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
Environmental Education Program's Patty is happy to show off some of her hard work. Our model Eastern Massasaugas are now available for sale in the shopsite. These were created by molding an actual deceased Massasauga and creating casts. Patty then hand paints each one. There are currently 3 versions available, emerging from a crayfish burrow, looped, and loosely coiled. Visit our shopsite to get yours in time for upcoming holidays! ![]()
shop.inrs.illinois.edu/inhs-models.html
If you’re looking for stocking stuffers, check out our environmental education materials and models!
Last week, the PaCE Lab was proud to have UBAP Lead & Ornithologist, Asya Rahlin, and Pollinator Ecologist, KC Carter, represent us at the 2024 Wildlife Society Meeting in Baltimore, MD!![]()
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Asya presented her ongoing work on how body condition, breeding status, and extreme weather events are connected to food limitation indices in Marsh and Sedge Wrens—shedding light on the effects of environmental stressors on these wetland bird populations, especially as climate impacts intensify. KC shared findings on the impacts of urbanization intensity on bumblebee-plant network structures and floral resource topological roles within the Chicago region—highlighting the importance of native plants in pollinator conservation efforts in urban spaces. ![]()
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We’re so proud to see members of our lab leading important projects in conservation!
A new paper was published today reported on observations from a frog captive breeding facility run by Association Mitsinjo. The researchers, including PhD Candidate Devin Edmonds, documented 1,272 breeding events by 11 species of Malagasy frogs! Reproductive behaviors and success in many of these species had never been observed. Devin shared some photos here.![]()
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Link to paper in the comments.
The Traveling Science Center is in Homewood today as part of Homewood Science Center’s Walk Walton event. Come on out and enjoy the beautiful weather!