Habitat Types

Habitat Types. Chicago Park District Natural Areas. , Prairie: , Prairies once covered much of Illinois, but very few original prairies remain today. Prairies are dominated by grasses and wildflowers, with few trees. Hundreds of species of native flora have been observed in Illinois prairies, some of which are quite rare. Prairie plants have extremely deep root systems that help stabilize the soil and allow these plants to survive fires and cold winters. During all seasons of the year, prairies offer food and shelter to thousands of native insects mammals, birds, and other wildlife. , , Wetland: , Wetlands occur where water collects, making the soil wet for much of the year. They are diverse, ranging from grassy marshes along rivers and ponds to bogs, floodplain forests, wet prairies, and fens. Many plants and animals, such as marsh birds, are dependent upon these areas and cannot live or thrive in drier places. Over the past two centuries in Illinois, nearly ten million acres of land were artificially drained for agricultural and urban development, more than any other state. This drastic transformation led to a decrease in water quality, soil erosion, and the loss of important habitat, making restoration a high priority for wildlife and people. In an urban setting like Chicago, wetlands are particularly beneficial because they store rainwater, helping keep basements dry, and decrease the severity of flash flooding. , , Savanna: , The oak savanna was once one of the most common vegetation types in the Midwest but is highly endangered today. Savannas are characterized by sparsely scattered mature trees, clusters of shrubs, and abundant grasses, sedges, and native flora growing underneath. This landscape results in a patchwork of sunny and shady spots, allowing an exceptionally diverse array of plants and animals to thrive. Oak trees can support hundreds of species of butterflies, moths, and other beneficial insects, important food sources for birds rearing their young. With their sheltering trees, open spaces, and abundant resources oak savannas provide outstanding habitat for many animals.