Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve: Tall Grass Prairie Restoration

Summer greetings from the studio and a recent trip to the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve to see this landscape erupting in bloom. Now that summer has truly arrived in the midwest I try to be in nature as much as possible.

Illinois was once covered in tall grass prairies. Most of these grasslands have disappeared and been turned into farmland, towns and cities. At just over 400 acres, the restored prairies of the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve are part of a small percentage of tall grass prairies that still exist in Illinois today. Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve is stewarded by the Lake County Forest Preserves District.

These prairies and wetlands help to protect the surrounding communities by acting as a flood retention system. The creeks, wetlands and a large reservoir fill when heavy rains arrive.

Organizations like Openlands, who I have had the pleasure of working with directly, take on the challenges of conserving and protecting these special places. These are the landscapes that surround Chicago. They are uniquely midwestern in character. The prairie rolls away from me, not unlike the waters of Lake Michigan. The land rippling gently to the Mississippi.

Rudbeckia, Coreopsis, Yarrow, Milkweed, Bull Thistle, Vetch, Compass plant and many others, all native to the Illinois prairies, can be seen in these photographs. Jostling, shoulder to shoulder, healthy and lush, the summer rains have fallen heavily this year and the prairie is full. All of these plants are working together to create a rich tapestry of color, texture and form. Each plant playing its part in this ecosystem.

Every time I get the chance to visit a place like this, I am reminded of how important it is to spend time outdoors. The way the mind and the body change as we leave the city and explore these open expanses. Remarkable wildlife, a verdant oasis and perfect weather all combine here.

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