Lockport Prairie restoration, Be a Trailblazer campaign earn Chicago Wilderness awards

_{From left: Adam Oestmann, deputy director, Forest Preserve District of Will County; Barbara Sherwood, restoration ecologist, Forest Preserve District of Will County; Jason Zylka, ecologist, US Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District; and Laurie Ryan, co-chair for the Excellence in Ecological Restoration Program and plant ecologist for McHenry County Conservation District.}

Two Forest Preserve District initiatives, a major restoration project at Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve and the Be a Trailblazer campaign, have received awards from the Chicago Wilderness Alliance.

The awards were accepted by Forest Preserve staff during a Celebration of Conservation held on Oct. 22 at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago.

Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve restoration

The Lockport Prairie restoration work received a platinum tier Excellence in Ecological Restoration Program Award from a Chicago Wilderness commission that judged nominated projects. 

“The commission has been impressed with your knowledgeable staff and their work,” according to the award notification letter. “Equally impressive is the support and organizational commitment of the Forest Preserve District of Will County and volunteers to restore the high-quality natural areas under your jurisdiction to their fullest potential.”

The 320-acre Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve features globally rare dolomite prairie that forms in shallow soils over dolomite bedrock. The site’s mix of prairie and groundwater-fed wetlands supports two federally endangered or threatened plants – leafy prairie clover and lakeside daisy – and provides critical larval habitat for the endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly. 

The preserve also shelters 11 state-listed plant species, the federally endangered rusty patched bumble bee, and two state-endangered turtles, including Illinois’ largest spotted turtle population.

Juli Mason, director of conservation for the Forest Preserve, said the project was a collaborative effort. 

“In large part, this award recognizes the significant partnership of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the habitat restoration undertaken at the preserve,” she said. “It’s a pleasure to have our work together to restore the rare and unique habitats at Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve recognized.” 

Be a Trailblazer

The District’s Be a Trailblazer challenge, which has attracted more than 2,000 participants this year, received a George B. Rabb Force of Nature Award. 

“These awards highlight bold and exceptional work being done on behalf of nature in our region,” according to the Chicago Wilderness award notification. “The Be a Trailblazer Campaign stood out among a very strong slate of nominations.” 

Be a Trailblazer is a public engagement effort by the Forest Preserve District of Will County that encourages people to explore nature through self-guided challenges in and beyond the preserves. Open to all ages and ability levels, participants complete photo, GPS-based and trivia missions at their own pace. More than $10,000 in prizes will be awarded through support from The Nature Foundation of Will County and local business sponsors.

“This award honors how the Be a Trailblazer marketing campaign has connected people with nature and positively impacted their lives,” said Chad Merda, head of digital marketing strategy/engagement. "It has inspired more time outdoors, physical activity, and learning about wildlife and the importance of protected open space. The effort reflects the District’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences in nature that promote health, happiness, and appreciation for the preserves that make Will County a remarkable place to live, work and explore."

The Chicago Wilderness Alliance is a regional network of leaders, experts and conservation professionals from Southeast Wisconsin, Northeast Illinois, Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan working together on large-scale conservation to ensure a healthy, thriving region for people and nature.