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Research and Education
Our vision for the MMRWFS is that it will serve as an important resource for researchers, resource managers, and educators that are interested in any aspect of large river floodplain ecology, management, and restoration. This unique facility provides opportunities for research on how floodplain wetlands function, factors such as hydrology that structure floodplain wetland ecosystems, and the feasibility and efficacy of various restoration practices. The MMRWFS is also being developed as a demonstration site for alternative, sustainable use of floodplains.
If you are interested in using the field station for research or educational activities, please contact Dr. Matt Whiles or David Myers, Department of Zoology, Center for Ecology, and Fisheries and Illinois Aquaculture Center at SIUC. Researchers using the site will be charged a modest site use fee and use of the overnight facilities is currently $10 per night per person. There are no fees associated with educational use of the site.
Public Use
The Middle Mississippi River Wetland Field Station is owned by the state of Illinois and is thus open for public use, with restrictions based on current research activities. Research areas that are sensitive to human disturbance will be marked as such and visitors are asked to not tamper in any way with any equipment, markers, flagging, etc. on the site. Interpretive trails and wildlife observation areas are being developed so that the general public as well as educational groups can enjoy the station and learn more about large river floodplains. The MMRWFS will be open to hunting during the normal seasons set by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Individuals will be required to sign in and out when hunting on the property. Questions about hunting on the property should be directed to the IDNR Union County Conservation Area office (618) 833-5175.
Current Research
Amanda
McLeese, a graduate student in the Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit and
Department of Zoology at SIUC is conducting
research comparing productivity and expenses of actively and passively managed
wetlands. The goal of her research is to determine whether active or passive
approaches produce more resources for wildlife per dollar spent. One of
Amanda's study wetlands is on the MMRWFS property.
David Myers, a Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Zoology and Center for Ecology at SIUC is conducting research on invertebrate stable isotope composition in relation to their resident water bodies. Some of his study wetlands are on the MMRWFS property. This research began in the summer of 2007.
A
hydrologic monitoring network was installed on the MMRWFS property during the
summer of 2006. The network consists of water depth and water temperature data
logging devices placed in monitoring wells at the outlet of each wetland cell.
These units continuously collect temperature and depth data year-round,
providing important baseline information for research projects in the wetland
cells.
Water level and temperature data is available here.
Development
Part
of the large steel building on the west side of the property was recently
developed as housing for researchers. The building will serve as the base of
operations for the station. There is an apartment in the building capable of
sleeping six, with all of the necessary amenities including kitchen and bath.
There is also a large equipment and boat storage area and another large room
that is being developed into laboratory space.
A trail system was also created to facilitate moving about the property. Trails will be mowed monthly during the growing season and provide access to the wetland cells. The river can be accessed from a levee road and there is a public boat launch at Thebes, less than 5 miles south of the property.
To view the MMRWFS image gallery click here
Researchers and public contact information and directions
SIUC College of Science
Department of Zoology
Center
For Ecology
Fisheries
& Illinois Aquaculture Center
