Category Archives: Natural and Agricultural Sciences

01.13.20

LLCC welcomes new dean of natural and agricultural sciences

Dr. Kimberly VogtKimberly Vogt, Ph.D., from Indianapolis, has joined LLCC as dean of natural and agricultural sciences. She began her new duties Jan. 6.

Dr. Vogt comes to LLCC from Marian University where she served as chair of the department of biology for three years and assistant professor of biology for an additional four years. Prior to that, she served as instructor of biology and biology lab coordinator at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and as an adjunct instructor at Waubonsee Community College and Kishwaukee College.

Vogt is originally from central Illinois. She earned a doctor of philosophy degree in ecology and evolution as well as a bachelor’s degree in biology from Northern Illinois University, and attended Joliet Junior College for undergraduate studies.

01.08.20

Fall bird banding results issued

Below are a few of the highlights from the fall 2019 bird banding season, our 15th banding season at LLCC. (For a copy of the full, detailed report, email tony.rothering@llcc.edu.) You will notice numbers were significantly lower than a typical fall season. We are hoping it is just an anomaly instead of a new norm.

  • 1,289 birds of 74 species were banded over 69 banding days this fall (this is significantly lower than our fall average of 2,208 birds banded over a similar time frame).
  • The above numbers translate into 18.7 birds banded/day (our typical fall average is 33.2 birds/day).
  • We had 269 recaptures (birds banded earlier in the fall or banded in an earlier season).
  • The oldest bird recaptured was an American Goldfinch that was banded during the spring 2014 season.
  • The top five species banded (based on the number banded) were: White-throated Sparrow, American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, American Robin and House Wren.
  • During the first weekend of November, we did a little nocturnal banding and successfully banded two owl species: one Eastern Screech Owl and one Northern Saw-whet Owl (our target species).
  • One new species was banded at the station (Bell’s Vireo) which brings our cumulative station total to 24,875 birds banded of 126 species.
  • Over 300 people visited the station over the banding season including LLCC students, Cub Scouts, and many other community members.

The spring 2020 season will begin March 19. You always are welcome to visit if your schedule allows!

Tony Rothering, professor of biology

01.07.20

Congratulations to LLCC Agriculture!

Bill Harmon accepting award on behalf of LLCC at NAAE national conferenceLLCC Agriculture is one of just six programs nationwide to receive the 2019 National Association of Agricultural Educators Outstanding Postsecondary Agriculture Program Award. Bill Harmon, agriculture program coordinator, accepted the award at the NAAE annual convention in Anaheim, Calif. on Dec. 3. The award honored LLCC as an outstanding agriculture education program from the Midwest region.

12.02.19

Open forum today with candidate for dean, natural and agricultural science

An open forum will be held today, Dec. 2, from 2-2:45 p.m. in Menard Hall, Room 2207 with the first of three candidates for the dean of natural and agricultural science position. Please attend if possible.

Below are the dates, locations and times for the remaining forums.

  • Wednesday, Dec. 4, 1:30-2:15 p.m. in the Trutter Center
  • Monday, Dec. 9, 1:45-2:30 p.m. in Menard Hall, Room 2207
11.25.19

Open forums with candidates for dean

Three candidates will be coming to campus for interviews for the dean of natural and agricultural science position. Below are the dates, locations and times for these forums. Please attend if possible.

  • Monday, Dec. 2, 2-2:45 p.m. in Menard Hall, Room 2207
  • Wednesday, Dec. 4, 1:30-2:15 p.m. in the Trutter Center
  • Monday, Dec. 9, 1:45-2:30 p.m. in Menard Hall, Room 2207

Also, as a reminder, the third and final open forum for the dean of English and humanities position will be held tomorrow, Nov. 26, 2-2:45 p.m. in Menard Hall, Room 2209.

11.08.19

Registration open yet today for “Promoting GIS in Education”

LLCC and Think Geospatial Education will host a workshop for educators on “Promoting GIS in Education” on Nov. 12, 4-7:30 p.m. in Sangamon Hall, Room 2309. The event takes place during Geography Awareness Week, Nov. 11-15.

Space is limited for this event. The cost of the workshop is $10, and registration is required by today, Nov. 8. A light dinner will be included. Register online at https://thinkgeospatial.education.

“ArcGIS online mapping allows students to design maps, analyze data and create story maps. These tools help students to learn valuable geospatial and critical thinking skills for problem solving,” says Dean Butzow, LLCC professor of geography.

Participants will learn what GIS is and why it is important, basic GIS skills that can be used with students, the potential of GIS in curriculum, how to set up a free ArcGIS online account and about the K-12 Esri GIS competition. The workshop offers three, free professional development hours (PDHs) for teachers and is sponsored by LLCC, Think Geospatial Education, Esri, the Illinois Geographic Alliance and the Geographic Society of Chicago.

11.07.19

Registration closes Nov. 8 for “Promoting GIS in Education”

LLCC and Think Geospatial Education will host a workshop for educators on “Promoting GIS in Education” on Nov. 12, 4-7:30 p.m. in Sangamon Hall, Room 2309. The event takes place during Geography Awareness Week, Nov. 11-15.

Space is limited for this event. The cost of the workshop is $10, and registration is required by Friday, Nov. 8. A light dinner will be included. Register online at https://thinkgeospatial.education.

“ArcGIS online mapping allows students to design maps, analyze data and create story maps. These tools help students to learn valuable geospatial and critical thinking skills for problem solving,” says Dean Butzow, LLCC professor of geography.

Participants will learn what GIS is and why it is important, basic GIS skills that can be used with students, the potential of GIS in curriculum, how to set up a free ArcGIS online account and about the K-12 Esri GIS competition. The workshop offers three, free professional development hours (PDHs) for teachers and is sponsored by LLCC, Think Geospatial Education, Esri, the Illinois Geographic Alliance and the Geographic Society of Chicago.