Impact

BSAP scientists have contributed to numerous discoveries that expand understanding of Illinois’ biodiversity and inform conservation across the region. Our fieldwork, taxonomic expertise, and applied research continue to generate new insights into rare species and ecological processes.

• Conservation Progress for the Rainbow
  Mussel surveys led by BSAP biologist Alison Stodola documented a previously unknown population of the Illinois state-endangered Rainbow (Cambarunio iris), providing new evidence of the species’ persistence and habitat recovery within the Illinois River basin.
• Clarifying Distribution of Oval Sedges
  BSAP botanists co-authored Carex of Illinois and Surrounding States, producing the first accurate state distribution maps for this complex group. Their work corrected more than a century of misidentifications, updating or newly creating maps for nearly every species, including six that are state-listed, three newly described taxa, and one distinct variety. These revisions provide an essential foundation for accurate conservation assessments and management.
• New Discoveries in Illinois Crayfish Diversity
  BSAP crayfish specialist Dusty Swedberg documented the Shrimp Crayfish, Faxonius lancifer, for the first time in more than 20 years and identified four newly described burrowing crayfish species in Illinois, expanding the known native diversity of the state.
• Guiding Recovery of the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee
  BSAP biologists are advancing research on the federally endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis). Staff have shed light on ecological factors that may contribute to the bee’s decline at a regional scale, developed workflows for reliable assessments of habitat quality, and continue to assess habitat that align with USFWS Section 7 guidance.

Our staff serve on state and federal technical committees and professional societies that guide policy and management for threatened and endangered species, aquatic resources, and conservation planning.

Examples include:

• Illinois Endangered Species Technical Advisory Committees
• Right-of-Way and mitigation working groups
• Energy and pollinator habitat technical advisory committees

BSAP scientists share their expertise through field guides, identification keys, online tools, and training workshops that help biologists, engineers, and land managers identify species and apply best practices in the field. Our contributions include:

• Field guides and manuals – including the Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of Illinois and Carex of Illinois and Surrounding States
• Online resources – such as the Freshwater Mussel Host Database, Bivalves and Gastropods of Illinois, Wild Plants of the Prairie State, and Fishes of Illinois.
• Taxonomic keys and best-practice documents used by agencies and consultants across the Midwest.
• Workshops and training sessions led by BSAP experts on species identification, survey techniques, and conservation best practices.

For over four decades, BSAP has advanced the scientific foundation for environmental protection and biodiversity conservation in Illinois. Our program maintains a long-standing role in documenting and preserving the state’s natural heritage.

BSAP staff actively contribute new and updated species records. We also collect, curate, and submit specimens to the INHS Biological Collections, which serve as a permanent record of the state’s flora and fauna and a resource for future research.