Reviewing and Logging Trail Cameras and Plant Associates in LaSalle County, Illinois
Session Number
2
Advisor(s)
Renae Frigo, The Conservation Foundation
Location
A119
Discipline
Environmental Science
Start Date
15-4-2026 11:10 AM
End Date
15-4-2026 11:55 AM
Abstract
As conservationists preserve natural spaces in Illinois, knowing what plants and animals inhabit them enables better land management decisions. LaSalle county is home to a wide range of unique ecosystems like ravines, wetlands, and prairies that are being protected to preserve natural history and communities. To better understand how to effectively conserve these ecosystems, I am partnering with the Conservation Foundation to review trail cameras and assist with documenting plant associates for a rare hill prairie on the Belrose and Harper Farm properties. Our goal is to create a list of animals that have appeared on the trail cameras to assist planning in ecological restoration projects. Furthermore, a hill prairie is currently being restored on one of the sites and knowing the plants that should grow alongside present species will allow for a more diverse ecosystem. This data will be used to preserve, protect, and restore these two properties. Information will also be used within documents to the Illinois Nature Preserve’s Commission for hopeful dedication of the Belrose site as an Illinois Land and Water Reserve, which offers state level protection and access to grant funding.
Reviewing and Logging Trail Cameras and Plant Associates in LaSalle County, Illinois
A119
As conservationists preserve natural spaces in Illinois, knowing what plants and animals inhabit them enables better land management decisions. LaSalle county is home to a wide range of unique ecosystems like ravines, wetlands, and prairies that are being protected to preserve natural history and communities. To better understand how to effectively conserve these ecosystems, I am partnering with the Conservation Foundation to review trail cameras and assist with documenting plant associates for a rare hill prairie on the Belrose and Harper Farm properties. Our goal is to create a list of animals that have appeared on the trail cameras to assist planning in ecological restoration projects. Furthermore, a hill prairie is currently being restored on one of the sites and knowing the plants that should grow alongside present species will allow for a more diverse ecosystem. This data will be used to preserve, protect, and restore these two properties. Information will also be used within documents to the Illinois Nature Preserve’s Commission for hopeful dedication of the Belrose site as an Illinois Land and Water Reserve, which offers state level protection and access to grant funding.