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Units Available for Stewardship

Headquarters Barn

The big red barn is the nerve center of Nachusa Grasslands. Much of the precious seed gathered throughout the year is processed and stored here. The preserve’s equipment resides 
​and is maintained at the barn. All the volunteers and staff unite ​​here before a day’s work and then they convene back together

to share a lunch and fellowship, where many challenges are shared and solved in community with one another.
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This stewardship opportunity may interest a person/couple that enjoy being in the center of high activity, yet maintaining order. These are the tasks a steward(s) would undertake: 

• The break room requires floor sweeping, counter & sink cleaning, and general straightening.
• The trucks & maintenance bays need to be kept tidy by sweeping the floors, and straightening items.
• The table in the seed room often needs straightening and cleaning.
• The seed collection scissors require oiling and sharpening, and the buckets are in constant need of cleaning.
• Many visitors get their first view of Nachusa as they stop at the headquarters barn. Weed removal around the barn adds to the overall first impression.

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Jay Meiners Wetlands

This outstanding 80–acre unit boasts varied habitats: a beautiful remnant wetland, bur oak savanna slopes, and a restored upland prairie. In addition, there is a 30–acre agricultural field for those who might want to try their hand at cornfield–to–prairie restoration! The potential plant species list for this unit rivals any on the preserve. This rich and varied habitat nestles next to the north edge of Franklin Creek State Natural Area. The unit is home to fox, muskrat and mink; even the American Bittern, a uncommon heron in Illinois, has been sighted here.
 
Though this unit has wonderful features, there are still many tasks to challenge a steward:

• Seed collecting to diversify the upland prairie restoration.
• Weed management in the restoration, on the savanna slopes, and in the wetland.
• Removal of exotic shrubs and weedy trees on the savanna slopes.

• For those who have learned the floral components of the prairie and techniques of restoration, a chance to plant raw agricultural land back to prairie.​

Franklin Creek meanders through Jay Meiners Wetlands

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Thelma Carpenter Prairie

Thirty–five acres of dramatic dolomite hill prairie and thirty acres of beautiful restoration greet the eye in this attractive unit. The unit is a species–rich treasure, filled with Leadplant, Shooting Stars, Downy Gentian, Alum Root, Cream False Indigo, Goat’s Rue and many more!! With the stunning topography and the meticulously restored prairie, this unit would be a delight for any steward to tend.
 
A conscientious steward can find plenty of ways to oversee this property:

• Weed management to remove invasive plants.
• Seed collection and overseeding of the restored 30 acres.
• Brush removal to eliminate exotic shrubs and trees.

More unit updates coming soon! Check back to this page . . .