The objective of the Urban Biotic Assessment Program (UBAP) is to provide the Illinois Tollway with the ecological expertise needed to effectively and efficiently comply with state and federal environmental regulations, while also preserving habitats and species native to the Chicago Metropolitan Area.
INHS began its partnership with the Tollway in 2005, monitoring the endangered Blanding’s Turtle populations affected by the construction of the I355 extension.
This partnership has expanded and enables UBAP researchers to study the habitats and species of the Chicagoland area, and the challenges they face. Learn more about our research.
Download our report of activities from 2015-2020
UBAP ecologists, Anastasia Rahlin and KC Carter, were awarded a grant to explore the insect diet of Sedge and Marsh Wrens using metabarcoding of avian fecal samples! Their goal is to identify what these insectivorous birds are eating and compare their diets to the available insect communities within wetlands in the Chicago Region. This project will help us understand how their foraging choices align with habitat conditions and insect availability.![]()
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They’ve been hard at work in the lab this winter extracting DNA, amplifying insect barcodes, and preparing samples for sequencing. We’re excited to see what patterns emerge and how this research can inform wetland conservation efforts!
One of the many exciting exhibits that will be at the Prairie Research Institute Expo May 2nd-3rd on University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign University of Illinois Research Park!
Listen to our director chat about his research origin story and long-term studies.
We're still looking for herpetological field techs! Deadline is Feb 15th. Come join us!