Dr. John W. Groninger, Department of Forestry Professor, led the research at Kankakee Sands a Nature Conservancy preserve straddling the Illinois state line near Kankakee. Research suggests that burning and grazing could work together in maintaining black oak savanna ecosystems, which require a tricky balance of trees and grasslands to be at their best. (K.C. Jaehnig) Learn more about this project at:

· "Research May Help Save Kankakee Sands Savanna" [SIUC The Saluki Times, 07/23/2008]

 

After years of serving as a training ground for tanks and various other Army weaponry, the ground at Fort Knox has experienced significant eroision and damage. In addition to the damage caused to the vegetation, various animal species residing in sinkholes, caves, and surrounding properties have been disturbed as well. SIUC hydrologists Karl Williard, Jon Schoonover, John Groninger, James Zaczek and Charles Ruffner have the monumental task of beginning the restoration of the area. Learn more about this project at:

 

· "Researchers Tackle Run-Off, Soil Issues at Fort Knox" [SIUC Press Release, 12/04/08]

 

 

Dr. John W. Groninger, Associate Professor, visited Afghanistan as part of a joint research team from SIUC, University of Illinois, and Pakistan's Northwest Frontier Agricultural University. The researchers hoped to assist Afghan scientists with rebuilding the agricutlure program at Balkh University in Mazar-e-Sharif. Several things have led to the decline of forest lands in Afghanistan: mismanagement, drought, war, and urban growth. The country needs forest planning and time for regrowth. Most of the existing forests are located in areas that are not secure, and the team was not able to obtain a closer look at existing natural forests. However, the team did witness some of the urban forestry planning taking place in the cities. In particular, the planting of trees as windbreaks and watercourse stabilizers. Refer to the press release below for additoinal information.

 

· "Forestry Professory Provides Expertise to Afghans" [SIUC Press Release, 01/19/2006]

 

 

 

According to forest ecologist, Dr. James J. Zaczek, Illinois' maple syrup could become a successful alternative crop. Zaczek stated the farmers who look at such alternative methods can optimize their farm planning and income. For the business person willing to invest a little time and money, syrup-making can be a profitable venture. In addition to Zazcek, SIUC Professors Andrew Carver, John Preece, Jean Mangun, Karl Williard, along with graduate students Joshua Buchheit and Michelle Crum, spent three years studying the industry's business potential, and the impact this type of farming would have on the health of the trees being tapped. Because Illinois has an abundance of fast-growing, native silver maple trees, the resources are available for mining the syrup. Overall, the researchers estimated that in southern, western and part of central Illinois, some counties could produce as much as 344,400 gallons of syrup each year. For additional information about the study, access the links below.

 

· "Maple Syrup: An Alternative Agriculture Crop for Illinois" [Maple Syrup Website]

· "Economic Feasilibity of Commercial Maply Syrup Production in Illinois" [Research Report]

 

 

 

A team of SIUC researchers and graduate students led by John H. Burde, a retired forestry professor at SIUC, is helping to preserve the heritage of one of the most infamous trails that winds through Southern Illinois, The "Trail of Tears." Using high-tech GPS equipment, Burde and graduate students Karen Frailey and Kevin Schraer, helped pinpoint and mark the Illinois leg of the trail. In 1830, Native Americans were forced to march west on the Trail, through bitter winter storms. Many died . In 1987, Congress designated the area a National Historic Site, and the National Park Service requested assistance in marking the path to honor the the memory of those lost. To learn more about the historic trail and the project, access the press release below.

 

 

Illinois timber is still being harvested, but processing of the same lumber is taking place in surrounding states. According to Dr. John Phelps, Department Chair of the SIUC Forestry Department, a feasibility study was completed to address the need for sawmills in the state to band together to create a cooperative for processing timber in Illinois. The study and resulting workshops are funded by a grant from the US Forest Service. Phelps and his research team are working with members of the Illinois Wood Products Association to provide technical assistance to rural forest-product.