Canada Geese

As early as 1876, Stephen A. Forbes began studying the distributional records and food habits of Illinois fishes. A biological field station was established on 1 April 1894 and fieldwork was conducted from a well-equipped cabin boat designed by Forbes. The first permanent structure for the biological station was completed in 1940 on the federal Chautauqua Refuge.

 

Since its inception in 1939, the staff of the Waterfowl Research Center of the Forbes Biological Station have conducted extensive studies relating to wetlands, waterfowl and the river environment.

 

The Frank C. Bellrose Waterfowl Research Center has spearheaded research on many aspects of waterfowl biology and management and on the effects of sedimentation on aquatic habitats. Benchmark work has been done on lead poisoning in waterfowl, and major books and articles have been published on wildlife.

 

The Center’s successful waterfowl program includes aerial waterfowl inventories, which have been conducted each fall since 1948, and long-term research on Wood Ducks and wetlands.

Ducks at ChautauquaChris Hine at NauvooFrank C. Bellrose

In Memoriam:

Dr. Frank C. Bellrose

1916-2005

To contact us:

Forbes Biological Station

P.O. Box 590

Havana, IL 62644

Phone: 309-543-3950

Fax: 309-543-4999

Email: mgeorgi@inhs.uiuc.edu

IDNRINHSFrank C. Bellrose
Waterfowl Research Center