The goal of this study is to develop species status assessments for birds identify seasonally important bird areas gain additional information on the spring and fall migration identify gaps in…

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources received a $769,098 formula grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (DOI Fish and Wildlife Service Region 3) under the State Wildlife Grants (SWG) Program (CFDA 15.634), effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028. The grant funds a comprehensive study to develop species status assessments for birds identified as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in Illinois, identify seasonally important bird areas, and collect additional data on spring and fall migration patterns. The project addresses existing knowledge gaps and develops recommendations and pilot approaches for utilizing citizen scientists to gather ornithological data across the state.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign serves as a sub-grantee, providing research expertise and coordination to support the study's objectives. The project is expected to generate improved management strategies and enhanced understanding of SGCN birds throughout Illinois, contributing to proactive wildlife conservation efforts consistent with the State Wildlife Grants Program's mandate to prevent species decline before federal endangered species protections become necessary.

The goal of this study is to develop species status assessments for birds identify seasonally important bird areas gain additional information on the spring and fall migration identify gaps in knowledge and develop recommendations and pilot approaches to use citizen scientist to collect this data. Expected benefits are better management and understanding of sgcn birds in illinois. University of illinois urbana champaign is an expected subgrantee.