Wolf Road Prairie

Wolf Road Prairie Nature Preserve has been formally dedicated as a sanctuary for native plants and animals. It is being maintained and restored to its natural condition so that present and future generations can see the Illinois landscape as it appeared in the past. This living example of our natural heritage is valuable for scientific studies and provides habitat for rare plants and animals. , , Wolf Road Prairie is a remnant of the prairie and savanna landscape that once graced much of northeastern Illinois. At this site, a freshwater marsh dominated by sedges and cattails occupies the northern half while high-quality mesic prairie occurs throughout much of the balance of the site. The prairie is dominated by tall grasses like big bluestem and Indian grass and is festooned with a variety of colorful and interesting flowers including blazing stars, shooting stars, hoary puccoon, rattlesnake master, prairie phlox, prairie dock, and compass plants. The remnant oak savanna is restricted to a narrow corridor along 31st Street and is dominated by open-grown burr oaks with carpets of wild geraniums and wild hyacinth. , , Visitors are welcome, but please protect this nature preserve by remaining on the trail and by not disturbing or removing anything. The sidewalks that serve as trails are a telling reminder that this site was once targeted for development. Plants and animals are protected by law. Wolf Road Prairie Nature Preserve is owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Save the Prairie Society, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.