Skip to main content

Possible online services disruption due to Internet related outage

A worldwide technology outage is causing disruption to some State of Illinois online systems.  We are aware of this issue and are diligently working on restoration.

Attention hunters: Visit our FAQ page for information about the use of centerfire, single-shot rifles for deer hunting in Illinois. 

Somme Prairie

Nature Preserve Area

2

County

Cook

Location And Access

From Northbrook at jct. Hwys. 43 (Waukegan Road) & 68 (Dundee Road), take Dundee Road west 0.5 mi. The nature preserve is north of Dundee Road. Special Note: Off-trail access is restricted to those authorized by permits for research or stewardship during the growing season - May through October. Please stay on mapped and managed trails during this sensitive time.

Description

The 70-acre Somme Prairie Nature Preserve has responded well to the cooperative efforts of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, The Nature Conservancy, and the North Branch Prairie Project to restore the prairie. In 1977, when stewardship activities were initiated, the prairie survived principally as scattered, small openings. Fire suppression, mowing, grazing, and farming on the drier sites had decreased the vigor and extent of the presettlement prairie. Now, after years of stewardship at this site and the adjacent Somme Woods Forest Preserve, the marsh, wet prairie, mesic prairie, and oak savannas are recovering. A rich assemblage of prairie plants have survived on the site, including such conservative species as leadplant, cream false indigo, prairie brome, prairie gentian, hoary puccoon, and prairie phlox.

Ownership

Forest Preserve District of Cook County

Dedicated

June 1984

Size

70 acres

Topographic Quad

Highland Park

Topo Map

somme prairie

For Further Information

Contact: Forest Preserve District of Cook County, % Conservation Department, 536 North Harlem Ave., River Forest, IL 60305 (708/771-1330)

1/2009 - R. Heidorn