Wolf Road Prairie

This is an 80-acre remnant prairie, wetland, and savanna complex in Westchester, Illinois. Efforts to restore this site began in the 1960’s while the actual restoration began in earnest in 2005. The site was full of invasive species such as Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinaceae), Cattail (Typha latifolia), Common Reed (Phragmites australis), Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), and Sandbar Willow (Salix interior). All woody invasive species were removed and all cut stumps were treated. In addition, herbicide was applied to all herbaceous invasive species. Stewardship has been performed on the site since 2005. Stewardship includes hand pulling, herbicide treatments, seed collection and seed dispersal. There have been three prescribed fires since 2005.

This site, which was once an overgrown thicket of invasive species, has responded very well since clearing and stewardship efforts have taken hold. There are currently 300 species of native wildflowers and grasses found on site including several rare species such as the Lady Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium spp.) and Slender Wheatgrass (Agropyron caninum). Over 300 species of birds utilize this site for nesting, migrating food source, and cover. Wildlife has proven to be abundant and diverse in an area that is surrounded by busy urban communities. This site demonstrates the need to protect the state’s remnant plant communities, as well as the ability of a remnant area to return to its original, beautiful condition through restoration activities.

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