Efforts to manage populations of threatened and endangered plant species in Illinois are hindered by limited knowledge regarding their reproductive biology.  Without additional knowledge, the survival of these species in Illinois is at risk.  Dr. Janice Coons and Dr. Henry Owen, along with Mrs. Nancy Coutant and Mr. Brent Todd, have been assessing whether current factors are limiting the development of several of these threatened and endangered plants.  Their research involves field surveys as well as lab research including flower initiation, flower development, pollination, fertilization, seed development, seed dormancy, germination, and seedling establishment.

This research involves both undergraduate and graduate students investigating these plants throughout the year.  Student investigators have presented their research at professional meetings and to professional affiliations such as Botanical Society of America, Environmental Horizons, Illinois Native Plant Society, and Illinois State Academy of Science.  This program provides opportunities for students to participate actively in a scientific endeavor and to increase our understanding of these threatened and endangered plants so that more informed management decisions can be made.