Forest Preserve Awarded For Restoration Work At Lockport Prairie

LOCKPORT, IL — The Lockport Prairie restoration work by the Forest Preserve District of Will County has received an award from the Chicago Wilderness Alliance, the preserve shared in a news release.

The award was accepted by Forest Preserve staff during a Celebration of Conservation held on Oct. 22 at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago.

The Lockport Prairie restoration work received a platinum tier Excellence in Ecological Restoration Program Award from a Chicago Wilderness commission that judged nominated projects, the preserve said.

“The commission has been impressed with your knowledgeable staff and their work,” according to the award notification letter. “Equally impressive is the support and organizational commitment of the Forest Preserve District of Will County and volunteers to restore the high-quality natural areas under your jurisdiction to their fullest potential.”

The 320-acre Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve features globally rare dolomite prairie that forms in shallow soils over dolomite bedrock, the preserve said. The site’s mix of prairie and groundwater-fed wetlands supports two federally endangered or threatened plants – leafy prairie clover and lakeside daisy – and provides critical larval habitat for the endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly.

The preserve also shelters 11 state-listed plant species, the federally endangered rusty patched bumblebee, and two state-endangered turtles, including Illinois’ largest spotted turtle population.

Juli Mason, director of conservation for the Forest Preserve, said the project was a collaborative effort.

“In large part, this award recognizes the significant partnership of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the habitat restoration undertaken at the preserve,” she said in a release. “It’s a pleasure to have our work together to restore the rare and unique habitats at Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve recognized.”