You may have noticed trail cameras at your local parks here in Normal. These cameras were being used to track local wildlife! Undergraduate interns at Illinois State University, staff at ISU, the Ecology Action Center, and the town of Normal were working together to study local wildlife.
The study aimed to answer the question, “Do animals use streams as corridors?” Trail cameras were placed along the streams that intersect through Hidden Creek Nature Sanctuary and North Blair Drive. Photos were taken and data was recorded on the animal species and movement patterns. Although people were also captured on these cameras, photos were deleted for privacy purposes.
Crow with trash in its mouth. Keep our environment clean!
On this webpage, you can view the “photo of the week” of animals that were captured by the trail cameras.
At the conclusion of this project it was determined that Sugar Creek is indeed an ecological vein. Whether it is the middle of the night, sun rise, or mid-day animals are abundant in their activity. Using this data we understand what animals are utilizing these stream corridors and how. If you would like to read more about the initial findings of this project, please read this article written by former ISU student and EAC intern Lacey Fever and her research advisor Dr. Catherine O’Reilly. For end of study findings please view these graphs.
Please contact the Ecology Action Center for any questions or comments!
Click here for more information from the Town of Normal
