Nachusa Grasslands is owned and operated by The Nature Conservancy, a nonprofit conservation organization.

Friends of Nachusa Grasslands is a nonprofit, tax exempt entity created in 2008 by Nachusa Grasslands volunteers dedicated to supporting Nachusa Grasslands, and is not affiliated with The Nature Conservancy.

The goals of Friends of Nachusa Grasslands are to
■ build an endowment for long-term protection
■ promote volunteerism and
■ encourage science and education
at Nachusa Grasslands.

Nachusa Grasslands consists of 2800 acres of prairie remnants, restorations, and reconstructions located between Oregon, Dixon and Franklin Grove, IL. Remnant prairie knobs were protected from the plow by an unfarmable overlay of St. Peter Sandstone. Starting in 1986 with the purchase of 250 acres, The Nature Conservancy has gradually recreated a vision of 1800 Illinois' mosaic of prairie, savanna and wetlands. Hundreds of dedicated volunteers have collected seed to replant former corn and bean fields.

It is an ongoing effort to remove non-Illinois plants from the preserve. Nachusa Grasslands is home to over 600 native prairie plant species as well as many important birds, insects, and reptiles.

The preserve is open to the public every day from dawn to dusk.  The main Lowden Road entrance has an information kiosk, with maps, but no water or toilet..

UPCOMING EVENTS

WorkDays: 9 AM-Noon, Meet at headquarters barn a little before 9AM.
February 6 - Fen Unit
February 13 - Dot and Doug Wade Unit
February 20 - Hook Larson Prairie
February 27 - West Heinkel Savanna

Hike:
February 28, 2010 Sunday 2:00 PM
Carpenter Prairie
2 hour hike - 2 miles - hilly - off trail

CONTACT US

The President of Friends of Nachusa Grasslands is Bernie Buchholz, who can be contacted by sending e-mail to bcb234@gmail.com.