Morton Grove Park District Activity Guide
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1464667
register at mortongroveparks.com | 2022 Summer Activity Guide 53 A Dedicated Prairie BRIEF HISTORY The Prairie Nature Preserve was offi cially dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve in October, 1979. By being a dedicated Nature Preserve, this land is protected by law. With proper care, the preserve will remain in its present natural state. The preserve is signifi cant as a rare natural area located in a high density metropolitan area with little remaining open space. Endless educational opportunities are provided by the Prairie Nature Preserve to those who might otherwise never experience or know the benefi ts of a prairie community. The entire prairie area is encircled with an asphalt path to provide easy viewing by visitors and on the east side is an observation deck with an interpretive sign. We invite you to come out and discover one of the natural wonders of Morton Grove. Prairie Nature Preserve The Morton Grove Prairie Nature Preserve is a remnant of the tall-grass prairie that originally stretched from Eastern Nebraska into Northern Indiana. Of special interest to ecologists and naturalists, the prairie is of the black soil mesic type. Thus it is unusually rich with a wide variety of lush vegetation. Few surviving grasslands are of this type. Today's Prairie The present small prairie is located on land, which by the start of the Civil War, belonged to the G. Gabel Farm. From the botanic evidence and the Gabel family tradition, the piece of land north of Churchhill Street and midway between Waukegan Road and Oak Park Avenue has never been plowed because it was too wet. Ice was cut in the winter from the site. Prairie Plants Prairie plants include grasses and forbs (wild fl owers) with trees and shrubs being present only as scattered individual or clumps. The most important grasses on the Morton Grove Prairie are switch grass, cord grass, prairie dropseed, porcupine grass, Indian grass and big and little bluestem. Also grass-like sedges mass to form a small meadow. Over 100 species of plants not found anywhere except on a prairie are found at the Prairie Nature Preserve. The land is owned and managed by the Morton Grove Park District. For more info visit mortongroveparks.com/pnp PRAIRIE NATURE PRESERVE SUMMER STAFF Apply online at mortongroveparks.com NOW HIRING $13-15 PER HOUR