2020 Environmental Grant
Photo: Patricia Andersen
Bartel Grassland Improvements
by Bartel Grassland Volunteer Steward / Forest Preserve District of Cook County
Restoration of this 585-acre prairie and wetlands in southern Cook County began 20 years ago. The aim was to preserve breeding habitat for grassland bird species, whose numbers are declining worldwide. Work continues to sustain the restoration of this now thriving wildlife habitat.
The Bartel Grassland volunteer steward program vigilantly removes invasive species. The 2020 TCAS Environmental Grant is being used to purchase native herbaceous and woody stem plantings that volunteers will plant to fill the voids created by on-going invasive plant removal. The new plantings will further improve the habitat and deter recurrence of invasives.
The site is recognized by Audubon as an Important Bird Area for Bobolink and designated an Illinois Natural Preserve by Illinois Nature Preserves Commission as one of the highest quality natural areas in the state. Summer breeding birds include Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Grasshopper Sparrow, Dickcissel, Henslow's Sparrow, Virginia Rail, and Sora. In winter, Short-eared Owls and Northern Harriers take up residence.
Partnering to Achieve Restoration: The initial restoration was launched in 2001 with a plan drafted by Thorn Creek Audubon to save and improve this site that was home to grassland birds and other wildlife. A coalition of landowner Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Audubon (Chicago Region and Thorn Creek), Bird Conservation Network, Openlands, and many volunteers came together to achieve restoration.
The preserve is sustained through a partnership with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Audubon-Chicago Region, Openlands, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Thorn Creek Audubon, and the Bartel Grassland Volunteers.
