM symbioses from the fur medium. 34 plants germinated from the fur, and we find early evidence of mycorrhizae, suggesting that co-dispersal may be occurring in bison fur. We also collected soil samples from nearby sets of exclosures, wallows, and grazed patches, analyzing the AM fungal communities with DNA metabarcoding. Our results suggest that wallows contain lower AM fungal richness than their vegetated counterparts, but that they hold distinct communities, many unique taxa, and high diversity at landscape scale. Contact email: Bala.Chaudhary(at)dartmouth.edu
Abstract: Almost all native prairie plants form belowground symbioses with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, but their ability to disperse into new environments is underexplored. This project explores 1) the ways bison might disperse AM fungi and plant seeds across grasslands, and 2) how bison might be changing AM fungal communities through grazing and wallowing behavior. We collected bison fur samples from across Nachusa Grasslands, grew plants from the seeds in the fur, and assessed whether these plants formed AM symbioses from the fur medium. 34 plants germinated from the fur, and we find early evidence of mycorrhizae, suggesting that co-dispersal may be occurring in bison fur. We also collected soil samples from nearby sets of exclosures, wallows, and grazed patches, analyzing the AM fungal communities with DNA metabarcoding. Our results suggest that wallows contain lower AM fungal richness than their vegetated counterparts, but that they hold distinct communities, many unique taxa, and high diversity at landscape scale. Contact email: Bala.Chaudhary(at)dartmouth.edu
“A Low-Cost, Automated Chamber System to Improve Estimates of Soil and Vegetation Carbon Dioxide Flux Estimates in Short Canopies” – Michael Yonker, PhD candidate; Jia Sheng Ee, Taylor Finn, Taylor Lebron, Thomas Sanchez – Undergraduate Lab Assistants; University of Illinois at Chicago. Advisor: Gavin McNicol, PhD.
Abstract: The strength of an ecosystem’s climate regulation services can be estimated by measuring the carbon dioxide emitted by soils and taken up by vegetation (as well as other greenhouse gases). To improve our estimates of the overall greenhouse gas balance of grass and understory canopies, we develop and demonstrate the use of a low-cost, automated carbon dioxide measurement system within transparent soil flux chambers to measure the emissions, photosynthetic uptake, and net balance of carbon dioxide. Our results indicate that soil respiration rates were almost completely offset by photosynthetic uptake during the peak of the growing season (end of July), with the effect weakening towards the end of the growing season. The high sampling frequency (~ 0.3 Hz) of the Arduino improves measurement precision and also enables us to observe a high sensitivity of grass/understory vegetation to changes in light conditions—carbon dioxide concentrations often show a three phase response (increase, asymptote, decrease) over just a few minutes, which relates to plant stomatal responses and must be accounted for in data processing. Further use of the system in the 2025 growing season will improve our estimates of the greenhouse gas balance of Nachusa ecosystems, with plans for weekly sampling to better capture seasonal changes. Contact email: myonke2(at)uic.edu
Abstract: The strength of an ecosystem’s climate regulation services can be estimated by measuring the carbon dioxide emitted by soils and taken up by vegetation (as well as other greenhouse gases). To improve our estimates of the overall greenhouse gas balance of grass and understory canopies, we develop and demonstrate the use of a low-cost, automated carbon dioxide measurement system within transparent soil flux chambers to measure the emissions, photosynthetic uptake, and net balance of carbon dioxide. Our results indicate that soil respiration rates were almost completely offset by photosynthetic uptake during the peak of the growing season (end of July), with the effect weakening towards the end of the growing season. The high sampling frequency (~ 0.3 Hz) of the Arduino improves measurement precision and also enables us to observe a high sensitivity of grass/understory vegetation to changes in light conditions—carbon dioxide concentrations often show a three phase response (increase, asymptote, decrease) over just a few minutes, which relates to plant stomatal responses and must be accounted for in data processing. Further use of the system in the 2025 growing season will improve our estimates of the greenhouse gas balance of Nachusa ecosystems, with plans for weekly sampling to better capture seasonal changes. Contact email: myonke2(at)uic.edu
UPDATED 04/2025