New Ecological Interpretative Signs!
- Paul Gulezian
- Jan 20
- 2 min read
Oakton College has installed four new ecological interpretative signs on the Des Plaines campus for 2025!
These signs are a collaboration between Oakton Naturalist Amanda Krause and Oakton Professor Paul Gulezian with contributions from several Oakton students. Each sign is focused on one of the principal natural ecosystems present on campus that Oakton manages to promote biodiversity; to enhance valuable ecosystem services; and to maintain the aestethic beauty of the land.
The ecosystems highlighted in the signs are: Oak-Hickory Mesic Woodlands; Maple Woodlands; Wetlands; and Tallgrass Prairies. PDFs of the signs can be downloaded from the Ecosystems page of this website.
The narrative on each sign integrates information about how each ecosystem develops and functions; the important species that interact with each other to create the ecosystem dynamics in each habitat; connections to humans from historical times to contemporary times; the importance of each ecosystem in terms of ecological, economic, cultural, aesthetic, and intrinsic value; and recommendations for how people can enjoy, understand, and learn from each ecosystem.
Information on websites is great, but it's even better to discover these amazing ecosystems in person - at any time of year. So come out and find these signs for yourself; explore the beautiful land on Oakton's Des Plaines campus; and connect with nature in a way that revitalizes your soul.
Oakton's Des Plaines campus is located (by human address) at: 1600 Golf Road, Des Plaines, IL, 60016, or you can find it otherwise on the East Bank of the Des Plaines River, just north of a dramatic and lovely easterly bend in the river that looks like this from above:
Come visit and explore the lovely natural ecosystems on campus! There is much to enjoy and much to learn that will amaze and inspire you - if you only take the time to experience it for yourself.
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