Present and Future

Research and Education

Our vision for the MMRWFS is that it will serve as an important resource for researchers, resource managers, and educators who are interested in any aspect of large river floodplain ecology, management, and restoration. This unique facility provides opportunities for research on how floodplain wetlands function, factors such as hydrology that structure floodplain wetland ecosystems, and the feasibility and efficacy of various restoration practices. The MMRWFS is also being developed as a demonstration site for alternative, sustainable use of floodplains.

If you are interested in using the field station for research or educational activities, please contact Dr. Robin Warne at SIUC. There are no fees associated with educational use of the site. If you are interested in utilizing one of the other properties, specify which one in the Wetland Unit section of the Research Permit Application.

Research Permit Application

Educational Use Application

Maps required to fill out permit applications: MMRWFS North MMRWFS South

Public Use

The Cape Bend State Fish and Wildlife Area is owned by the state of Illinois and is thus open for public use, with restrictions based on current research activities. Research areas that are sensitive to human disturbance will be marked as such, and visitors are asked not to tamper in any way with any equipment, markers, flagging, etc., on the site. Interpretive trails and wildlife observation areas are being developed so that the general public, as well as educational groups, can enjoy the area and learn more about large river floodplains. Cape Bend will be open to hunting during the normal seasons set by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Individuals will be required to sign in and out when hunting on the property. Questions about hunting on the property should be directed to the IDNR Union County Conservation Area office (618) 833-5175.

Current Research

Since 2006, research has been conducted through SIUC on the property, and has investigated:

• Floodplain water body connectivity.
• Waterfowl utilization of actively and passively managed floodplain wetlands.
• The taxonomic variability of parasitoid wasps in the Middle Mississippi River region.
• Waterfowl migration
• Aquatic invertebrate roles in floodplain foodwebs.
• Amphibian mate recognition

A hydrologic monitoring network was installed on the Cape Bend property during the summer of 2006. The network consists of water depth and water temperature data logging devices placed in monitoring wells at the outlet of each wetland cell. These units continuously collect temperature and depth data year-round, providing important baseline information for research projects in the wetland cells.

Development

A trail system was also created to facilitate moving about the property. Trails will be mowed periodically during the growing season to provide access to the wetland cells. The river can be accessed from a levee road, and there is a public boat launch at Thebes, less than 5 miles south of the property.