Sand Ridge Prairie
Sand Ridge Prairie has undergone some major changes since it's purchase in December 2010. Gone are the tracs of overgrown Scotch pines and White pines. The troublesome black locusts have also been removed. The removal of these trees covered several years and minimally impacted the high quality prairie remnants. Focus continues to remain on erradicating invasive species. Regular prescribed spring burnings, seed collection and seed redistribution has helped to main the high quality remnants while also increasing the desired plant growth in the areas undergoing restoration.
Background
An important piece of
The site has been known as an outstanding natural area for many years. Doug and
Dot Wade and Tim Keller, who brought Nachusa Grasslands to the attention of biologists and
eventually The Nature Conservancy, recognized its high value in the 1970s and proposed
that a preservation organization buy it. The Wades and Keller were also among the founders
of PPSOC, the oldest prairie preservation organization in
It was an undisturbed prairie remnant until 25 years ago when some of it was
planted in Christmas trees by the owner. The forester in charge supervised the plantings
to avoid the highest quality prairie areas and to protect other areas as well as possible.
He also supervised prescribed burning. Cutting and removing the trees was the
only disturbance to the property.
In 2007, Mike Jones was contracted by PPSOC to conduct a floristic survey of
According to PPSOC Board member Bob Piros, Prairie Ridge has a natural areas
assessment index which ranked it as extremely rare and of paramount preservation
importance. Less than 0.5% of land in the Chicago Region has a ranking this high. Prairie
Ridge is also home to an endangered plant.
Bob and Sonia Vogl, PPSOC Board members, spent many hours refining the funding
proposal to the ICECF. It was approved this past October.
Keith Blackmore, past president of PPSOC, is proud of this crown jewel of his
tenure: “The Prairie Preservation
Society of Ogle County is very grateful to the various groups which have come together to
make this remarkable purchase possible, including the Clean Energy Foundation, The Nature
Conservancy and Northwest Audubon.”
“We were very much aware of the prairie plants on this land when we
purchased it in 1985 to add to our tree production acreage,” said Warren Miller, the
former owner. “I'm delighted that the Prairie Preservation Society was able to secure
the funding to acquire this land.”
Directions
Sand Ridge Prairie is located south of Hwy. 64 at 2879 South Daysville Rd.
Visits are by appointment only with one of PPSOC's board members.
When you visit please take only pictures, leave only footprints...
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PPSOC's Beginnings (Tim's Story)
Douglas E. Wade Prairie Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve
Clear Creek Unit Pine Rock Nature Preserve Beach Cemetery
PPSOC Membership Current & Upcoming Events
Volunteer Activities Field Trips
Types of Prairies Sites to Visit
Index of Prairie Plants and Wildlife PPSOC Home Page