Prairie Bluff Preserve was created in 2006 with the lease by the District of 730 acres from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois State Police. This land was previously part of the Illinois Department of Corrections' Stateville Prison. This Preserve has been protected to allow restoration and hydrological management activities to promote groundwater recharge of the seeps which feed the wetland breeding habitat of the Federally-endangered Hine's emerald dragonfly in the adjacent Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve. The Lockport Township Park District also leases a portion of the property.

The District is planning to provide a public access area which will include access to a trail system. Development of the Preserve is planned for 2010-2011. View more information about this project.

Photograph Courtesy of Ron Molk