Bringing a Prairie Back to Life

Nachusa Grasslands Preserve can feel like a place that time forgot. Prairie grasses roll to the horizon, dotted by dark clusters of bison, and birds flit from stem to stem. More than 4,000 acres in size, this preserve in northern Illinois harbors 700 native plant species, 230 species of birds, 270 bee species, rare Blanding’s turtles and federally threatened prairie bush clover.

But it hasn’t always looked like this. When The Nature Conservancy purchased the nucleus of what is now Nachusa in 1986, it was agricultural land, hard-grazed prairies and oak woods. With the help of volunteers, we’re restoring it to the natural tallgrass prairie that was once there. The herd of 100 bison that roam Nachusa are part of the equation; they create wallows, fertilize the soil and graze, which stimulates plant growth.

Ecosystem restoration is a slow and laborintensive process. The work involves mowing and treating invasive shrubs with herbicide, scattering native seed and using prescribed fire to keep the land in balance and restore nutrients to the soil.

To accomplish this work, TNC relies on its volunteers. “They are a part of the Nachusa team as much as any paid staff,” says Bill Kleiman, Nachusa project director, who has spent most of his 30-year career restoring this special place. “We treat our volunteers as colleagues and give them the same training as if we hired someone on.” Organized through the nonprofit Friends of Nachusa Grasslands, the volunteers carry out physical labor, manage administrative duties, lead tours, plan the site’s “Autumn on the Prairie” festival and more.

One long-term volunteer and the president of Friends of Nachusa, Bernie Buchholz, manages a 50-acre parcel of prairie on his own. Under his stewardship, this former cornfield has transformed into a diverse and thriving prairie. Another volunteer, Paul Mellen, repairs broken machines, does light carpentry and maintains the preserve’s equipment.

Although it’s hard work bringing the prairie back, the task energizes volunteers and staff alike. “It’s a joy seeing the landscape become healthier,” says Kleiman.

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