Prairie Works

Every prairie lover or bird watcher in Northern Illinois has at least heard of Nachusa Grasslands. Nachusa is a true ecological gem for Illinois. It serves as the flagship project in the Midwest for The Nature Conservancy and has set the benchmark for a volunteer network that now stewards its thousands of acres.

The story goes that it started in the early 80’s when famous prairie preservers Doug and Dot Wade were birding down the country roads of Lee County and heard a bird song that sounded like the Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda). When they got out they discovered acres of undisturbed prairie. Immediately, preservation efforts began and The Nature Conservancy bought its first parcels in 1985.

Since then, land ownership has increased to over 2,500 acres that contain several different ecosytems including sand boils and woodlands as well as numerous rare plants, birds and insects. In fact, the first insect reintroductions have taken place here. The Checkerspot Butterfly was transplanted from habitats that were being lost to development and brought to Nachusa where they can monitor its survivability. The Nature Conservancy has been very creative with its donations. They have started corporate sponsorship of new purchases. Today, we have The Tellabs Savanna, named after the large telecommunications conglomerate which donated the dollars for the new tract. An onsite seed harvesting operation was completed a few years ago which helps restore the new acres which are continually being added. In the future a herd of Bison may be brought back to the Illinois prairie here.

Nachusa Grasslands is located Northeast of Dixon and South of Oregon, IL. An information kiosk is located off of Lowden Rd. You can also visit the restored grist mill at the Franklin Creek Natural Area just south of Nachusa. Volunteer stewards lead nature walks through the preserve monthly and many events happen there throughout the year.

http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/illinois/preserves/art1116.html Nature Conservancy Site

http://www.bwcvb.com/component/option,com_magazine/func,show_article/id,6/Itemid,36/ Detailed Directions and Description 

http://www.nature.org/magazine/autumn2007/features/ Article on Volunteer Steward - Jay Stacy