Field Notes

March 24, 2020

This spring, here’s what won’t change

Last week, Grace College (of which the Lilly Center is a division, and upon whose property we are housed) made the wise decision to follow government recommendations and send most students, staff and faculty home.

So our team tested a video calling system, had a group meeting, and cleared our desks of any important papers and equipment. For the foreseeable future, we’ll continue our normal hours from our kitchen tables and extra rooms and couches. As surreal as it all feels, it’s also the best decision for the time being.

Despite these temporary adjustments, there are many things about the Lilly Center that will remain the same. Here are a couple you can count on:

We’ll continue normal office hours… via email!

If you have a question or concern about something you’ve spotted on a nearby lake or stream, please continue to utilize our inbox. We want to hear from you! When possible, please include pictures. Additionally, our stream sensor network is still collecting helpful data even when our research team is not out in the field.

We’ll use social media to help you combat bad news and afternoon blues.

Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages for interesting articles to read, activities to try with your kids, and trivia about lakes and streams. Our blog is also a great place to find inspiration and learn something new!

Despite the unique circumstances, we’ll continue planning for events and programs later this year. We hope to see you in the summer and fall for cleanups, expeditions and workshops!