Illinois Biodiversity

Introduction

Biodiversity is the variety of species on Earth.  Since man has walked on Earth, they have played a part of changing biodiversity both good and bad.  Population density has increased one percent since 1982. The amount of developed land increased 8 percent between 1982 and 1992. Nearly all of the original tallgrass prairie has been lost as well as 89 percent of the state's wetlands. The state has 24 federally listed endangered and threatened species.  In this assignment, you will investigate Illinois's biodiversity, and develop a plan to improve it. 

http://www.natureillinois.org/bio/bio.htm

Task

The purpose of this activity is to enhance the species and ecosystem biodiversity throughout the RB community.  Your task is to identify native species of plants and animals to Illinois.  You will choose a site on the school grounds in which you will develop a plan that will increase the level of biodiversity in our community. 

Process

1. Research native species of plants and animals to Illinois.

2.  Identify an area on the school grounds that would benefit from habitat enhancement of native species.

3. Identify several species of plants that will not only increase the biodiversity of plant species, but will also attract various species of animals that are native to Illinois as well.  Keep the following ideas in mind:

bullet

Soil conditions of the proposed site. 

bullet

Amount of sunlight available to the site.
bullet

The type of animals that would be attracted to the site. 

bullet

Physical appearance of the habitat enhancement.

4.  Photograph the proposed site as it is right now.

5.  Create a map of the proposed site and it's surrounding areas.

6.  Create a list of materials that would be needed to develop the site.

7.  Identify retailers that provide the materials that are needed.

8.  Develop a budget for the materials that would be needed to create this habitat.

9. Complete the Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant proposal to be submitted to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Resources

http://www.natureillinois.org/bio/bio.htm

Native Plant Information Network

Links For Using Native Plants in the Landscape

Prairie Moon Nursery - Staff Photos

Evaluation
  1 2 3 4 5
Identified Organisms          
Needs of the organisms          
Map of the habitat area to enhance          
Proposed budget of materials          
Work is neat & Organized          
On task, not disruptive          

Conclusion

All proposals  will be submitted by November 30th, 2007.  If your proposal is selected by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, you will be selected as project manager to coordinate and direct students to assist with the construction of the habitat site.

http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/education/entice/forms/shagapp06.pdf