The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center is a partnership of Lewis and Clark Community College, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the Prairie Research Institute’s Illinois Natural History Survey.

Education has been a priority since the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC pronounced “n-grek”)was founded in 2000. The first intern program in 2003 placed 12 students with advisors from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University Extension and Lewis and Clark Community College. Now in its 11th year the program has successfully placed 25 interns with advisors throughout Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin. To date the program has successfully placed some 250 interns from 15 states — Arizona, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Wisconsin, as well as from China, India, Iran and Ireland. Students from 42 institutions have been interns, and 31 organizations have provided advisors.

We remain committed to offering a high-quality educational experience for interns — to offer valuable hands-on experiences students can not get from the classrooms — to offer them the opportunity to meet and intereact with working scientists and environmental educators and learn techniques for sampling and evaluating data.

It is our desire that this experience will expand horizons for students and influence them to pursue academic or career paths in the natural sciences. Some interns have been offered employment as a result of an internship, and several have earned positions of leadership.

I would like to thank Dr. Dale Chapman for his many contributions toward the development of NGRREC and his strong support of the intern program; the faculty/staff advisors for giving of their valuable time to mentor our students; Crystal Bartanen for her organizational and graphic design contributions; and our multi-talended staff who have contributed so greatly through the years: Bill Kruidenier, Dr. John Chick and INHS crew, Joey Gibbs, Dr. Lyle Guyon, Nate Keener, Ted Kratschmer and Natalie Marioni.

Dr. Gary L. Rolfe, Executive Director , NGRREC

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Graham BakerSouthern Illinois

University Carbondale

Ethan Braasch University of Illinois

Urbana-Champaign

Erik Carlson University of Wisconsin

Stevens Point

Lorraine Chow University of Illinois

Urbana-Champaign

Courtney Crews Southeast Missouri

State University

Nicholas Genthon Saint Louis

University

Sandra Guzman Northeastern Oklahoma

A&M College

Bryce Hays Parkland Community

College

Rachel HuerthUniversity of Wisconsin

La Crosse

Danielle Joerger Augustana College

Katie Keener Lewis and Clark

Community College

Anthony Kimutis University of Illinois

Urbana-Champaign

Kyra Koehler Cornell College

Iain Konigsberg Indiana University

Bloomington

Emily Mackley University of Illinois

Urbana-Champaign

Austin Meyer Lewis and Clark

Community College

Caroline Robertson Lewis and Clark

Community College

Misty Sanvito Lewis and Clark

Community College

Hunter Swift Southwestern Illinois

College

Shelby Timm Kentucky Wesleyan

College

Kirsten Woosnam University of Illinois

Urbana-Champaign

Christina Mierzejewski University of Illinois

Urbana-Champaign

Kaylin Palmisano Southwestern Illinois

College

Jeanette Pescitelli University of Illinois

Urbana-Champaign

Elizabeth Ringhausen Lewis and Clark

Community Collegepage 8

Photo right: Dr. George Czapar gives a presentation on agriculture in Illinois during orientation week. Dr. Czapar’s project is sponsored by Illinois American Water.

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Illinois American Water: Predicting river nutrient loads following a drought — Christina Mierzejewski

Missouri American Water: Evaluation of drinking water treatment residuals as an ingredient for green roof soil — Kaylin Palmisano

The Monticello College Foundation: Investigating the antimicrobial potential of alliaria petiolata, garlic mustard plants, obtained from the Mississippi Watershed — Elizabeth Ringhausen

NGRREC gratefully acknowledges the financial contributions of the following organizations:

Photo above: Dr. John Sloan gives a green roof presentation during orientaiton week. Sloan is co-PI for the project being sponsored by Missouri American Water, with Dr. Bill Retzlaff from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

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MONDAY August 5 | Moderator: Natalie Marioni

9:00 a.m. Interns arrive - Refreshment Reception - Hang Posters

10:15 am Welcome and Opening Remarks — Dr. Gary Rolfe / Dr. Dale Chapman

10:30 am Graham Baker, Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) Resilience of floodplain forests to rapid relative sea level rise and hurricane disturbances: a dendrochronological perspective. Advisor: Dr. Loretta Battaglia, SIUC

10:45 am Ethan Braasch, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) The Many Facets of Conservation Advisor: Bob Gillespie, Missouri Department of Conservation (MoDoc)

11:00 am Erik Carlson, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point (UWSP) Diversity and Abundance of Freshwater Gastropods of the Upper Mississippi River Above and Below Lock and Dam 19 in Illinois Advisor: Dr. Charles Lydeard, Western Illinois University

11:15 am BREAK

11:30 am Lorraine Chow, UIUC Assessing the Effects of Riparian Forest and Agricultural Land Use on Fish Diet and Trophic Position using Stable Isotope Analysis and Gut Content Analysis Co-advisors: Eden Effert and Dr. David Wahl, Illinois Natural History Survey

11:45 am Courtney Crews, Southeast Missouri University Identifying Actionable Ways to Implement the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan by Utilizing the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Co-advisors: Jake Hendee and Lisa Beja, Illinois Department of Natural Resources

12:00 pm BUFFET LUNCH

1:00 pm Nicholas Genthon, St. Louis University Sedimentation Accumulation in the Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir: 1979 to 2013 Advisor: Andrea Adams, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

1:15 pm Sandra Guzman, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College Survey of Fish and Aquatic Insects in Tar Creek Advisor: Dr. Mark Grigsby

1:30 pm Iain Konigsberg, Indiana University Bloomington The Association between Precipitation Events and Flooding of the Mississippi River between 1851 and 2010 Advisor: Dr. Nancy Westcott, Prairie Research Center’s Illinois State Water Survey, Center for Atmospheric Sciences

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1:45 pm Rachel Huerth, University of Wisconsin La Crosse Determination of Metal Contamination in the La Crosse River Marsh Advisor: Dr. Nadia Carmosini, UW La Crosse

2:00 pm BREAK

2:15 pm Danielle Joerger, Augustana College Biomass Growth and Nutrient Removal of Common Duckweed (Lemna minor) in Secondary Treated Wastewater Systems Advisor: Dr. Z.Q. Lin, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) 2:30 pm Katie Keener, Lewis and Clark Community College Landscape and Lives: prehistoric occupations of floodplain sand ridges in the lower Illinois Valley as viewed from the Mound House site Advisor: Jason King, Center for American Archeology

2:45 pm Anthony Kimutis, UIUC Effects of Various Bio-Based Soil Covers on Rill Formation under Natural Rainfall Advisor: Dr. Prasanta Kalita, UIUC

3:00 pm Kyra Koehler, Cornell College The development of a gonad weight/fecundity regression equation in bighead carp, silver carp and their hybrids Advisor: Jim Lamer, Kibbe Field Station, Western Illinois University

3:15 pm POSTER SESSION and hors d’oeuvres

4:30 pm ADJOURN FOR THE DAY

TUESDAY, August 6 | Moderator: Tonya Genovese

9:00 am Refreshments / Social Hour

10:00 am Bryce Hays, Parkland Community College Defining Sustainability in the Upper Mississippi River Basin Advisor: Dr. Bethany Cutts, UIUC

10:15 am Emily Mackley, UIUC Response of floodplain microbial communities to altered hydrological regimes Advisor: Dr. Angela Kent, UIUC

10:30 am Austin Meyer, Lewis and Clark Community College (L&C) Mingo National Wildlife Refuge Forest Inventory Advisors: Bob Mense and Brad Pendley, Mingo National Wildlife Refuge

10:45 am Caroline Robertson, L&C Mississippi river education programs: addressing adult audiences Advisors: Natalie Marioni and Ted Kratschmer

MONDAY August 5 (continued)

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TUESDAY, August 6 (continued)

11:00 am BREAK

11:15 am Kaylin Palmisano, Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) Evaluation of drinking water treatment residuals as an ingredient for green roof soil Co-advisors: Dr. Bill Retzlaff, SIUE, and Dr. John Sloan, NGRREC

11:30 am Jeanette Pescitelli, UIUC Impacts of invasive legume Crown Vetch (Coronilla varia) on soil properties in a Mississippi river riparian sand. Advisor: Dr. Jeff Matthews, UIUC

11:45 am Elizabeth Ringhausen, L&C Investigating the Antimicrobial Potential of Alliaria petiolata, Garlic Mustard Plants, Obtained from the Mississippi Watershed Advisor: Gregory Nasello, L&C

12:00 pm LUNCH

1:00 pm Christina Mierzejewski, UIUC Predicting river nutrient loads following a drought. Advisors: Drs. George Czapar and Momcilo Markus, Prairie Research Institute’s Illinois State Water Survey

1:15 pm Misty Sanvito, L&C Madison County Wetland and Stream Enhancement Evaluation Program Co-advisors: Matt Brandmeyer and Leah Dettmers, Madison County Planning and Development Administration

1:30 pm Hunter Swift, Southwestern Illinois College Spatial and Temporal Changes in Benthic Macroinvertebrate Communities and Water Quality in Sparrow Creek Advisor: Dr. Bob Weck, Southwestern Illinois College

1:45 pm Shelby Timm, Kentucky Wesleyan College 2013 Mussel Surveys in Northeastern Streams of Missouri Co-advisors: Krista Noel and Travis Moore, Missouri Department of Conservation

2:00 pm Kirsten Woosnam, UIUC The Leisure and Social Implications of the Return of Apex Predators to the Illinois River Ecosystem Co-advisors: Dr. Robin Hall and Jarrod Scheunemann, UIUC

2:15 pm CONCLUDING REMARKS

2:30 PM SYMPOSIUM ADJOURNS

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Graham BakerGraham is a native of Carbondale, where he attends Southern Illinois University. He plans to graduate in May 2014 with a bachelor of science in plant biology. After graduation, Graham plans to pursue a master’s degree, and eventually a Ph.D. He is passionate about biology, and particularly interested in how plants function in their natural environment. Research throughout his graduate school career will likely be focused on plant ecology. Graham hopes this internship will enhance his applications for graduate schools and better prepare him for a career in scientific research.

Graham can be reached at grbaker@siu.edu.

Resilience of Floodplain Forests to Rapid Relative Sea Level Rise and Hurricane Disturbances: a Dendrochronological Perspective

Graham Baker and Dr. Loretta L. Battaglia, Department of Plant Biology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, 62901, lbattaglia@siu.edu

Abstract: Most major waterways today have suffered severe alteration by human development. Modification of a river’s hydrology directly affects its floodplain forest, as the two have intimate ecological connections. In coastal areas, further change in the floodplain ecosystem can be driven by rising sea levels and tropical storm events. Rising sea levels may leave the floodplain flooded more often, so regeneration is limited to the more flood-tolerant species. Disturbances that open the canopy, such as hurricanes, may ameliorate conditions and provide a reprieve for sapling and subcanopy trees experiencing the dual stresses of flooding and shade. Thus, tropical storms may benefit some tree species by creating canopy gaps that allow more sunlight penetration through the canopy. The objective of this study is to use tree-ring-analysis to examine the growth patterns of dominant tree species in a floodplain forest experiencing rapid sea level rise and periodic tropical storms. A permanently-marked 5-hectare plot in Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve near New Or-leans, Louisiana, served as the study site. A gradient from backswamp to natural levee is encompassed by the plot, which is subdivided into a grid of 20 X 20m subplots, each containing a random point. Ten random points from each of the upper four hectares were randomly selected for investigation. The tree(s) nearest to the random points that met the criteria were cored. The target species were Red maple (Acer rubrum), American elm (Ulmus americana), Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), and Water oak (Quercus nigra); each tree sampled must have been a member of the subcanopy prior to the disturbances of the 2005 Hurricanes Ka-trina and Rita. In addition to the randomly-chosen trees, individuals were selected from a long-term data set that suggests an increased growth rate following the 2005 storms. Each core was taken at breast height, dried, mounted on wooden trays, and sanded. Each will have its rings measured and counted to analyze the relative growth rate before and after the 2005 storms. I predict an overall decrease in growth rate in recent years, due to elevated sea levels, with some individuals showing bursts of growth following the 2005 hurricanes and the associated increases in light availability.

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Ethan BraaschGrowing up in a heavily wooded area gave Ethan an appreciation for the natural environment around him, and made the issue of environmental sustainability very personal. He developed a bit of an adventurous nature and states he will always opt for going outdoors for fieldwork. Given his passion for travel, Ethan hopes to see his career in natural resource conservation and management take him abroad in five years. Ethan hopes to gain valuable experience, as well as differing perspectives, so that he can eventually return with what he has learned and apply it here in the United States. Ethan is a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign majoring in global studies.

Ethan can be reached at ECBraasch@gmail.com

The Many Facets of Conservation

Ethan Braasch and Bob Gillespie, Missouri Department of Conservation, 2302 County Park Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO, 63701,Robert.Gillespie@mdc.mo.gov

Abstract: Several different projects were taken on at the Missouri Department of Conservation. Various endangered species were surveyed in order to track population levels. The Meads Milkweed flower was one such survey that proved to be quite fruitful with the discovery of many previously unrecorded plants, despite extensive terrain damage from feral hogs. The Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly was also surveyed in a ‘mark and recapture’ operation. The recorded data included the location of the capture, the sex and condition of the insect, and also its observed behavior prior to the capture. Captured dragonflies were marked and recaptures were noted. A similar method was used for the Canadian Geese surveys wherein the geese were herded into a pen and then recorded, banded and released. Other projects include the building and erecting habitats for Barn Owls in the sand prairies, as well as planting native aquatic flora. One of the largest ongoing projects at the MDC and other state organizations is the spraying of invasive plant species, like knapweed, teasel, and thistle with herbicide. This is done frequently anywhere within the department’s jurisdiction. Without vigi-lant scouting and spraying, these plants would take over large stretches of land.

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Erik CarlsonErik is an avid outdoors man and loves spending time outside, hunting, fishing, trapping and canoeing. Growing up, he developed a passion for water resources, which is what made him choose UW-Stevens Point to pursue a degree in fisher-ies (research and management) and biology. Upon graduation, Erik hopes to obtain a job working as a fisheries biologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources,or another state agency in the Midwest. Erik would really enjoy work-ing with habitat quality and management for Wisconsin’s brook trout population.

Erik can be reached at ecarl389@uwsp.edu

Diversity and Abundance of Freshwater Gastropods of the Upper Mississippi River Above and Below Lock and Dam 19 in Illinois

Erik Carlson and Dr. Charles Lydeard, Western Illinois University, Department of Biological Sciences, Macomb, IL, 61455, C-Lydeard@wiu.edu

Abstract: Invertebrate species represent more than 99% of animal diversity; however, they receive much less publicity and attract disproportionately minor research effort relative to vertebrates. The world’s freshwa-ter gastropod fauna faces unprecedented threats from habitat loss, degradation, introduced fishes and other pests. Indeed, despite comprising only ~5% of the world’s gastropod fauna, freshwater gastropods account for ~ 20% of recorded mollusk extinctions. One factor impacting the fauna is the construction of locks and dams, which drastically alters the channels of rivers. For example, in the Coosa River of Alabama alone, it is thought thirty of thirty-three extinct snail species documented in the state are extinct due to the impact from impoundments. Despite the dire state of the fauna, the status of the great majority of taxa remains unknown, a situation that is exacerbated by a lack of experts and critical baseline data relating to diversity, distribution and abundance. The first step in any successful biodiversity conservation plan is the inventory and assessment of diversity.

The objective of this study is to provide a quantitative qualitative assessment of the diversity and abundance of freshwater gastropods above and below Lock and Dam 19 on the upper Mississippi River. Completed in 1913, Lock and Dam 19, located at river mile 364.2, separates pool 19 (74.5 km) from pool 20 (35.2 km) and was the first artificial impoundment on the upper Mississippi River. Lock and Dam 19 has long been known to serve as a substantial barrier to upstream migration for aquatic organisms due to its structure and functionality. Consequently, this has resulted in the creation of two substantially different habitats: a more riverine pool below the dam with scarce macrophyte communities and a more lentic habitat above. Al-though the fauna has had nearly 100 years to adapt to the system, it remains to be seen whether there are any differences in diversity and abundance of freshwater gastropods above and below the lock and dam. The data generated in this research project will provide important baseline data to evaluate the impact of future perturbations on the system including habitat destruction and introduction from molluscavorous fishes. This research project will contribute to area of interest (1) population and community ecology of riverine biota and (2) environmental policy, regulatory, administrative, monitoring and inventory, or not-for-profit work.

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Lorraine ChowLorraine majored in natural resources and environmental science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and graduated in May 2013. She has always enjoyed the outdoors and learning about the natural wonders in our world. Because of this passion, she aspires to help solve some of our planet’s issues through the conservation and ecology fields. Lorraine plans on working for a year or two before returning to grad school for a master’s. In five years, Lorraine sees herself working on a Ph.D. thesis or conducting research for an environmental organization.

Lorraine can be reached at lchow126@gmail.com

Assessing the Effects of Riparian Forest and Agricultural Land Use on Fish Diet and Trophic Position using Stable Isotope Analysis and Gut Content Analysis

Lorraine Chow and Eden Effert and Dr. David Wahl, Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, 1816 S. Oak Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, eleffert@eiu.edu

Abstract: Agriculture is a ubiquitous part of Illinois, accounting for over 76% of total land use in the state. Efforts to mitigate agricultural impacts on streams have included recommendations for the planting/main-tenance of riparian forest buffers. These buffers have been observed to filter runoff, reduce erosion, provide vital habitat and in-stream energy sources. Due to these benefits, the presence or absence of riparian buf-fers may affect fish assemblages and food web structure in agriculturally impacted streams. Traditionally, gut content analysis (GCA) has been used to estimate fish trophic position and study food web dynamics; how-ever, stable isotope analysis (SIA; δ13C and δ15N) has recently been applied as an alternative. Although SIA and GCA both estimate trophic position, they provide different types of information. Thus, this study aimed to utilize both techniques for a more comprehensive evaluation of how agricultural land use and riparian forest affects fish diet and trophic position in headwater streams. Study sites were divided into two land use categories, “agricultural,” or low percentage of riparian forest and high percentage of watershed agriculture, and “forested,” or high percentage of riparian forest and low percentage of watershed agriculture. SIA results showed that agricultural sites had compressed food webs with fewer trophic guilds and less variation in car-bon sources than forested sites. Additionally, carbon signatures of organisms in agricultural sites were more aligned with the signature of periphyton. Producers and consumers in agricultural streams were enriched with 15N, but, after baseline corrections, fish trophic position was significantly higher in forested streams. GCA results showed that forested stream fish consumed a significantly greater diversity of food items, in-cluding more terrestrial insects, than agricultural stream fish. In addition, fish from forested sites consumed, on average, a greater total number of individual food items. These results supported SIA findings and present further information that will help improve our understanding of food web structure in agriculturally im-pacted streams. Conclusions from this study will provide critical information for the effective management and conservation of lotic systems.

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Courtney CrewsA graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Courtney enjoyed her role as the president of the Wildlife Society Student Chapter. This role allowed her to organize, as well as participate in, various events such as the Wildlife Society Mid-west Student Conclave, white-tailed deer data collection and hiking at nearby state parks. Courtney plans to attend graduate school and earn a master’s degree in wildlife and fisheries. Her career goal for the future is to work with threatened and endangered species, either with a governmental or non-governmental agency.

Courtney can be reached at clcrews1s@gmail.com

Identifying Actionable Ways to Implement the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan by Utilizing the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program

Courtney Crews and Lisa Beja, lisa.beja@illinois.gov, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, (IDNR), One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL, 62702-1271, and Jake Hendee, IDNR / NGRREC, Jake.Hendee@Illinois.gov

Abstract: The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) has been in operation since 1999 and is an extension of the Conservation Reserve Program enacted by the 1985 Farm Bill. CREP currently has around 90,000 acres in easements in the Illinois and Kaskaskia watersheds. The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program works with private land owners on a voluntary basis to remove environmentally sensitive land from production and in exchange the landowners are paid a rental rate. The purpose of our project was to work in coordination with the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) to identify enhancement opportunities that can be directed at meeting goals of the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan (IWAP). Our methods included: becoming familiar with CREP jurisdiction and procedures, inven-torying CREP resources currently on the ground, interviewing and joining CREP specialists to observe CREP sites, and interviewing campaign leads of The Illinois Wildlife Action Plan to determine what they are working towards and how CREP can benefit their specific campaigns. All of these aspects will contrib-ute to finding actionable ways to implement the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan.

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Nicholas GenthonTrained in the United States Army as a human intelligence specialist, Nicholas has served in active duty and received several commendations for superior perfor-mance. He is a senior at St. Louis University majoring in criminal justice and looks forward to serving as a juvenile caseworker for the State of Missouri. His experi-ence as a volunteer high school wrestling coach has inspired him to work profes-sionally with the younger generation. Nicholas would like to guide them in find-ing their personal passions and motivate them to become contributing members of our community. Being passionate about conservation, he wants to share his passion with youth who need guidance. By blending his work with kids and his love of the outdoors, he hopes to inspire the next generation of conservationists.

Sedimentation Accumulation in the Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir: 1979 to 2013

Nicholas Genthon and Andrea Adams, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1222 Spruce Street, St. Louis, MO, 63103, Andrea.Adams@usace.army.mil

Abstract: This project will identify sediment accumulation areas within the Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir since inundation. Current satellite imagery and original site maps were used to estimate po-tential sediment collection and channel adjustment in comparison to original stream beds documented in the original Kaysinger Bluff Survey. Phase 1 of the analysis involves digitizing and scanning original maps from the Kaysinger Bluff Survey and importing them into Arc GIS software. Phases 2 utilized these maps as overlays, and placed them onto the current imagery of the reservoir. With the overlays in place, the original stream bed movements and directions were directly compared to the main channels in the reservoir. Phase 3 focused on using the Krigging Method to create 2-D models, and the Spatial Extrapolation Method for 3-D layers, of the main channels near clearly defined landmarks. The generated models of slope, the models can be compared to actual scans of the channels. This then generates an estimate of the amount of sediment accumulation and compares it to predicted 1992 Army Corp of Engineers amount of 1626 acre feet per year and the 2010 Eisnbraun Engineering firm’s estimate of 8852 acre feet per year.

Nicholas can be reached at genthonn@slu.edu

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Sandra GuzmanSandra’s primary goal is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in biology or in a related degree program that encompasses her environmental science interests and passions. Her long-term goals are intended on furthering her education and building a foundation for her career. These goals are set to encompass a bright future for her children and herself. Sandra is dedicated to persevering through these educational goals, and she looks forward to doing so. She has a strong sense of pride in every aspect of her life and desires to proceed with challenging her-self to learn more and work hard. Sandra enjoys being in the field collecting data, which also has her looking forward to being more involved with research-related activities in and out of a lab. Her main focus is to fine tune what she has learned and continue on!

Survey of Fish and Aquatic Insects in Tar Creek

Sandra Guzman and Dr. Mark Grigsby, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, 200 1st Street, N.E., Miami, OK, 74351, mgrigsby@neo.edu Abstract: Tar Creek is a small stream in Northeastern Oklahoma that receives runoff from abandoned lead and zinc mines in the Picher mining district, an USEPA Superfund site. This runoff contains high levels of Pb, Zn, Fe, Cd and other heavy metals; therefore, Tar Creek is contaminated with these heavy metals. A 2012 NGRREC internship surveyed Tar Creek near its southern end to determine species of aquatic insects and fish present. The current study was designed to determine the populations of these fish and insects. This will develop a baseline to determine if current efforts at remediation of mine water before it enters Tar Creek will have an impact on the population of fish and insects, especially those that are sensitive to pollu-tion and serve as indicators of stream quality. Benthic samples were collected in 4 riffles, in one shallow pool (30 cm depth) and one deep pool (50-60 cm depth) along a 200 meter stretch of Tar Creek near the campus of NEO A&M College and at one location approximately 2 km downstream from the mine fields. Counts of identifiable invertebrates were made from each sample and a population of each group was determined. A fish population was done by hand seining and counting identifiable fish species. At the site near NEO, the invertebrate population consisted of 70% midge larvae, 8 % mosquitoes, 5% casemakers, 2% blackflies (Si-mulium), 2% 2% mayflies, oligochaetes, 2% planaria, and < 1% caddisflies, damselflies, dragonflies, skimmers, sowbugs and water boatmen. The fish population was composed of 46% long-eared sunfish, 43% green sunfish, 6% black striped top minnows, 3% gambusia and 2% carp. These will also be evaluated on their sen-sitivity to pollution and a comparison of the population will be compared between the 2 sites. Long-term changes in these populations that might occur will serve as indicators to the change in heavy metal concen-trations in Tar Creek over time.

Sandra can be reached at zandrax@gmail.com

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Bryce HaysOriginally from Salem, Illinois, Bryce moved to Urbana in 2007. In 2011, eight years after finishing high school, he returned to school at Parkland College. Bryce plans to transfer to a four-year university in the fall 2014 to pursue a bachelor of science degree in biology. After graduation, he plans to obtain certification to teach high school biology. Outside of education, Bryce’s interests include hiking, brewing beer and playing music.

Bryce can be reached at brycerobertshays@gmail.com

Defining sustainability in the Upper Mississippi River Basin

Bryce Hays and Dr. Bethany Cutts, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, 1102 S. Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL, 61801, bcutts@illinois.edu

Abstract: The Mississippi River is an important natural resource in the United States. It is used for com-mercial and industrial purposes as well as being a host to various natural ecosystems which support a wide variety of life. In order to maintain the integrity of the Upper Mississippi River (UMR), sustainable prac-tices must be implemented for use of the UMR as well as the many waterways that comprise the Upper Mississippi River Basin (UMRB). To do this requires a working definition of sustainability in regards to the UMR. We examine whether science and policy experts throughout the UMRB conceive of sustainabil-ity in similar ways, and, if not, what drives the differences. This is studied with free listing, wherein science and policy experts are asked to submit a list of the most important sustainability concerns they have for the UMR. These responses are compiled and analyzed using Anthropac. The findings of this research can be used to highlight the most important sustainability concerns, which can be used to make recommendations in areas where additional scientific information would be helpful, such as in directing policy. Also, in deter-mining what factors lead to differences in opinions of sustainability steps can be taken to bridge the divide between opposing viewpoints.

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Rachel HuerthRachel’s academic interests include chemistry, spanish and environmental studies. In five years, she hopes to be working in a chemistry-related position, while studying the environment and how to reduce our footprint. In recent years, Rachel has gained an appreciation and a passion for the environment by experiencing an environmental conservation trip to Costa Rica with the International Student Volunteers organization. There she studied the local poison dart frog and dolphin populations in an effort to protect their habi-tats. Rachel’s other interests include working on her undergraduate chemistry research project with Dr. Carmosini, reading and snowboarding.

Rachel can be reached at rachelhuerth@gmail.com

Determination of Metal Contamination in the La Crosse River Marsh

Rachel Huerth and Dr. Nadia Carmosini, University of Wisconsin La Crosse, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ncarmosini@uwlax.edu

Abstract: Marshes are increasingly being recognized for performing essential ecological services, including the removal of pollutants from water. This function is particularly important in urban set-tings where increasing areas of impermeable surfaces cause storm water pollution to drain into nearby wetlands. Storm water runoff may contain toxic metals that can harm plant and animal life and sub-sequently present challenges to the long-term health of natural urban wetlands and their capacity to function as water purifiers.

The La Crosse River Marsh is a 1,077 acre urban wetland located in the middle of La Crosse, Wis-consin, and is part of the Mississippi River Floodplain. Many storm drains from a variety of different land uses discharge directly into the marsh. By analyzing the surface sediment (0-5 cm) and water at drain locations, this project is evaluating the current health of the marsh. Five different land-use types were identified around the marsh. For each land-use, three sites were selected adjacent to storm water discharge pipes where possible. Three replicate samples of sediment and water were collected at each site. Using microwave plasma – atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES), water was analyzed for total dissolved metals and total recoverable metals, and sediment was analyzed for total recoverable metals. Results from this research will help determine the health of the La Crosse River Marsh and will influ-ence future management decisions in preserving this natural wetland.

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Danielle JoergerDanielle is a recent graduate of Augustana college with a double major in biology and environmental studies and a minor in geography. She enjoys kayaking, hik-ing, bike riding and baking. A love of the environment was instilled in her from a young age and being in and around nature has become a large part of her life. Her love of science began in high school with her first biology class. From then on, Danielle knew she wanted to contribute to the field of biology and help con-serve the environment. She hopes to pursue those goals by becoming a biologist for the state or federal government after acquiring her master’s degree.

Danielle can be reached at renn.saki@yahoo.com

Biomass Growth and Nutrient Removal of Common Duckweed (Lemna minor) in Secondary Treated Wastewater Systems

Danielle Joerger and Dr. Z.Q. Lin, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Department of Biological Sciences, Edwardsville, IL, 62026, zhlin@siue.edu

Abstract: Duckweed, subfamily Lemnoideae, is a small floating plant often found covering ponds and waste lagoons in thick mats. Although some pond owners may have a negative opinion of it, duckweed has mul-tiple beneficial uses especially in the agricultural sector. It is a high protein food source for waterfowl, snails, turtles and carp, and can be used as livestock feed as well. It is also an efficient bioremediator due to its rapid growth and ability to absorb excess nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, which is why it is fre-quently found in wastewater treatment plants and animal feed lots. Lastly, research is being done to use it in biofuel production due to its rapid growth rate and high starch content under certain growing conditions.

This study looks at the effect of varying the initial amounts of duckweed added to secondary treated waste-water on biomass growth and nutrient removal. It also seeks to confirm beneficial nitrogen and phosphorus removal in secondary treated wastewater from the Edwardsville Wastewater Treatment Plant. Three treat-ments were used in this laboratory experiment. W12 had 12 grams of duckweed added to 54x26x5cm trays of secondary treated wastewater. W4 had 4 grams of duckweed added to trays of secondary treated wastewa-ter. H12 was the control which had 12 grams of duckweed added to trays of 50% strength Hoagland Solu-tion. Each treatment had 4 replicates for greater accuracy. After the growing period, the total biomass from each treatment was weighed (fresh and dry weight) to determine percent growth and percent water content. Water samples were also taken from each treatment. Tests were done to determine the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and trace elements in the duckweed tissue and the water samples. This study may help owners acquire the proper amount of duckweed to maximize their nutrient uptake and/or biomass growth.

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Katie KeenerKatie is a student at Lewis and Clark Community College and will attend Oklahoma Baptist University to study archeology. She hopes to educate people about their past and how the knowledge gleaned from their ances-tors is still relevant in modern society and their future.

Katie can be reached at qupidh8r@aim.com

Landscape and Lives: Prehistoric Occupations of Floodplain Sand Ridges in the Lower Illinois Valley as Viewed from the Mound House Site

Katie Keener and Jason King, Center for American Archeology, PO Box 366, Kampsville, IL, 62053, jking@caa-archeology.org

Abstract: For millennia, humans have built communities and lives in the Lower Illinois Valley as they harvested its resources. One location frequently used are elevated natural features in the river’s floodplain, such as sand ridges, where they engaged in resource extraction, community gatherings and mound building. The Mound House site (11GE7), located in Greene County, IL is one of these loca-tions. Usually referred to as a Middle Woodland/Hopewell (2000-1550 BP) site, archaeological evi-dence has shown people have used the sand ridge for over 10,000 years. By examining the remnants of prehistoric activity, we can develop logical inferences on the changing usage of the land and its resources over time. We compared six pit features—prehistorically excavated pits filled with cultural debris—from mounded and non-mounded contexts of the Mound House site to detect differences in activity areas, such as resource extraction, subsistence activity, ceremonial practices and temporal as-sociations as indicated by the contents within pit features. Our results show clear differences between time and contexts at the site. Features at the north end of the site generally contain food and storage vessel fragments, such as Middle Woodland Havana and Pike vessel sherds, while others contain greater varieties of Middle Woodland and Late Woodland (1550-950 BP) pottery fragments. Associated fau-nal remains include deer, fishes and mussel shell. In contrast, pit features near the mounds contain no subsistence-related faunal material or pottery. Instead, associated artifacts were highly-decorated pot-sherds from Hopewell vessels, extra-local raw materials, hematite and objects made from animal re-mains. Finally, debris from Archaic (8500-2550 BP), Middle Woodland and Late Woodland occupations were also found at the site indicating repeated but differing uses of the sand ridge over time.

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Anthony KimutisAnthony is a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)majoring in natural resources and environmental sciences. During his undergrad-uate career Anthony has worked as an undergraduate research assistant observing benthic invertebrates and aquatic organisms. The recipient of multiple academic scholarships, Anthony is a member of the American Fishery Society, Sigma Alpha Lambda Honors and Delta Upisilon Fraternities. He is a motivated, self-pro-claimed nature junky from a small town in southern Illinois. He came to UIUC seeking a major that would serve as an excellent precursor to marine biology and enjoys anything related to aquatic ecology. A lover of extreme sports, Anthony also enjoys fishing. His motivation in life is demonstrated through his accelera-tion through the NRES program at UIUC. In five years Anthony hopes to have completed his master’s and be well on his way to a fisheries management position.

Effects of Various Bio-Based Soil Covers on Rill Formation under Natural Rainfall

Anthony Kimutis and Dr. Prasanta Kalita, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Agriculture and Biological Engineering, 1304 W. Pennsylvania, Ave., Urbana, IL, 61801, pkalita@illinois.edu

Abstract: Rill erosion accounts for the majority of sediment removal from hillsides. This study focused on monitoring and assessing rill formation among sloped plots with different erosion control treatments, based on compost materials. Four 3H:1V plots were sprayed with herbicide, raked and compacted prior to the ap-plication of compost covers. These bio-based compost materials were obtained from a local recycling center and are classified as mushroom compost, screened garden compost and premium shredded hardwood mulch. These were applied and compacted to a 5cm depth with one plot left uncovered as a control. Scans were made using the Leica 3D Disto at the base and middle of each plot. Scans were repeated weekly or after a rain event and analyzed. Assessment and comparison of the scans will allow us to quantify the performance of the different soil covers on rill formation under natural rainfall conditions. Initial results show no rill for-mation in the premium shredded hardwood mulch, while incipient rill formation occurred in all other plots.

Anthony can be reached at akimutis@gmail.com

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Kyra KoehlerKyra was valedictorian of Warsaw High School and a member of the National Honor Society. She received a presidential scholarship to study at Cornell Collge, and will be entering her sophomore year this fall. In five years, she sees herself graduated from college and working in her chosen field, which she is uncertain of at this point. She is interested in helping people, particularly children, and enjoys sports, outdoors, music, photography and animals. She plays softball at Cornell and is involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Lunch Buddies. She also manages a wrestling team and is a part-time photographer for the athletic department. Kyra states she is dedicated to being the best and happiest person she can be.

The development of a gonad weight/fecundity regression equation in bighead carp, silver carp and their hybrids

Kyra Koehler and Jim Lamer, Western Illinois University, Kibbe Field Station, 545 ECR 1180, War-saw, IL, 62379, JT-Lamer@wiu.edu

Abstract: Bighead carp and silver carp are listed as a federally injurious, invasive species in the United States and are capable of producing 280,000 to over 4 million eggs per spawning event. The high fecundities of Asian Carp make counting their eggs difficult and time consuming, which prompts the need for a quick assessment to estimate the number of eggs in the field. In this study, eggs have been manually counted and volumetrically estimated to build an egg number/gonad weight regression. The regression can be used on wet-gonad weights of stage IV and stage V female Asian carp to estimate egg number. Forty sets of one thousand eggs were manually counted, then volumetrically counted, to get an average volumetric displacement. Estimates of eggs number from seventy-five different geneti-cally verified fish were determined volumetrically based on our egg displacement ratio. A fecundity estimate/gonad weight regression was built using the wet 6field-weight of entire gonads to produce a line equation for future field based estimates. The average displacement for 1000 eggs that had been manually counted was 0.786mL. The average number of eggs counted volumetrically was 1,272 eggs /mL (11% error). Our regression equation will be a widely applicable tool for Asian carp management throughout their range.

Kyra can be reached at koehlerkyra@gmail.com

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Iain KonigsbergIain has always been fascinated by biology and knew he wanted to study it in some form. As he was applying to college, Iain was captivated by ethology. Over time, his interests shifted to genetics, particularly as he works in an evolutionary genetics lab in the biology department at Indiana University where he will be begin his sophomore year this fall. Iain received numerous awards his freshman year, including the National Merit Scholarship, IU STARS (Science, Technology, and Research Scholar), Indiana University Founders scholarship and the Illinois State Scholar award. He is a member of the Biology Club and the Science Out-reach Society. Although much of Iain’s time is spent in the lab focused on muta-tion accumulation in bacterial genomes, he is interested in field work and wants to explore as many facets of biology as possible in order to find the perfect place in which he can contribute to the field.

The Association between Precipitation Events and Flooding of the Mississippi River between 1851 and 2010

Iain Konigsberg and Dr. Nancy Westcott, Prairie Research Institute’s Illinois State Water Survey, 2204 Griffith Drive, Urbana, IL, 61801, nan@illinois.edu

Abstract: Large and frequent precipitation events are the major contributor to flooding along the Mississip-pi River. These floods can be destructive, harming cities and farms and costing billions of dollars in damages. Observing trends in rainfall can lead to a better understanding and means of predicting floods. The storms that cause flooding most often originate from the West and contribute significant amounts of water to the tributaries that flow into the Mississippi. The rise of these tributaries, particularly of the Ohio and Missouri Rivers, result in the Great Floods of the Mississippi.

Daily precipitation data was obtained from four Climate Data Modernization Program 19th century stations along the Mississippi River, in Memphis, TN, St. Louis, MO, Vicksburg, MI, and Minneapolis, MN, for the time period from 1851 to 1892. Further data from these areas were obtained from multiple modern sta-tions. The data was analyzed in multiple ways, observing the number of days with precipitation above cer-tain thresholds, the number and severity of multiple day events above certain thresholds, monthly deviations from the expected rainfall, length and frequency of dry periods, and the return periods at each location.

Major flooding events along the Mississippi River were researched, among them the Floods of 1882, 1927, 1973 and 1993. Records of these floods often indicated storms responsible for swells in the Mississippi and its tributaries. These rainfalls were paired with events in the fort-obtained data to observe what precipitation events contributed to flooding. The pattern of rainfall showed greater and more frequent rainfall in Mem-phis and Vicksburg in the winter months while these events occurred in the spring and summer in Minne-apolis and St. Louis. This agrees with the accepted idea that the Ohio floods earlier, receiving Gulf precipi-tation and thawing earlier than the Missouri and Upper Mississippi. It was also observed that frequency of significant rainfall events is a more reliable contributor to flooding than singular large events.

Iain can be reached at konigsbergi@@gmail.com

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Emily MackleyEmily will be a senior this fall at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is majoring in integrated biology. She has been involved in two undergraduate research projects, most recently in Dr. Angela Kent’s lab. Emily loves being outdoors and exploring the woods, especially in the summer. She has a love for horses and is experienced in teaching equestrian skills to novice riders. Emily has enjoyed learning about microbes and how such small organisms can have a large impact on the world. In five years Emily would like to have received a master’s in microbiology and be per-forming research on microbes that affect human health. She wants a career that will make a difference.

Comparison of Microbial Community Dynamics and Denitrification Dur-ing a Dry Year and Subsequent Wet Year in Illinois wetlands

Emily Mackley, Dora Cohen, and Dr. Angela Kent, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Natural Resoures and Environmental Sciences, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, akent@illinois.edu

Abstract: Wetlands play an important role in water purification via the microbial process of denitrifi-cation. Due to the federal “No Net Loss” policy, it is currently acceptable to destroy existing wetlands as long as equivalent wetland acreage is constructed or restored. However, this restored wetland acreage may not be equivalent in ecosystem services such as denitrification. It is currently unknown whether restored wetlands harbor the same microbial communities and processes that are found in natural wet-lands. In this study we surveyed multiple restored and constructed wetlands in Illinois. We are inves-tigating whether critical microbial services are provided by the communities present in the restored sites, and if not, we want to know if microbial communities differ among constructed and natural wetlands. If the environmental conditions in restored wetlands approximate those in natural wetlands, then we expect that similar microbial communities and potential rates of denitrification should be found in restored wetlands and their natural counterpart. Illinois experienced a severe drought during the summer of 2012, while the spring of 2013 brought record floods. We are interested in comparing microbial communities and activities across these contrasting summers because denitrification requires the anaerobic environment that is created by standing water. With no oxygen present, nitrate is used as an electron acceptor during bacterial respiration. We plan to compare the microbial communities and potential denitrification rates between drought and flood years, as well as between constructed and natural wetlands. Our prior results showed that some wetlands have similar microbial communities in the constructed and natural wetlands, and we expect this year’s results to show that similarity increases temporally because a wet year creates an environment that will encourage a more typical wetland microbial community. To fully achieve “no net loss” of wetland ecosystem services, it is important to ensure that constructed and restored wetlands are performing the same microbially-mediated process as the natural wetlands they are replacing.

Emily can be reached at Mackley1@illinois.edu

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Austin MeyerAustin is a biology major from Lewis and Clark Community College and will transfer to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the fall of 2013. He will be enrolled in the School of Earth, Society and Environment and Inte-grative Biology. Austin’s main interests are in ecology or zoology and most of his experience involves rehabilitating and releasing wildlife. He is experienced at handling large birds of prey and mammals during public workshops and enjoys sharing his knowledge about Illinois wildlife. After he graduates Austin would like to conduct research in Latin America, since he has traveled there, and has studied Spanish as much as biology.

Mingo National Wildlife Refuge Forest Inventory

Austin Meyer and Ben Mense, Ben_Mense@fws.gov and Brad Pendley, Brad_Pendley@fws.gov, Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, 24279 State Highway 51, Puxico, MO, 63960

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to determine overall health and stand condition in Pool 5 (a green tree reservoir) at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge. We used a forest inventory method developed by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, St. Louis District, to determine tree species present, basal area, tree health and general wildlife habitat conditions. A total of 267 plots were established over the 258 ha unit using a grid of 100 m by 100 m points. The data gathered at each point included: species of trees, the diameter at breast height, canopy height, basal area, understory species, herbaceous species, cavities, down woody debris and snags. This infor-mation will then be used by the refuge staff to guide future management activities in Pool 5.

Austin can be reached at agm.meyer@yahoo.com

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Christina MierzejewskiChristina will be a junior this fall at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During her first year of college, she was not sure what she wanted to study but, through course exploration, soon discovered that she wanted to be an NRES (natural resources and environmental sciences) major. Now, Christina’s interests have grown and she has joined a few environmental-based clubs, such as Roots and Shoots, as well as Beyond Coal, which is a branch of students for Environmental Concerns. In her free time, Christina enjoys reading. In five years she sees herself getting a job as a wildlife biologist or a conservation scientist.

Effects of Drought on Nutrient Loads and Concentrations in Rivers

Christina Mierzejewski and Dr. George Czapar gfc@illinois.edu, and Dr. Momcilo Markus, mmarkus@illinois.edu, Center for Watershed Science, Prairie Research Institute’s Illinois State Water Survey, 2204 Griffith Drive, Champaign, IL 61820

Fertilizer is a useful application that Midwest farmers apply to their crops. With the combination of wet weather and the fertilizer, the goal is to have a higher crop yield. But if a year is particularly dry, the plant will not be able to consume all the fertilizer, leaving more to be washed off the next year when rain comes through. When the nitrate runs off into the Mississippi River it gets deposited in the Gulf of Mexico. Eutrophication then occurs as a result of the excess nutrients in the water and a zone of hypoxia, or dead zone, forms. The purpose of this study is to (i) show that these nitrate loads in various watersheds are highest in the year following a drought; (ii) to be able to predict nitrate loads after a drought year by creating a regression relationship; (iii) to explore crop (corn) yield as a drought indicator as opposed to rainfall; and (iv) evaluate the possibility that loads will be different in water-sheds with tile-drainage versus watersheds without tile-drainage. This study will help to understand and predict trends in nutrient loads and concentrations, which can better agricultural practices and lessen further pollution. We divided up the state of Illinois by its watersheds and grouped up counties by the watersheds, to which they belong. Data on corn yield from these counties were collected from the USDA website, which was used to represent wet and dry years. The USGS has collected nitrate data from rivers in the watersheds in Illinois and these recordings were used to calculate an annual nitrate concentration val-ue. The last step is to compare one year’s drought indicator (corn yield residual, rainfall or discharge) to the following year’s nitrate levels in a specific river. In the end, we saw a negative correlation be-tween corn yield residuals and the loads and concentrations of nitrate in the year following through-out the state meaning dryer years are followed by higher nutrients in the rivers. Rainfall data was also collected for some sites and also gave a negative correlation with nitrate loads and concentrations. This showed that corn yield residuals are just as good of a drought indicator as precipitation, if not better.

Christina can be reached at cmierz2@illinois.edu

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Kaylin PalmisanoKaylin is attending Missouri University of Science and Technology and studying environmental engineering. She plans to use her degree as a stepping stone to a master’s in environmental engineering. She hopes to get involved with an orga-nization and work to implement an effective water treatment system for Haiti and similar countries. Kaylin currently works in the Success Center at Southwestern Illinois College as a tutor in entry-level mathematics through calculus III, phys-ics I and macroeconomics. She is also a private tutor through SIUE. These jobs require that she not only communicate clearly and effectively, but take initiative and responsibility. Between juggling coursework and working, she have to stay motivated and be proactive on a daily basis. Kaylin is very passionate about her education and the environmental field.

Effects of Drinking Water Treatment Residual on Greenroof Soil

Kaylin Palmisano and Dr. John Sloan, National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, One Confluence Way, E. Alton, IL, 62024, jjsloan@lc.edu and Dr. Bill Retzlaff, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Biological Sciences Department, Box 1099, Edwardsville, IL, 62026-1099, wretzla@siue.edu

Abstract: A vital component of a green roof is its ability to retain water so plants may grow, but also allow the water to drain quick enough that it does not add excessive weight to the roof structure. Illinois Ameri-can water uses the Mississippi River as a source of raw water to generate drinking water for various com-munities. To remove suspended sediments from the raw Mississippi River water, they add polyaluminum chloride, a polymer that causes the sediments to flocculate and settle from the water. The sediments are then filtered from the water and pumped to a lagoon where they accumulate until they are eventually dried and removed. We obtained drinking water residuals (DWR) from the Illinois American Water branch in Granite City to test whether the sediments and polymers from the water treatment process helps the soil to retain water and nutrients, in hopes that it could help improve greenroof soil’s water holding capacity and, possibly, help restore natural vegetation to degraded soils along the banks of the Mississippi River watershed. We created six blends with different concentrations of the drinking water residual ranging from 0 to 40%. The blends were placed in 1.6 L pots and planted with the native grass, Blue Gamma (Bouteloua gracilis). The Blue Gramma’s growth will be monitored by measuring plant height. At the end of the study, above ground grass will be harvested, dried and weighed. The soil blends will also be analyzed to determine the concen-trations of plant-available phosphorus, nitrate and ammonium. The ability of the various blends to retain moisture will be evaluated by conducting dry-down tests. Results from this study will help us determine whether DWR is an appropriate ingredient for greenroof soils and, if so, how much DWR should be blend-ed into a standard greenroof soil.

Kaylin can be reached at kaylin.palmisano@student.swic.edu

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Jeanette PescitelliJeanette will be a senior this fall at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) studying integrative biology. She is interested in resto-ration ecology. Jeanette is a member of two environmental clubs on campus focused on ecological restoration and natural planting. She has participated in volunteer work collecting mussels and prairie seed. During her career at UIUC, Jeanette has worked for the Illinois Natural History Survey as an assistant botanist and laboratory/greenhouse assistant with the Department of Crop Sciences. In five years Jeanette hopes to have a master’s degree and be working for an environmental non-profit agency.

Impacts of the invasive legume crown vetch (coronilla varia) on soil properties in a Mississippi River riparian sand prairie

Jeanette Pescitelli and Dr. Jeff Matthews, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL, 61801, jmatthew@illinois.edu

Abstract: At the Lost Mound Unit of the Upper Mississippi River National Fish and Wildlife Refuge in northwestern Illinois an invasive nitrogen-fixing plant, crown vetch (Coronilla varia), has spread throughout the rare sand prairie habitat. Studies have been conducted to test different manage-ment techniques, such as burning and various herbicide treatments, to determine how best to suppress C. varia and restore native plant diversity. The treatments were applied to plots throughout the sand prairie, with some effective removal techniques found. In order to gain a more complete understand-ing of the impact C. varia has on the community, a new aspect of the project was added; a study of the soil. If an invasive plant species changes aspects of the soil composition, such as nutrient content or the amount organic matter, it may have a negative impact on the native plant community. Soil samples were taken from the different treatment plots, which now vary in C. varia abundance, to analyze soil composition by testing soil nitrogen, organic matter, the ability of the soil to hold soil moisture, pH, and plant litter cover. In sand prairies, soil is expected to be dry with low nutrients; C. varia is expect-ed to increase soil nitrogen, organic matter, soil pH and plant litter cover. If, however, soil properties vary with C. varia abundance (percent cover), then C. varia could be altering soil characteristics in a way that is detrimental to native plants

Jeanette can be reached at pescite1@illinois.edu

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Elizabeth RinghausenElizabeth is a student at Lewis and Clark Community College. Her interests are in the areas of environmental engineering, biology and medicine. She is working to bridge the gap between the environmental movement and modern medicine. By researching the various uses of garlic mustard, Elizabeth hopes to counteract the environmental effects of invasive species and apply their antimicrobial prop-erties to the field of medicine. In the next five years, she plans to continue her education by attending medical school and obtaining a Ph.D. She also intends to continue research on the pharmaceutical uses for exotic and invasive species.

Investigating the Antimicrobial Potential of Alliaria petiolata, Garlic Mustard Plants, Obtained from the Mississippi Watershed

Elizabeth Ringhausen and Gregory Nasello, Lewis and Clark Community College, Biology Depart-ment, 5800 Godfrey Road, Godfrey, IL, 62035, gnasello@lc.edu

Abstract: Alliara petiolata (garlic mustard) is a highly invasive plant in major portions of the Mississippi watershed region. This invasive has a devastating effect on the edges of creek banks and on the undergrowth in forest commu-nities. However, despite the plants’ negative effects on native plants, there could possibly be beneficial uses for garlic mustard. It has been noted that this invasive is marked with allelopathic chemicals that are believed to inhibit the growth of many native plants (Prati). However, these chemicals could possibly be used in a pharmaceutical applica-tion. This project has been implemented in order to determine the effects of A. petiolata on three bacterial species; Staphylococcus aureus, Escherchia coli, and Streptococcus pyogenes.

In order to determine A. petiolata’s antimicrobial potential, plants are collected, and the roots and stems are separated, cut, and frozen. The stems are later pressed and the roots are ground in order to extract all liquid and chemicals from the plant. The liquid is then put through a series of sterilization techniques to remove stem and root particles and to prevent contamination. The plant liquid is then added to the three bacterial cultures and placed in the incubator. Sterile swabs are used to streak the petri dishes of nutrient agar with the cultures at intervals of 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 hours. The colonies are then counted and recorded for analysis.

Preliminary results suggest that the antimicrobial properties of A. petiolata inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Continued research and testing of these plants in regard to their antimicrobial properties on varying species of bacte-ria may help determine a pharmacological use for the garlic mustard plant.

Elizabeth can be reached at eringhau@lc.edu

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Caroline RobertsonCaroline grew up around the Grafton, Illinois area, participating each year in the Two Rivers Fishing Fair held on the grounds of Pere Marquette State Park. Now, as an adult she volunteers each year at the fair by working at the various activities held throughout the day. She graduated this spring with an associates of science degree from Lewis and Clark Community Col-lege and will be attending SIU Carbondale to continue her anthropological studies. Caroline works very hard in whatever she does and expects only the best of herself. Once she has a goal in mind, she strives to achieve it. In five years Caroline sees herself working towards her doctorate degree in anthro-pology.

Mississippi River Education Programs: Addressing Adult Audiences

Caroline Robertson and Natalie Marioni, NGRREC, Lewis and Clark Community College, 5800 Godfrey Road, HK 29, Godfrey, IL, 62035, nmarioni@lc.edu, and Ted Kratschmer, NGRREC, Lewis and Clark Community College, 5800 Godfrey Road, HK 29, Godfrey, IL, 62035, EKratsch@lc.edu

Abstract. The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) is an emergent research center with already established programs in pedagogy and is now looking to broaden its pro-gram to better address adult audiences. The purpose of this project was to determine the best method to reach adult audiences who would not otherwise seek out the knowledge that NGRREC has to offer. The best way to engage adult audiences was found by means of survey, inquiry at peer institu-tions and event analysis. The survey, distributed through community events and social media, gave a basic overview of NGRREC’s mission and examples of potential events. Of the suggested events, the participant indicated those in which he or she would most likely take part. The results of this research indicate that most adults prefer to learn by means of hands-on interaction and enjoyable activities such as concerts and 5k runs rather than through a classroom environment. To achieve this goal of providing adults with an enjoyable activity, a trivia night at the NGRREC field station was presented to willing adult audiences. The questions presented in this trivia night were mainly based on community survey results and will be used as a guide for assessing local adult environmental knowledge, which will be used to further develop NGRREC adult outreach programs.

Caroline can be reached at caroline.robertson16@me.com

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Misty SanvitoMisty graduated this spring from Lewis and Clark Community College with an associates degree science. She remained on the Dean’s list throughout her years at L&C and was the GIS project leader in the biology department to build a cam-pus map of tree specimens. She also took part in a volunteer project for Central County 911 to provide accurate directions for emergency response units. Misty plans to attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to study the field of ge-ography and specialize in GIS. She aspires to use her GIS knowledge and abilities to help improve natural resource utilization in environmental restoration projects or new developments where ecological services need to be protected or restored.

Madison County Wetland and Stream Enhancement Evaluation Program

Misty Sanvito and Matt Brandmeyer, and Leah Dettmers, Madison County Planning and Develop-ment Administration, 157 N. Main Street, Suite 254, Edwardsville, IL, 62035-1964, zoning@co.madison.il.us

Abstract: Madison County, Illinois, is a county government with a population of 269,282 and a land area of 740.56 square miles and is located within the St. Louis MSA. The county has not reviewed impaired water bodies in a comprehensive manner and, due to this, does not have clear direction when expending resources to address water quality issues. This study identifies and prioritizes potential sites for mitigation projects that are intended to reduce overall impairments. The first steps involve identifying impaired water bodies in the county that are on the 303(d) list, and then finding significant wetland areas (greater than ten (10) acres) that are adjacent to these areas. The sources of this information include the U.S. Corps of En-gineers, the National Wetlands Inventory, and the Illinois Resource Management Mapping Service. Once completed, the sites will be ranked by determining their measurable impact on the surrounding area, includ-ing their potential quality and habitat value. The next phase of the project will be to conduct field investiga-tions of each of the higher priority water bodies, and after more data is collected, individual profiles for each of the sites will be developed and used to guide future decisions.

Misty can be reached at emeraldqueen@rocketmail.com

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Hunter SwiftHunter will be a senior at Southwestern Illinois College majoring in wildlife habitat management and conservation. He has always had a passion for nature, and any time spent outdoors is time he considers time well spent. Hunter loves to hunt, hike, camp, and fish. In recent years he has felt the calling to get involved in conservation in order to protect the things that he enjoys. He plans to graduate from Southern Illinois University with a degree in forestry with an emphasis in wildlife habitat management and conservation. He hopes to gain as much field and research experience as possible, and use this experi-ence to decide whether he would like to go to graduate school or immedi-ately pursue a career. As of right now, Hunter would like to work for a federal or state agency perhaps as a conservation police officer or park ranger.

Spatial and Temporal Changes in Benthic Macroinvertebrate Communities and Water Quality in Sparrow Creek

Hunter Swift and Dr. Bob Weck, Southwestern Illinois College, Department of Life Science, Health and Physical Education, 2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville, IL 62221, Bob.Weck@swic.edu

Abstract: The term karst refers to an area of limestone terrain characterized by sinkholes, caverns, and underground streams. Such is the terrain of western St. Clair County, Illinois, where Stem-ler Cave resides. The resurgence point for the entire Stemler Cave system is Sparrow Spring, which forms Sparrow Creek. Previous research has documented a decline in biodiversity and water quality in Stemler Cave and Sparrow Spring. This project focused on changes in water quality and biological communities downstream of the spring. Physical data (water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, flow, turbidity and fecal coliform) was taken at Sparrow Spring, as well as three downstream sites in Spar-row Creek. Illinois RiverWatch protocols were used to quantify macroinvertebrate communities and substrate composition at all sites. For comparison, three parallel sites were sampled in Hickman Creek, a surface stream of non-karst origin directly east of Sparrow Creek. The two creeks converge approxi-mately two miles downstream of Sparrow Spring. We generated a macroinvertebrate biotic index, MBI, for each site, as well as an ecological similarity index to compare any two sites that were sampled in both Sparrow and Hickman Creek.

Overall, 19 indicator taxa were collected from both the Sparrow and Hickman Creek systems. We found an increase in species richness as distance from Sparrow Spring increased. Any new taxa reported down-stream of Sparrow Spring were in addition to nearly all of the taxa found at the previous site(s) resulting in a high number of shared taxa. Substrate composition varied from solid sheets of bedrock at Sparrow Spring to fine gravel and silt/sand at the most downstream Sparrow Creek site. Water temperature at Sparrow Spring was 15.3 degrees Celsius and showed a steady increase approaching the convergence of the two streams where temperature equilibrates to approximately 19 degrees Celsius. Dissolved oxygen was highest at Sparrow Spring and remained higher throughout the Sparrow Creek system as compared to Hickman Creek. This may be due to Sparrow Creek’s larger size and steeper gradient providing more riffles, which oxygenate the water. Substrate composition and temperature remained relatively homog-enous throughout Hickman Creek; however, species richness between any two sites in Hickman Creek proved less similar than any two sites in Sparrow Creek. This study will aid in understanding the down-stream habitat changes of spring-fed streams, the effect these changes have on water quality, and the ef-fects of pollution and contamination on macroinvertebrate communities.

Hunter can be reached at hunter.swift.hs@gmail.com

| page 32

Shelby TimmShelby graduated from Kentucky Wesleyan College (Summa Cum Laude) with a major in zoology. She received numerous awards/honors, including the Wesleyan Research Fellowship. Shelby was a member of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society and remained on the Dean’s and President’s Lists during her years at KWC. She will be attending Marshall University this fall to pursue a master’s of biology where she will be researching the effects of contaminants on larval sala-mander growth rates. Her career will focus on conservation biology, whether she is working at a national or state park/agency, university or with a private research organization. Shelby specifically wants to examine the causes of amphibian de-clines and develop methods to reverse or mitigate current trends.

2013 Mussel Surveys in Northeastern Streams of Missouri

Shelby Timm and Krista Noel, krista.noel@mdc.mo.gov, and Travis Moore, travis.moore@mdc.mo.gov,Missouri Department of Conservation, 653 Clinic Road, Hannibal, MO, 63401

Abstract: There are approximately 69 native species of mussels throughout Missouri, with 29 considered species of con-cern. Native freshwater mussels play a significant role in both the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems. Freshwa-ter mussels function as filter-feeders, removing algae, bacteria and other particulate matter from the water column which improves water quality and increases nutrient/energy cycling. As a result, mussels are sensitive to habitat degradation such as pollution, sedimentation and other habitat disturbances which makes mussels good indicators of habitat quality. Fresh-water mussels serve as prey items for a variety of species, including small mammals, fish and some birds, and their shells can also serve as an important resource in studying historical human populations.

Data gathered during summer 2013 will be used to determine occupancy and species’ diversity in the Northeastern streams of Missouri (South Fabius River, North, Middle and Elk Fork of the Salt River and the Chariton River). Two to three locations, from the headwaters south, were selected on each river. These reaches were selected in an attempt to determine if species diversity increases downstream as expected. Within each reach, two sites were surveyed to increase accuracy. An initial survey was conducted, for no longer than one hour, at each site within the reach. The species name, abundance, size and condition (live, fresh dead or relic) was recorded along with GPS coordinates, habitat, substrate, and turbidity. A voucher of each species, either a photo of a live mussel or the shell of a relic, was also collected from each reach. After the initial survey, each site was resurveyed to increase the probability that all species present were detected. If a species was not detected it does not necessarily conclude that the species is not present. The resurveys recorded occupancy only (unless new species were found).

Data obtained from 2012 and 2013 were compared. Threeridge (Amblema plicata), mapleleafs (Quadrula quadrula), pink heelsplitters (Potamilus alatus), and pistolgrips (Tritogonia verrucosa) were the four most common species in 2012, composing approximately 60% of individuals. These adaptable species utilize a wide variety of substrates. Lilliputs (Toxolasma parvus), fingernail clams and Wabash pigtoes (Fusconaia flava) were among the least frequently encountered species for 2012, where as in 2013, along with fat muckets (Lampsilis siliquoidea), these were commonly found. These species, excluding the Wabash pigtoe, are more adapted to sand, silt and mud substrates. Differences between species composition is likely due to the location of survey sites with those surveyed in 2013 being closer to the headwaters with less substrate and species diversity. Although diversity appears to decrease near the headwaters, these areas ap-pear to create a unique niche for smaller species, such as lilliputs and fingernail clams which become less common in more diverse communities. Another notable difference in 2013 is the presence of numerous species of juvenile mussels.

Shelby can be reached at: shelby_timm@hotmail.com

page 33 |

Kirsten WoosnamKirsten is a recent graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with a major in recreation, sport and tourism. She has always held a strong ap-preciation and fascination for the environment. Throughout her childhood, and particularly the last few years, she formally dubbed herself an advocate for the environment. Kirsten hopes to be able to bridge the bap between scientific research/findings and the public in order to better educate people on the cur-rent environmental issues, presently, and for the future issues that will continue to alter our lifestyles and life choices. She feels that more often than not this relationship between scientists and the public lacks and limits the amount of participation and problem solving that is necessary.

The Leisure and Social Implications of the Return of Apex Predators to the Illinois River Ecosystem

Kirsten Woosnam, and Jarrod Scheunemann, cheune1@illinois.edu and Dr. Robin Hall, rrhall@illinois.edu, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Office of Recreation and Park Resources, Urbana, IL, 61801.

Abstract: River corridors commonly serve as travel passages for various species of wildlife, and often, apex predators. The Illinois River corridor and those of its corresponding tributaries are particularly advantageous study areas; as previous research indicates, the behavioral tendency of apex predators is to remain close to the forested areas along and near large waterways. The comparatively thick tree cover allows wildlife to subtly migrate and hunt the species that occupy habitat near the river while avoid-ing human detection. These river corridors also serve as common locations for human recreation and water activities, which force these predators and humans to cohabitate. The Office of Recreation and Park Resources has accumulated data suggesting that in the last three years, over 40% of statewide county recreation agencies have received reports of apex predators. During the same time frame, the Illinois news media has chronicled credible reports of the predators in all parts of the state, including those with the highest human densities. The unexpected return of once-extirpated predatory species to Illinois is a topic that still remains largely unstudied.

This research project seeks to explore people’s perceptions and feelings toward apex predators re-entering the ecosystems in which humans inhabit. The knowledge produced in the proposed study will be beneficial as managers will be able more effectively make policy decisions, advocate for future conservation efforts, inform and anticipate public attitudes and potentially design more enjoyable rec-reation experiences.

Though at present data has not been fully collected/analyzed, preliminary themes have emerged: 1) Surprise and happiness are the most frequently reported emotions related to potential area predators; 2) Overall, the presence of wildlife, including predators and non-predatory species, enhances leisure experiences; 3) There is a possible positive relationship between one’s preferred recreation activities and their feelings toward predators.

Kirsten can be reached at woosnam1@illinois.eduShelby can be reached at: shelby_timm@hotmail.com

| page 34

Graham Baker

page 35 |

Ethan Braasch

| page 36

Erik Carlson

page 37 |

Lorraine Chow

| page 38

Courtney Crews

page 39 |

Nicholas Genthon

| page 40

Sandra Guzman

page 41 |

Bryce Hays

| page 42

Rachel Huerth

page 43 |

Danielle Joerger

| page 44

Katie Keener

page 45 |

Anthony Kimutis

| page 46

Kyra Koehler

page 47 |

Iain Konigsberg

| page 48

Emily Mackley

page 49 |

Christina Mierzejewski

| page 50

Austin Meyer

page 51 |

Kaylin Palmisano

| page 52

Jeanette Pescitelli

page 53 |

Elizabeth Ringhausen

| page 54

Caroline Robertson

page 55 |

Misty Sanvito

| page 56

Hunter Swift

page 57 |

Shelby Timm

• To

tal o

f 20

livi

ng s

peci

es fo

und

• To

p fo

ur m

ost c

omm

only

enc

ount

ered

spe

cies

• 

Fing

erna

il C

lam

s, Li

llipu

ts, G

iant

Fl

oate

rs, a

nd T

hree

ridge

s

• To

p fo

ur m

ost a

bund

ant s

peci

es

• Fi

nger

nail

Cla

ms,

Lilli

puts,

Thr

eerid

ges,

and

Fat M

ucke

ts

• 7

of th

e 11

rea

ches

sur

veye

d ha

d re

crui

tmen

t (ju

veni

les)

• M

usse

l ove

rvie

w

• 69

nat

ive

mus

sels

in M

issou

ri • 

Filte

r Fe

eder

s • 

Impr

ove

wat

er q

ualit

y an

d in

crea

ses

nutr

ient

/ene

rgy

cycl

ing.

• 

Food

sou

rce

for

smal

l mam

mal

s, fis

h, a

nd

som

e bi

rds

• In

dica

tor

spec

ies

• O

bjec

tive

• D

eter

min

e oc

cupa

ncy

and

spec

ies

dive

rsity

in

Nor

thea

ster

n st

ream

s.

• St

ream

s su

rvey

ed

• So

uth

Fabi

us, N

orth

, Mid

dle,

and

Elk

For

k of

th

e Sa

lt Ri

ver

2013

Mus

sel S

urve

y in

the

Str

eam

s of

Nor

th E

ast

Mis

sour

i

S

helb

y Ti

mm

, Kri

sta

Noe

l, an

d Tr

avis

Moo

re

Mis

sour

i Dep

artm

ent

of C

onse

rvat

ion,

Nor

thea

ster

n R

egio

nal O

ffic

e, K

irks

ville

, Mis

sour

i

INTR

OD

UC

TIO

N

DIS

CU

SSIO

N

DATA

AC

KN

OW

LED

GEM

ENTS

Nat

iona

l Gre

at R

iver

s Re

sear

ch a

nd E

duca

tion

Cen

ter

RES

ULT

S

MET

HO

DS

• Se

lect

ed 2

-3 r

each

es to

sur

vey

near

the

head

wat

ers

for

each

riv

er (t

otal

of

11 r

each

es)

• Su

rvey

ed tw

o sit

es w

ithin

eac

h re

ach

• M

usse

ls w

ere

foun

d by

visu

al o

r ta

ctile

sea

rche

s

• Re

cord

ed d

ata

• Sp

ecie

s na

me,

abu

ndan

ce, s

ize,

con

ditio

n (li

ve, f

resh

dea

d, o

r re

lic),

GPS

coo

rdin

ates

, ha

bita

t, su

bstra

te, s

earc

h tim

e, a

nd tu

rbid

ity.

• C

olle

cted

vou

cher

s of

eac

h sp

ecie

s (r

elic

or

phot

o)

• Su

rvey

ed fo

r no

long

er th

an o

ne h

our

• Re

surv

eyed

eac

h sit

e fo

r oc

cupa

ncy

only

• H

eadw

ater

s ha

ve le

ss d

iver

sity

and

a di

ffer

ent

com

posit

ion

of m

usse

ls.

• A

s ex

pect

ed, d

rain

age

size

and

mus

sel

occu

panc

y in

crea

ses

to th

e So

uth.

• 

Fish

hos

ts w

ere

seen

reg

ular

ly

• Th

e So

uth

Fabi

us R

iver

had

the

high

est

occu

panc

y w

ith 1

8 sp

ecie

s. • 

14%

of

the

mus

sels

sam

pled

wer

e ju

veni

les,

com

pare

d to

less

than

1%

in 2

012.

Figu

re 1

: P

ie c

hart

sho

win

g th

e 19

diff

eren

t spe

cies

of

mus

sel f

ound

dur

ing

sum

mer

201

3. T

otal

of

735

indi

vidu

als

obse

rved

.

Faw

nsfo

ot 1

0%

A

siatic

Cla

m 2

0%

Ye

llow

Sa

ndsh

ell 5

1%

Pi

nk

Pape

rshe

ll 11

2%

Dee

rtoe

12

2%

Pist

olgr

ip 1

2 2%

Gia

nt F

loat

er 1

6 2%

Plai

n Po

cket

book

17

2%

Pond

mus

sel 1

7-2%

Map

lele

af 2

1- 3

%

Frag

ile P

aper

shel

l 22-

3%

Pi

nk H

eelsp

litte

r 22

3%

Pi

mpl

ebac

k 29

4%

Whi

te

Hee

lsplit

ter

36

5%

Wab

ash

Pi

gtoe

46

6%

Fatm

ucke

t 53

7%

Thre

erid

ge 5

9 8%

Lilli

put

150

20%

Fing

erna

il C

lam

20

4 27

%

Oth

er

6%

2013

Mus

sel A

bund

ance

Tabl

e 1:

O

ccup

ancy

of

spec

ies

by

river

. 1=

pre

sent

0=

not

foun

d

Spec

ies  

Sout

h Fa

bius  

Nor

th F

ork  

Mid

dle

Fork  

Elk

Fork  

Asia

tic C

lam  

0  0  

0  1  

Cre

eper  

1  0  

0  0  

Dee

rtoe  

1  0  

1  0  

Fatm

ucke

t  1  

1  1  

0  Fa

wns

foot  

0  1  

0  0  

Fing

erna

il C

lam  

1  1  

1  1  

Frag

ile P

aper

shel

l  1  

1  1  

0  G

iant

Flo

ater  

1  0  

1  1  

Lilli

put  

1  1  

1  1  

Map

lele

af  

1  1  

0  0  

Pim

pleb

ack  

1  0  

0  0  

Pink

Hee

lsplit

ter  

1  1  

1  1  

Pink

Pap

ersh

ell  

1  1  

1  0  

Pist

olgr

ip  

1  0  

0  1  

Plai

n Po

cket

book  

1  0  

0  0  

Pond

mus

sel  

1  1  

1  1  

Thre

erid

ge  

1  1  

1  1  

Wab

ash

Pigt

oe  

1  0  

0  0  

Whi

te H

eelsp

litte

r  1  

0  1  

1  Ye

llow

San

dshe

ll  1  

0  0  

0  To

tal S

peci

es  

18  

10  

11  

9  

| page 58

Kirsten Woosnam

page 59 |

page 60 |