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The Nature Conservancy in the Great Lakes Region Great Lakes Contact Us How We Work Places We Protect Press Releases Resources Volunteer Ways of Giving |
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Great Lakes Conservation
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Illinois - Indian Boundary Prairies,
The Indian Boundary Prairies, a cluster of four prairies just south of Chicago, comprise the richest remaining example of Lake Michigan lakeplain prairie, the native grassland that once extended along the western shores of Lake Michigan. This prairie complex is habitat for several species of grassland birds such as Henslow’s sparrows. More than 250 species of plants thrive here, including the federally threatened Eastern prairie fringed orchid.
In 1971, the Conservancy launched a preserve at this important site with 60 acres of donated land. Conservation efforts continue to this day with the Conservancy working with private, public and volunteer partners to actively protect and restore this threatened landscape. Long recognized as one of the best examples of the Eastern tallgrass prairie, a portion of the Indian Boundary Prairies has been designated a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
