Management and restoration efforts of this prairieland include prescribed burns, removal of invasive species, control of exotic and aggressive brush, seed collection and planting, and rare plant management. These restoration efforts are critically important to protecting the high-quality natural areas owned by the BFPD and restoring degraded and once-farmed fields back to a healthy and natural prairie state. On the Forest Preserve's main preservation site, the Jarrett Prairie Preserve, our restoration efforts ffghtytly involve the pulling, mowing, and herbicide spraying of exotic species. In addition, the collecting of seeds from our native prairie plants and planting them in degraded areas is very important. Restoration efforts at our newly acquired Nardi Hills Preserve are currently centered around the removal of exotic and aggressive woody plants from the interior fence lines, the dolomite prairie remnants, and the oak savannas. Large scale prairie plantings are also being done, with 76 acres planted so far, with plans for 40 additional acres this fall. If you have any questions regarding our restoration efforts, or if you can volunteer some time toward our efforts, please call Todd Tucker at 815.234.8535 ext. 222. |
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