Hi,

There is a stewardship forum dealing with the fragmented ecosystem in Illinois coming up at The Morton Arboretum that I thought some of the area GNSI members, especially those who work with Illinois flora & fauna, may be interested in. It sounds pretty cool - please read on to learn more. Hope I haven't offended anyone by posting this!

Thanks,
Julie

CONSERVATION IN FRAGMENTED HABITATS
7th ANNUAL STEWARDSHIP FORUM: 
Co-Sponsored by Chicago Wilderness
Northern Illinois has many natural areas of importance. Unfortunately the majority of these habitats are not connected. Natural areas isolated from one another respond to environmental stress very differently from large continuous tracts of land. Working to manage these fragmented habitats poses a unique series of challenges. Join us for an informative look at how these nature preserves act as little islands and ways scientists are seeking to increase their biodiversity.

The Tallgrass Prairie Mosaic
Roger Anderson, Ph.D., Illinois State University
While the situation regarding midwestern prairies is dire from a landscape perspective, there are still fairly complete communities represented in remnants, and very few species have been extirpated from the region or have become extinct. Efforts need to be made to preserve the remnants and restore natural processes to the extent possible.

Ecology of Deer in Chicago's Natural Areas: Implications for Management
Dwayne Etter, Illinois Natural History Survey
Overabundant deer are one of the primary threats to biodiversity in the Chicago region. Deer population management strategies have been evaluated in radio-telemetry research projects conducted during the deer culling programs in Chicago area forest preserves. Understanding demographic and life histories of overabundant urban deer will assist managers in setting realistic objectives and making sound management decisions.

Small Vs. Large Nature Reserves; What Are The Prospects For Birds?
Jeffrey Brawn, Ph.D., Population Ecologist, Illinois Natural History Survey
The ecological effects of habitat fragmentation pose problems for birds breeding in small nature preserves. Negative effects of habitat fragmentation have been shown in breeding birds of midwestern forests. This presentation will discuss data examining the effectiveness in providing habitat for forest birds during the breeding season, and reproductive success in relation to preserve size.

Fragmentation of Illinois Landscapes
John E. Ebinger, Emeritus Professor of Botany, Eastern Illinois University
The goal of natural areas preservation includes restoring and maintaining a network of large, diverse, native ecosystems with the capacity to sustain diversity and maintain crucial ecosystem functions. John will consider the impact of exotics, overstocked natives, and the range of remaining ecosystems and then discuss the effectiveness of the preservation goal.

Impact of Fragmentation on Illinois' Endangered and Threatened Species
Joseph A. Kath, Endangered Species Project Manager, Illinois Department of Natural Resources
A species that is endangered or threatened has been impacted by many stresses. Habitat fragmentation remains one of the greatest threats, creating islands of safety surrounded by inhospitable lands. The conservation of endangered and threatened species in Illinois must work to improve existing sites, and address fragmentation by linking habitats. 

Saturday, Feb. 16. 9 am - 5 pm. Thornhill Auditorium. GNSI members $85 (Regular registration $105). Registration fee includes break refreshments and lunch. 
Group Rates:
3 -5: $75
6 - 8: $70
9 +: $65

For further information, call (630)719-2468, 8:15 - 4 pm M - F.



Coordinator of Botanical Art Education
The Morton Arboretum
Office hours: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 12 - 4pm
(630) 719-5642
www.mortonarb.org