Early collaborators stand on the steep hill prairie at Robinson Park, planning the first steps of restoration. Photo: Ali Fakhari

Note: A restoration kickoff date was originally scheduled for January 19th but has been CANCELLED.  A new kickoff date will be set in the future.

By Ali Fakhari, Field Representative, Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves

Starting at Robinson Park, a new wave of volunteers will come together to clear brush and begin the restoration of a rare and threatened ecosystem, the hill prairie.

Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves has been enlisting a great many people, mostly the young or young at heart to join in becoming expert stewards of these ecosystems and the restoration needed. 
New constituencies, if they stand the test of time, will be providing crucial recovery and ongoing care decades into the future.

Nature can’t take care of itself. The basic reason is that this ecosystem and these species evolved over millions of years with fire. In the absence of fire shrubs and trees shade out the grasses and wildflowers that are the heart of the prairie and open woodland communities. With those plants go the butterflies, birds, walking sticks, ants, fungi, and all the rest of the interdependent biota of this ancient remnant. 

With some help, it will in the future mostly take care of itself. A good start beating back the misplaced woodies and invasives may take some time, however next spring, after a prescribed burn, a "miracle of healing" will emerge as new green shoots in the sunlight. 
Then, an occasional controlled burn will likely be all it needs. (Except some love and scientific study.)

It needs people who want to learn stewardship - and who already have strength, vision, and dedication. Everyone's invited to see whether there may be a good role for you. 

Call, text, or email us at:
Ali Fakhari
847-691-7472 
ali@friendsilnature.org

Here is what 13 years of fire suppression can do to this ecosystem:

• The first photo below is from 2010 of the northernmost hill prairie at Robinson Park, surrounded by openings in the canopy on either side. 
• The second photo below is of the same hill prairie in 2023. The main hill prairie is shrinking, now surrounded by dense canopy cover shading the diverse understory.