Effective management of Lake Michigan’s dynamic coastline is vital to protecting sensitive habitats and sustaining fisheries, recreation, and tourism across coastal communities in Illinois and neighboring states. Researchers at the Prairie Research Institute play a key role in this effort, providing the high-quality data needed for sound decision-making through advanced technology and standardized field surveys.
Based at Illinois Beach State Park, teams from the Illinois Natural History Survey’s Lake Michigan Biological Station and the Illinois State Geological Survey’s Lake Michigan Field Office conduct research along the shoreline and in the water — from mapping the coast and tracking sediment movement to monitoring fish populations and restoring wetlands.
Dive Deeper into Coastal Research
Learn more about coastal research conducted at PRI with interactive and in-depth stories.
Mapping Sand Extent & Thickness Along the Chicago Coast
See story map about the Chicago Coast
Capturing Coastal Change & Human Impact along the Illinois Lake Michigan Coast
See story map about coastal change
Can artificial reefs in Lake Michigan slow erosion & boost fish population?
Read article in the Chicago TribuneGet in Touch
For more information about PRI, our work, and how to collaborate with us, contact us.
* Media Contact *Prairie Research Institutenews@prairie.illinois.edu217-265-4677
