We were thrilled to have members from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) on campus last week to conduct a fish survey on Lake Oakton as part of Campus Sustainability Month. This series of events on college and university campuses across the nation are held in conjunction with the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). Not only were were thrilled to learn that our Lake is healthy, but we were impressed by the number of species found living here!
Led by District Fisheries Biologist, Frank Jakubicek, two dozen students, several employees, and community members learned about biodiversity assessment on campus and had a chance to engage in recording data about the findings. Frank was impressed by the health and vitality of our largemouth bass population–a secret that is already out among a small group of avid fisherfolk who visit our campus regularly. Other species included bluegill, gizzard shad, pumpkinseed sunfish, white sucker and warmouth. This proved to be an amazing learning opportunity for so many, particularly those students involved in our Environmental Studies Concentration. Registration is open NOW for Spring Semester. Sign up for your ESC courses today!
Check out the full report: Oakton Community College Pond Supplemental Survey Report 2017
Photos courtesy of Paul Gulezian: