Water, Energy, and the Prairie Research Institute
The State Scientific Surveys which make up the Prairie Research Institute have a long tradition of research and service to the State of Illinois on water and energy resources and their use and management. Links to their websites are below.
Look for the "Prairie Research Institute at Work" boxes on the the Illinois Water & Energy Topics pages for specific examples of our work. Links to the home pages of each of the Surveys/Centers of the Prairie Research Institute are below.
- Illinois Natural History SurveyResearch relevant to World Water Day 2014 Water & Energy includes work on environmental contaminants and toxicology, and the health and biodiversity of aquatic systems.
- Illinois State Archaeological SurveyResearchers here investigate historic and prehistoric human settlements in the state. Their work informs our understanding of how water and energy resources affect occupation of the land.
- Illinois State Geological SurveyResearchers here map and describe of the state's energy and water resources. Their work informs resource development and the state's management of water and energy resources.
- Illinois State Water SurveyResearchers are engaged in monitoring, analyzing, and modeling water resource quality and quantity. Climate investigations here inform development of energy sources such as wind and solar.
- Illinois Sustainable Technology CenterResearchers work directly with business and industry to improve energy and resource efficiency to conserve resources and reduce overall environmental impact.