Near campus exists an under-utilized living laboratory that could contribute significantly to student education and improve campus sustainability initiatives like iCAP. This 13-acre prairie was established in 2018 with funding from a USDA grant. Across 96 plots, the project was designed to examine interactions between soil, microbes, prairie plants, agro-chemicals, and bees with the goal of identifying best prairie restoration practices for habitat adjacent to crops. This project will make access to summer research more equitable by ensuring fair play for students engaged, allowing a more diverse group of students to participate. Students will insect, soil, and do plant sampling initiatives that will expose them to ecological and plant research techniques. Advanced students will also conduct independent research projects. They will also repeat soil data collection efforts, allowing them to accurately assess accumulation of carbon sequestered across treatments, enabling recommendations for future plantings. This project will be primarily located at the Phillips Tract Pollinator Habitiat Restoration experiment, which is located on a University-owned and managed property just outside of Urbana's NE city Limits.