Nachusa Grasslands encourages and facilitates leading-edge ecological and environmental research projects and hosts a number of ongoing scientific studies to enhance habitat management practices.
Learn more about Nachusa Scientist, Elizabeth Bach.
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Research at Nachusa
Scientific investigation occurs all year at Nachusa Grasslands, ranging from informal restoration experiments by stewards in their units to Friends-supported academic studies throughout the preserve. The Nature Conservancy, foundations, colleges, and universities may also provide funding for various projects. All scientists must obtain permission to conduct research at Nachusa Grasslands. Nachusa Science Symposium The fourth annual Nachusa Grasslands Science Symposium, hosted by the Friends of Nachusa Grasslands, took place on October 20, 2018, at the Nachusa Headquarters Barn. Contact nachusafriendsscience@gmail.com for information on next year's event. 2018 Nachusa Science Symposium Poster and Speaker Abstracts 2017 Nachusa Science Symposium Poster and Speaker Abstracts 2016 Nachusa Science Symposium Poster and Speaker Abstracts |
Friends of Nachusa Grasslands Scientific Research Grants
To encourage scientific research at Nachusa, the Friends of Nachusa Grasslands awards monetary grants to qualified academic scholars, graduate students, and independent researchers who are interested in studying topics relevant to the Preserve. Since the Friends began awarding the scientific grants, the annual amounts have increased from $1,000 in 2011 to $42,000 in 2019.
Funded research projects focus primarily on prairie, savanna, wetland, woodland, and stream habitat management such as prescribed fire, seed collection, weed control, general or specific flora or faunal populations, and natural areas restoration.
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Friends Science 2019 Grants
Information and application forms are posted on the Friends 2019 Science Grants page. See Potential Research Topics for a compilation of research topics and questions pondered by stewards and staff at Nachusa Grasslands. To ask questions about the 2019 grant guidelines and application, contact nachusafriendsscience@gmail.com. Friends Science 2018 Grants
Thanks to a challenge grant and the generous support of individual donors, Friends once again increased our grant total and awarded $40,000, divided in varying amounts among 15 researchers. See the Friends 2018 Science Grants page for details. For summaries of previous years’ grant award projects, visit: |
Nachusa RiverWatch
In 2014, a small group of Nachusa volunteers began the long–term monitoring of the four streams in the preserve using the protocols developed by The Illinois RiverWatch Network. RiverWatch is a statewide, non–profit program which trains volunteers to monitor indicators of stream quality.
See the Friends of Nachusa Grasslands PrairiE-Update "What We Do at Nachusa Grasslands – Stream Monitoring" for more information on the project.
In 2014, a small group of Nachusa volunteers began the long–term monitoring of the four streams in the preserve using the protocols developed by The Illinois RiverWatch Network. RiverWatch is a statewide, non–profit program which trains volunteers to monitor indicators of stream quality.
See the Friends of Nachusa Grasslands PrairiE-Update "What We Do at Nachusa Grasslands – Stream Monitoring" for more information on the project.