Showcase of Research and Outreach at the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center
The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center's programs feature projects that study all aspects of large river ecology and management. Their experienced team of researchers brings expertise in monitoring natural resources of large rivers and their watersheds, providing essential information for the sustainable management of these ecosystems.
To explore more National Great Rivers Research and Education research, conservation, outreach and education projects go to: http://www.ngrrec.org/
Great Lakes to Gulf Virtual Observatory
The Great Lakes to Gulf Virtual Observatory is an interactive geospatial application that equips users to visually map, explore, and compare water quality monitoring data aggregated from multiple sources. The application facilitates ready access to water resource information from the Mississippi River and its tributaries, enabling users to identify and select sites, graph specific parameters, and download data in compatible formats. This project is a partnership between the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications.
Great Rivers Ecological Observatory Network
Developed by the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center in 2013, the Great Rivers Ecological Observation Network (GREON) program has established a network of real-time water quality monitoring platforms in the Mississippi River Watershed. Data captured by GREON is made available both on the NGRREC site and on NGRREC's Great Lakes to Gulf Virtual Observatory at greatlakestogulf.org.
River Watch
The Illinois RiverWatch Network is a community science monitoring initiative coordinated by the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center. RiverWatch is the only statewide biological monitoring program that provides volunteers a hands-on opportunity to become stewards of local waterways by monitoring stream habitat and water quality. The program was originally established in 1995 and has since expanded to the statewide level, with over 200 participants monitoring streams annually.
Invasive Species
The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) monitors the spread of invasive species in large river systems. Affiliates with the Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) have conducted research projects and studied invasive species that include Copi and zebra mussels. With support from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, NGRREC’s researchers have partnered with INHS colleagues at the Lake Michigan Biological station to assess whether prey resources in Lake Michigan can support populations of Copi. NGRREC has also partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Great Lakes Fisheries Commission, and other organizations in ongoing assessment efforts.