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 Grasslands' Ecosystem Restoration 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. (Download Word permit application/liability waiver.) Nachusa Science Symposium The Nachusa Grasslands Science Symposium, co-sponsored by Friends of Nachusa Grasslands and The Nature Conservancy, will take place on April 22, 2023. 2019 Nachusa Science Symposium Poster and Speaker Abstracts 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, 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. Funded research projects focus primarily on prairie, savanna, wetland, woodland, and stream flora and faunal populations and/or habitat management such as prescribed fire, seed collection, weed control, and natural areas restoration.
See Potential Research Topics for a compilation of research topics and questions pondered by stewards and staff at Nachusa Grasslands.
Friends 2023 Science Grants
For 2023-2024, a maximum of $70,000 will be awarded. See Science Grants 2023 for guidelines and application forms. If you have questions about the program, contact nachusafriendsscience@gmail.com. Join Us in Supporting Science at Nachusa Grasslands
Donations to Friends of Nachusa Grasslands may be designated for Scientific Research Grants. |
Friends Science Grants History
Thanks to our supporters' generous donations and matching grants, the annual award amounts have increased from $1,000 when we began the program in 2011 to a maximum of $66,000 in 2022.
For 2022-2023, Friends of Nachusa Grasslands Friends has awarded $66,000 divided in varying amounts among thirteen qualified researchers. The 2022 grant recipients, projects, and amounts are posted on the Science Grants 2022 page. 
For summaries of previous years’ grant award projects, visit:
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Nachusa Community Science Monitoring Programs
Calling Frogs: Since 2012, community scientists at Nachusa Grasslands have been monitoring frogs and toads using the “Calling Frog Survey” protocol that was developed for the Chicago Wilderness Region. To learn more, visit the Calling Frog Monitoring page.
Dragonflies and Damselflies: Several volunteer dragonfly monitors report data to Nachusa Grasslands and the state of Illinois. For more information, go to the Dragonfly and Damselfly Monitoring page.
RiverWatch: Nachusa volunteers participate in the Illinois RiverWatch Network by monitoring the health of several preserve waterways. See the RiverWatch page for details.
Calling Frogs: Since 2012, community scientists at Nachusa Grasslands have been monitoring frogs and toads using the “Calling Frog Survey” protocol that was developed for the Chicago Wilderness Region. To learn more, visit the Calling Frog Monitoring page.
Dragonflies and Damselflies: Several volunteer dragonfly monitors report data to Nachusa Grasslands and the state of Illinois. For more information, go to the Dragonfly and Damselfly Monitoring page.
RiverWatch: Nachusa volunteers participate in the Illinois RiverWatch Network by monitoring the health of several preserve waterways. See the RiverWatch page for details.
UPDATED 08/2022