The Illinois Natural History Survey is an organization within the University of Illinois that is charged with researching and recording the biological resources of Illinois as well as other areas.
History: early years
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The origin of the Illinois Natural History Survey stems from the state's transition away from it's pioneer roots that occurred during the middle part of the 1800's. By 1857, Illinois had established both an Agricultural Society and a Horticultural Society that specialized in developing new tools and farming methods. A lawyer, teacher, and self-taught entomologist named Cyrus Thomas felt more needed to be done with respect to the research and documentation of Illinois' natural history. In December of 1957, Thomas proposed the establishment of the Natural History Society of Illinois at a meeting of the State Teacher's Association.
The proposed headquarters for the new society was Illinois State Normal University(later known as Illinois State University). At the time it was the only state supported college in Illinois and therefore the desired location for such a society. On June 30, 1858 the Natural History Society of Illinois began operation on grounds of Illinois State Normal University in Normal, IL. Less than three years later on February 22, 1861 the legal charter of the society was signed by the Illinois State Legislature. The founder of the society, Cyrus Thomas, was elected curator with Jonathan Baldwin Turner serving as the inaugural president.
The two duties originally assigned to the society were to provide "a scientific survey of the State of Illinois in all departments of natural history," along with the establishment of a Natural History museum at Illinois Normal State University. The original purpose of the society would evolve in the years following its founding that resulted in the undertaking of more responsibility. The building of a Natural History Museum in Springfield in 1877 helped trigger this change with the society taking on a new name and role. The Natural History Society was now known as the State Laboratory of Natural History and assumed the responsibility of providing the new Springfield museum with materials and documents. Along with continuing plant and animal surveys, the newly formed State Laboratory also had several other responsibilities such as providing educational institutions with materials for instructional purposes and implementing a program for the study of economic entomology.
Stephen Alfred Forbes
editIn 1885, the State Laboratory of Natural History began it's transition from the campus of Illinois State Normal University to the Illinois Industrial University in Urbana, IL. The Illinois Industrial University would soon become the University of Illinois and still serves as the home of the present day Natural History Survey. The man most responsible for the move to the University of Illinois was Stephen Alfred Forbes. Forbes became the fourth curator of the museum in 1872 and was promoted to director of the State Laboratory of Natural History upon its formation in 1877. In 1882, Forbes was also awarded the title of State Entomologist. However, it was Forbes next appointment with the Illinois Industrial University in Urbana, IL that initiated the State Laboratory of Natural History's move to it's present day home. Forbes was awarded approval by the Illinois State Legislature for the move and subsequently the library and all research collections were moved along with the staff to a new home in Urbana.
Following the move, Forbes would continue to serve as director and was a part of the next major change that resulted in the State Laboratory of Natural History becoming the Illinois Natural History Survey. This transition and name change was the result of a decision by the General Assembly to combine the State Laboratory of Natural History with the Office of the State Entomologist. The newly formed Illinois Natural History Survey, under direction of Stephen A. Forbes, was the basis for the present-day Survey that continues to serve Illinois and the University today.
Research
editOne of the primary focuses of the Illinois Natural History Survey since it's inception has been to better understand the biological processes and it's integral parts which make up the environment of Illinois. This commitment to gaining knowledge has led to a strict attention to scientific research programs in basic and applied ecology, systematics, and biogeography. These programs work to build on traditional research strengths while also emphasizing the importance of new issues in the areas of conservation, management, and sustainable use of important biotic resources. Notable research programs include:
- Biodiversity and Systematics
- Invasive Species
- Human Interactions
- Aquatic Ecosystems
- Terrestrial Ecosystems
- Entomology
- Wildlife Ecology
Publications
editPart of the mission of the Illinois Natural History Survey is to provide publications of it's findings so that the knowledge gained through extensive research can become a resource and learning tool for others. As a result, the survey is considered the primary source for information on the biological resources of the Illinois. This information is made available to not only the scientific community but the state government and general public as well. This sharing of knowledge allows the survey's scientific researchers to collaborate with other scientists in an effort to understand difficult ecological issues. The importance of the general public's ability to access this information lies in the effort of the survey to ensure a knowledge and appreciation of Illinois' natural heritage.
The publications put out by the Illinois Natural History Survey are available on their website and includes a searchable database of both past and present articles and reports. An annual report is put out to the public to highlight some of the general information gathered throughout the year. An index of all technical reports issued by the staff from 1962-present can be accessed as well a searchable database of any articles and books published since 1870.
Library
editThe Illinois Natural History Survey Library is a unit of the library system at the University of Illinois. The primary goal of the library is to serve as a resource for the survey staff to use in their research. Their collection is also available to all faculty and staff at the University of Illinois as a resource of information. The library contains over 69,000 books and bound journal volumes on natural history and includes national and international publications. The library also contains some unique collections such as:
- Illinois Wetland Maps
- Rare books
- Folios
- INHS Technical Reports
- INHS Staff Bibliography, 1870-present