Chicago Botanic Garden Fall 2020

Across the Preserves Explore one of the few remaining original prairies in Illinois Estimated to have once covered nearly 73 percent of Cook County, prairie ecosystems are considered our region’s dominant natural community. Today, only a tiny fraction of the original prai- rie remains. Less than five miles from the Chicago Botanic Garden, visitors can find one of Illinois’s highest-quality original prairies: Somme Prairie Nature Preserve. Located between Dundee Road and the I-94 Edens spur in Northbrook, Somme Prairie Nature Preserve is pri- marily a wet prairie, with some mesic prairie as well. It is one of 25 Illinois nature preserves in the Forest Preserves of Cook County, the most of any local agency in the state. The 74-acre site has undergone decades of dedicated restoration by volunteers, contractors, and Forest Preserves staff. Originally, the site included a small remnant of land that had escaped inten- sive early use by settlers. It thus became an important source for seeds of native plants during restoration. Now in its final stages of its restoration, the site will soon be a complete prairie habitat. Somme Prairie Nature Preserve offers a network of unpaved footpaths that allow hikers to feel a part of the prairie. During a fall visit, visitors may see a stunning display of yellow and purple prairie flowers, including different spe- cies of asters, goldenrods, blazing star, and a variety of sunflowers. For those who enjoy bird-watching, common fall species at the site include song spar- rows, field sparrows, and flycatchers. On a warm fall day, visitors may also be greeted by butterflies and dragonflies. Looking for other prairies to visit this fall? In Morton Grove, you can find both Wayside Woods Prairie and Miami Woods Prairie. Learn more fpdcc.com Photo by Lisa Muskgrave 20 chicagobotanic.org