There are always big things to do at the prairie. This past year summer we’ve moved our boulders and railroad ties to better outline the road and parking areas. We take down invasive trees, and clear the creek.
| On Wednesday February 25, 2026, the Friends of the Illinois Nature Preserves came by to help us execute a burn. We had a few starts and stops because of the wind, but finally we had a favorable day. This followed having a crew in to take down over a dozen cottonwoods, which will greatly help the blooms at the southern end, and allow better bird migration. |  |
| The creek borders the entirety of the prairie to the north, running from the west, and into the Des Plaines River. It needs regular attention to keep it flowing unimpeded, especially after big rains that wash dead branches, leaf litter and other debris into it. The water is shallow and incredibly clear. It’s the home of snakes and frogs and, along with our ponds, it provides water for deer, coyotes, and other wildlife. We’ve even occasionally seen little fish in it. |  |
| Among our many projects are controlled burns. Burning is part of a prairie’s identity. Without burns, prairies would not exist. Burns bring back part of what makes a prairie what it is. Burns keep trees, shrubs and invasives from crowding out the tallgrass prairie plants that support the wildlife that only live in prairies. There are plant species that depend on burns, and would not otherwise exist in that landscape, and the process aids greatly with plant diversity. In the springtime this means more sun hits the ground, unimpeded by the previous year’s debris. |  |
 | Ideally we want to run a controlled burn every year although this is not always possible. Various cooperative organizations provide certified volunteers with experience in planning and executing our burns. Civilians can get certified to participate in these events. Our volunteers are welcome to observe the burns, and even help set up burn breaks that keep the fires contained to the desired areas. Keep an eye on our volunteer page for information on upcoming burns as they are scheduled. |