We’re grateful for the trusted partnerships that support our work at the Illinois River Biological Station. These relationships help us to combine expertise, coordinate research, and carry out projects that have a profound effect on our world. By working together, we’re better equipped to protect and restore the health of the Illinois River and its connected systems.
Emiquon Preserve
Since 2007, the Illinois River Biological Station has partnered with The Nature Conservancy to study fish and aquatic vegetation in Thompson and Flag lakes at the Emiquon Preserve. The work supports one of the country’s most significant floodplain restoration projects by tracking changes in the ecosystem over time. IRBS monitoring helps guide efforts to restore and manage this vital stretch of the Illinois River. Learn more about the Emiquon Preserve.
Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge
IRBS partners with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at The Nature Conservency’s Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge to support wetland restoration and management goals along the Illinois River. Through shared monitoring and habitat work, the partnership helps improve wetland conditions and supports wildlife conservation goals along the river. Learn more about the Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge.
Long Term Resource Monitoring (LTRM)
IRBS serves as the Illinois field station for the Long Term Resource Monitoring element of the Upper Mississippi River Restoration program. IRBS biologists have collected standardized fisheries data across the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers for over three decades to inform waterway management and support long-term ecological understanding. Explore the Long Term Resource Monitoring element (LTRM) partnership.
Long Term Survey and Assessment of Large River Fishes in Illinois (LTEF)
IRBS has led the LTEF program since the 1950s, making it one of the longest-running efforts to track fish populations in Illinois’ large rivers. Through this partnership, IRBS conducts annual standardized fish sampling at multiple sites along the Illinois River to track population trends and support science-based river management. Learn more about the Long Term Survey and Assessment of Large River Fishes in Illinois (LTEF).
Invasive Species Research
IRBS works with state and federal agencies to study invasive species in the Illinois and Upper Mississippi Rivers. This includes tracking the spread of invasive carp and examining how other non-native species, such as white perch, round goby, and zebra mussels, affect native fish and habitats. See current invasive species research.