Science | Amboy Marsh

Amboy Marsh and Gremel Santuary Research

research

re·search | \ ri-ˈsərch , ˈrē-ˌsərch \

Definition of research from Merriam Webster (since 1828)

1: careful or diligent search

2: studious inquiry or examination especially: investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws

3: the collecting of information about a particular subject

Research has been in the forefront of Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve and Gremel Nature Preserve since their respective acquisitions by the Illinois Audubon Society. The Local Sanctuary Committee/Birdsong Chapter manages and cares for the sites and places a priority on scientific research into all aspects of the flora, fauna, geology, and even the historic impacts after settlement by Europeans.

Abraham Lincoln told us that “If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could better judge what to do and how to do it”.

What we are tending is a marvelous complex of oak savanna, wetlands, fens, sand dunes, woodlands, sedge meadows and ponds with a diverse array of wildlife and plants. Yes, we better know what we are….because we wish to do the very best job possible caring for our sanctuaries.

One of the very first steps taken after acquisition was conducting baseline surveys of flora and fauna so we would have a listing of what was living on the sites. These baseline surveys morph into annual surveys and can gauge the success (or failure) of certain restoration projects and management techniques.

We have been fortunate to attract well-respected botanists, entomologists, soil scientists, and herpetologists (and the list goes on) who are willing to carry out research on Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve and Gremel Nature Preserve. We also have Citizen Scientists who may be amateur in name but have a great capacity for curiosity and are well-versed in their focus.

Research projects are carried out and reports and data from all research is filed for each year.

Here is a research recap:

Ornithologist Tara Beveroth, who works for the Illinois Natural History Survey based in Champaign, IL, began conducting Breeding Bird Surveys at both sanctuaries in 2019 and continues annually. Yes, we are into birds! Tara’s expertise is welcome as we strive to improve and enhance habitat for all native avian species. In 2020, in addition, a Secretive Marsh Bird Survey and a Whippoorwill Survey were carried out at Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve.

Dr. Bo Dziadyk, Professor Emeritus, Augustana College, is our Ondatra zibethicus researcher. He is tracking muskrat populations, lodge building activities, feeding habits and more at both sanctuaries. The loss of wetlands throughout Illinois means a loss of habitat for muskrats. The muskrat’s role in wetland restoration is intriguing. Restoring wetlands provides critical habitat for thousands of species of flora and fauna. Research continues.

Bill Handel, Plant Ecologist and Botanist, is retired from the Illinois Natural History Survey. He traipses the nooks and crannies of both sanctuaries in order to document hundreds of species of native plants. And he has found some wonderful and unusual plants. You will see Bill, even in the rain, investigating every corner of the sites. The past two years Bill has been working on a special project with Queen-of-the-Prairie, an endangered plant at Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve. Research continues.

Linda Curtis, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, is a well-known author of numerous books on Carex species – sedges. Linda and her photographer husband Jim visit both sanctuaries to document common and rare sedges. In 2019, Linda discovered Carex crawfordii, a sedge listed as Endangered in Illinois, growing at Gremel Wildlife Sanctuary. She found more populations of C. crawfordii in 2020. Plus, her poetry is great!

Isaac Stewart majored in Integrative Biology with an emphasis on Entomology and now is a Biology professor at Blackhawk East College. He was a new addition at both sanctuaries in 2020, and a most welcome one. He is surveying insects. With a huge loss world-wide of insect species, we are dedicated to doing what we can to improve habitat for native insects. And the very first year Isaac discovered the Federally-Endangered Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee at Gremel Nature Preserve! Then he documented it at Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve. The Rusty -Patched Bumble Bee was again documented at Gremel in 2024. Research continues.

Dr. Richard King, Northern Illinois University, cares deeply about the fate of reptiles and amphibians, and he carries out research at Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve. Again, the loss of wetlands and sand prairie is devastating for frogs, turtles, newts, lizards and snakes. Beginning in 2020 and continuing, King’s colleague David Mauger did live-trapping for reptiles at Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve with assistance from herpetologist Tom Anton.

The data gained through the above-listed research projects is critical in the decision-making process for the sanctuary managers. We sincerely thank the dedicated researchers that, undaunted by weather, complete vital surveys to add to our knowledge. These professionals are involved in our research because they are concerned about the fate of natural areas, and their inhabitants, in Illinois. If you are intrigued by some of our research, please contact amboymarsh@illinoisaudubon.org for further information.