Research on the Illinois River

The Illinois Natural History Survey's Illinois River Biological Station’s mission is to gather environmental and biological data on the Illinois River. They are one of six stations of the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program's Long Term Resource Monitoring element (LTRM), and the home of the 60-year old Long Term Survey and Assessment of Large River Fishes in Illinois, started in 1957. Join us as we visit with the staff who also coordinate the fish and vegetation monitoring and research at the Emiquon Preserve, in addition to various other research programs focusing on large river ecosystems. We’ll split into two groups, and alternate between a walking tour of the field station, and a hands-on electrofishing demonstration on the Illinois River. Please wear appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear, as you may get up close to some wet and slimy fish on the boat!

Open to ages 8 and above as long as accompanied by an adult.

Note: Lifejackets will be provided and an IRBS Waiver must be signed.