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Driving from Carbondale, it will take you approximately one hour to get to the MMRWFS. The quickest way is to take US-51 South out of town. When you get to the town of Anna, take a RIGHT on to IL-146. You will now be heading West. You will Take a left at the railroad tracks in Anna to stay on IL-146. Pass through the town of Jonesboro. There is a roundabout in Jonesboro, continue in the same direction when passing through it. When you get to the town of Ware, you will be turning LEFT on to IL-3 South. Soon after you pass through the town of McClure, you should be able to see the Cape Girardeau bridge off to your right. Turn RIGHT on to IL-146 toward the bridge. Approximately 1/2 mile on the left is Gerard Rd. Turn LEFT. Approximately 1/2 mile on the left past a small pecan grove, you will see a grain silo. This is the driveway. Please park on the far side of the steel building.
Driving Directions from Carbondale, IL to East Cape Girardeau, IL
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.
Research Permit Application Educational Use Application (adobe acrobat reader or other .pdf viewer required to view files)
Maps required to fill out permit applications: MMRWFS North MMRWFS South
Water Level Data
Water level and temperature data has been collected in all nine wetland cells since 2006. the data will be updated here periodically. Use of this data for anything other than personal use or educational purposes requires the consent of the station director (Dr. Matt Whiles, SIUC Zoology).
Year: 2006-07, Wetland Cell Number: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Year: 2007-08, (collecting)
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.
College of Science
Department
of Zoology
Center
For Ecology
Fisheries
& Illinois Aquaculture Center
