Manito Prairie

Description

Manito Prairie is located on a sand and gravel terrace above the Illinois River floodplain. The bulk of the terrace was formed during the post-glacial period of the Wisconsinan glaciation with some sand deposition occurring later. This preserve is the last remaining area in Illinois containing high quality gravel hill prairie and sand prairie that represent the Illinois River Section of the Illinois River and Mississippi River Sand Area Natural Division. Dry-mesic forest and successional field communities also occur at the site. Over 200 species of vascular plants have been observed within the preserve. Two of the prairie species, Tennessee milk vetch and kitten-tails are rare. Franklin's ground squirrel is one of the more unusual mammals. Current management practices include prescribed burning, brush cutting, fencing and monitoring rare species.