Wild Things 2019

Wetland Birds and Hybrid Cattail Invasion
Kurtis Himmler, Loyola University Chicago
The spread of invasive plants has transformed wetland habitat throughout the Great Lakes region, reducing habitat suitability for some wetland bird species.  Hear discussion of the impact of the invasive hybrid cattail, Typha x glauca, on Great Lakes ecosystems and the implications for wetland birds, as well as  connections between local hybrid cattail research and wetland bird conservation.  

Nature Boardwalk: A Naturalized Ecosystem for Native Chicago Wildlife
Maria Jazmin Rios, Urban Wildlife Institute, Lincoln Park Zoo
From the state endangered Black-Crowned Night Heron to the occasional coyote and fox, the Lincoln Park Zoo’s recently naturalized 14-acre Nature Boardwalk supports over 160 different species of migrant and resident birds and many other wildlife. Come learn about the wildlife species that call the Nature Boardwalk their home.

Is Urbanization Impacting the Sex Ratio of Painted Turtles in Lake County, IL?
John P. Vanek, Northern Illinois University; Richard B. King , Northern Illinois University; Gary G. Glowacki, Lake County Forest Preserve District
Urbanization isolates turtle populations via the proliferation of roads, which also causes direct mortality. We tested the impacts of urbanization on the sex ratios of Painted Turtles in Lake County. Preliminary results suggest the average sex ratio was male biased (up to 5.5:1). We will discuss how urbanization correlates with this result and discuss management interventions.