Illinois: The Prairie State
Once upon a time, 60% of land coverage in Illinois, approximately 22 million acres, consisted of vast prairie. Today it is estimated that 2,500 acres of prairie remain within state lines, a mere fraction of what once existed. Wetlands in our state have faced a similar fate, with an estimated 90% of historic wetland areas destroyed, drained for development, or tiled for agricultural production.
While we enjoy our share of modern conveniences, some historic development strategies have unfortunately led to not only elimination of prairie, wetland, and woodland habitats, but also the degradation of existing ones. Preference for gray infrastructure versus the incorporation of green solutions has led to unchecked flows into local waterways and unsustainable management of stormwater. Add in the rapid expansion of non-native and invasive species (an unfortunate side effect of our global society), and even our well-preserved natural areas can be under immense pressure.
Fully restoring the historic natural areas that once dominated Illinois and other areas in the Midwest is not a practical goal with modern development and expansion being an undeniable reality.
So, what can we do?

Preserve & Restore

Create & Design
