Dig it and forget it—that’s one of the biggest appeals of woodchip bioreactors, one of many nitrogen-reducing practices recommended in the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.
The bacteria living in these long, narrow trenches remove nitrogen carried through farm tile lines through a process known as denitrificaiton. The result is an average annual nitrogen reduction of 25 percent for roughly 10 years—and with minimal maintenance for the farmer.
But don’t just take our word for it. Hear what University of Illinois researchers Mark David and Laura Christianson had to say about this conservation agriculture practice this video.
The Paul A. Funk Recognition Award provides a personal award to the winner as well as funds for their department to use in support of their work benefiting natural resources and human environmental systems.
This year, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant’s Robin Goettel won the award for her extensive educational outreach work, including the creation of numerous curricula for science teachers and others. In particular, the Fresh and Salt curriculum, the Greatest of the Great Lakes collection of model lessons, and The Medicine Chest have helped to inform, engage, and education over 100,000 students about environmental science related to the Great Lakes.
Robin isn’t afraid to get totally immersed in her environmental education work either, as this excerpt from her nomination proves:
“No description of Robin would be complete without a mention of Zelda the zebra mussel, a ‘spokesmussel,’ as Robin describes her. Zelda is a costume that Robin is not afraid to pull out at public events. While maybe not quite ready for Disneyworld, Zelda draws a crowd. People start with a laugh, are compelled to ask questions, and end up with a better understanding of invasive species for the unconventional approach.”
Those examples don’t begin to touch on the work that Robin has engaged in throughout her many years with the program–from direct engagement with students of all grade levels, to educational displays at some of the Midwest’s biggest events, to forging partnerships with other environmental organizations to better educate, inform, and engage people in protecting and preserving natural resources.
Robin’s many years of work on environmental issues, and her dedication to fostering ever higher levels of science education for students of all ages, make her a terrific and very deserving choice for this award.
Graduate students: don’t miss your chance to advance your research and expand your professional network! The 2026 Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Graduate Scholars Program is now open for applications. Whether your work focuses on coastal resiliency, Great Lakes science, water resources, or community engagement, this opportunity offers funding and professional development to support your graduate research. Learn more and apply today — opportunities like this don’t come every year!
Join us next month at the Friends of the Chicago River’s Friends of the Chicago River’s annual Student Congress. We’re excited to attend this free, student-driven environmental conference where we will be leading the Great Plankton Race.
Learn about river issues, connect with peers and professionals, enjoy snacks & giveaways, and even see live animals.
Who: Open to all students, families welcome too! Where: On the campus of Northeastern Illinois University When: Saturday, February 28, 2026 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
✨ Start Your New Year with Great Lakes Learning! ✨
Kick off 2026 by exploring the Center for Great Lakes Literacy Resource Library. It’s your one-stop hub for lesson plans, activities, and tools to bring Great Lakes science into your teaching setting.
Join us for a hands-on Project WET Make-and-Take Workshop in Chicago! 📅 When: March 12, 2026 from 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM CT 📍 Where: 200 S Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 💲 Cost: $25 (includes classroom-ready activity kits, lunch & refreshments) 🗓️ Registration closes February 26. ✅ Open to 3rd–8th grade formal & informal educators ✅ Earn 6 PD hours ✅ Leave with ready-to-use water education kits aligned to Common Core & NGSS 👉 Don’t miss out—space is limited! Learn more and register at the link in bio.
