Illinois artist Kevin Veara has built a celebrated career as a painter of birds from his remote studio on the banks of the Sangamon River.

On Sunday (May 21), the Champaign-based Prairie Rivers Network will mark its 50th anniversary, with an afternoon of events at Allerton Park, near Monticello.

Spokesman Jeff Kohmstedt said the Champaign-based environmental group believes its work is increasingly important, as President Donald Trump’s administration promises to cut back Environmental Protection Agency oversight.

Heavy rains have caused flooding in several areas, including the Embarras River at Villa Grove, the Vermilion River near Danville and the Sangamon River at Monticello.

How do you know what mussels inhabit a stream? You get in the water and dig with your hands. And knowing what mussels are there provides scientists with important clues about the overall health of a waterway.