The Santa Fe Prairie
was dedicated as a nature preserve on Aug. 5, 1997. The prairie qualified for protection under the Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act as a Category I Illinois Natural Areas Inventory site in recognition of its high quality (Grade A) mesic gravel and dry mesic gravel natural communities. Santa Fe Prairie is the only site in Illinois that contains examples of both of these ecological treasures. The Illinois Nature Preserves Commission oversees restoration, management and protection efforts at the preserve.
| Santa Fe Prairie is a high quality remnant of the natural community that existed here since the retreat of the last glacier about 10,000 years ago. Santa Fe Prairie’s 10.8 acres contain two types of gravel prairie. This high quality dry mesic and mesic gravel prairie is the larger of the two remnants of its type that survive in Illinois. The mesic gravel prairie is rated by The Nature Conservancy as globally rare and threatened throughout its range. |  |
Click here to learn how you can help preserve this beautiful piece of Illinois.
Over 225 native plant species have been recorded here, and many of these only thrive in places like Santa Fe. If you would like to see the various flora and fauna found at Santa Fe, check out the photos taken there by our visitors, posted on iNaturalist. You can also follow us on Facebook.
