The Prairie Research Institute is proud to lead two innovative research initiatives funded by the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. These studies tackle significant environmental challenges in the southern Lake Michigan region, focusing on coastal resilience and water sustainability—critical concerns for the region's long-term ecological and community well-being.
PRI scientists are exploring innovative solutions to bolster shoreline resilience by using artificial reef complexes and addressing pressing water sustainability issues in the Chicago area. This initiative brings together a diverse team of experts from the Illinois Natural History Survey, Illinois State Geological Survey, and Illinois State Water Survey, offering actionable insights for future planning, ensuring the longevity and health of one of the nation's most critical natural resources.
Exploring artificial reefs for shoreline stability
Several PRI scientists will focus on coastal resiliency, specifically on the impacts of two different artificial reef complexes installed within the shallow nearshore of Lake Michigan to stabilize northern Illinois shorelines. Hillary Glandon, an aquatic ecologist at INHS, and Robin Mattheus, a coastal geologist at ISGS, will measure species diversity and abundance and assess lake bottom and beach changes resulting from water-level variability and storms, which the presence of the reef structures may influence.
"Understanding the impact of nearshore structures on sand movement and shoreline changes is crucial for coastal managers," said Glandon. "These reefs create habitats that can alter the local ecosystem. Our research will quantify these effects to inform future coastal projects."
Mattheus added, "Studies on how reef structures and rubble-mound ridges affect sand transport and shoreline dynamics are scarce in the Great Lakes region. Coastal managers and lakefront communities can benefit from a better understanding of these changes, which can impact bluff stability and overall coastal resiliency."
This project builds on efforts to quantify natural and anthropogenically driven changes to the Illinois shoreline. It builds on a previous IISG-funded initiative to map offshore geology and monitor lakebed and shoreline changes at Illinois Beach State Park, supported by a partnership with the IDNR Coastal Management Program. This new initiative will provide data-driven insights into a dynamic, ever-changing coastal environment.The support from IISG has been instrumental in securing additional federal funds to expand coastal study efforts in Illinois, furthering the group's success.
Addressing water sustainability in Chicago
ISWS, in collaboration with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, addresses water sustainability concerns in the Chicago region. Led by ISWS hydrogeologist Vlad Iordache, this team will develop interactive groundwater models and decision support systems that will help the south suburbs of Chicago better understand water supply risks and facilitate future planning.
"I'm fortunate and excited to coordinate this effort," said Iordache. "Partnering with IISG and CMAP, on behalf of ISWS is a privilege, given their expertise in water supply planning, demographics, and community engagement. This collaboration not only enhances our current capabilities but also lays the groundwork for innovation. As the project progresses, we hope to identify synergies with other IISG-funded researchers and incorporate them for our mutual benefit. IISG’s support, including funding and research networks, is invaluable."
Iordache added that the partnership underscores the reality that "water supply challenges and opportunities are never constrained by political boundaries or economic prosperity." Future phases will seek collaborations with agencies and communities in Indiana, emphasizing a shared commitment to water stewardship.
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Media contact:
Tiffany Jolley, assistant director for strategic communications
tjolley2@illinois.edu
217-300-2356