Why You Should Visit
Indian Boundary Prairies, a cluster of five prairie remnants just south of Chicago, comprise the largest remaining example of high-quality grassland in Illinois and one of the best in the Midwest. With this great diversity of plant and animal life, the Indian Boundary Prairies are a sort of biological "ark" for the future — a living flotilla of hope for the inhabitants of Illinois' once vast prairie community. Because of their importance, a portion of the Indian Boundary Prairies has been named a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Preserve History
In 1971, the Gensburg brothers donated 60 acres to TNC to launch the preserve. Fifty years later, the Indian Boundary Prairies are still collaboratively managed between TNC and Northeastern Illinois University. Altogether, the Indian Boundary Prairies have expanded to approximately 468 acres (358 acres managed by The Nature Conservancy) and reside within the municipalities of Markham and Harvey, border the city of Midlothian, and are positioned around two major highways. This placement of the prairies surrounded by community offers unique challenges and opportunities for the promotion of the intersection of people and nature and the connection of managed prairie sites with the local communities, in addition to grassland restoration.
What TNC Has Done/Is Doing
Stewardship staff work tirelessly year-round to improve the prairie so both plant and animal life can thrive. Work is performed through invasive plant species control, woody brush removal, and wetland re-creation. Controlled fires are a critical management tool used to maintaining healthy grassland communities that TNC stewardship staff are incorporating into the landscape. The resulting wetland and prairie ecosystems not only provide valuable habitat for wildlife such as the monarch butterfly and migratory bird species, but also help minimize negative environmental impacts such as flooding in the surrounding communities.
Primarily located within the city of Markham, or the “Prairie Capital of the Prairie State,” TNC is working to become an active member of the community by partnering with local education, religious and business representatives. The Indian Boundary Prairies serve as a resource to the local community by providing a living laboratory that introduces and invites people to embrace the concept of connecting people and nature in a personal way. Recently established annual programs and events include The Youth Environmental Thinkers paid internship program, the Awe of Nature Festival, and Prairie Day.
For more information, or to schedule a tour, contact Debra Williams, Community Engagement Specialist, at 708-825-9369.