This aquatics laboratory, the only one of its kind in Illinois, is used to monitor waterways throughout DuPage County and to research local water quality. It includes a free-standing plumbing system with make-up water capacity, raceways for mussel propagation, and fish holding tanks.

DuPage County Forest Preserve staff and other ecologists use the new Urban Stream Research Center facility to monitor, raise and reintroduce native mussels and non-game fish to local waters. Research activities include improving the understanding of microhabitat needs for species survival and improving the success of species re-introductions, as well as evaluating the success of habitat restoration techniques in urban aquatic environment.