McHenry County Conservation Foundation

Less than 1/100 th of original natural prairie lands remains in Illinois, most of the land being converted to farmland or developed for other human uses. Glacial Park Conservation Area is the largest contiguous area of publicly managed land in McHenry County, and this project aimed to convert 21 acres from row crop production to natural prairie grassland. The site supports numerous threatened or endangered species, including the Blanding's turtle, monarch butterfly, and the rusty patched bumblebee. The project also aims to decrease sedimentation into Nippersink Creek, a major recreational waterway in McHenry County, and improve the ability of this area to recharge groundwater, which is where McHenry County residents receive 100% of their drinking water.