The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC)
Background

Great rivers have always served as focal points for great endeavors – large discovery expeditions, the development of major metropolitan centers, the emergence of agriculture and ultimately the rise of civilization itself. Thus, it should come as no surprise that near the confluence of three great rivers in North America – the Mississippi, the Missouri and the Illinois – an innovative and far-reaching enterprise has developed, the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC).

No place in the United States is more strategically located for research and teaching than at the confluence. Three great rivers come together in a strategic and unique part of Illinois. The Upper Mississippi River winds its way south to the Gulf of Mexico from its Lake Itasca, Minn., origin. And just south of Alton and north of St. Louis, the Missouri River, which courses some 2,500 miles from its Montana source, also joins the Mississippi. The Illinois River drains a major portion of Illinois before joining the Mississippi near the town of Grafton in southwestern Illinois. Their confluence creates a relatively unstudied yet significant ecosystem.

In 2000, University of Illinois researchers and Lewis and Clark Community College officials began planning the development of the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center; and in 2002, the first grant was awarded to make the vision a reality.

Since its creation, NGRREC has supported or led 12 environmental river research projects, ranging from the renewal of large floodplain rivers to the Great Rivers’ roles in rural revitalization. Research sponsored by NGRREC and its partners has totaled more than $1.5 million.

The research and education center is located on the Lewis and Clark Community College campus in Godfrey, Ill. Architectural and engineering drawings for a field station are in the process, with construction expected to begin by 2008. With a cave-like appearance, the field station is being designed to coexist with it natural setting and will strive to achieve LEED Gold Certification, which is a voluntary national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. The field station will be located adjacent to the National Great Rivers Museum, just south of Alton, Ill., near the Melvin Price Locks and Dam.