Shaw Prairie Stewards

Shaw Prairie Stewards Shaw Prairie Stewards care for one of the finest prairies in Illinois and quality savanna and woods Everyone is welcome. No experience needed.

We work, get exercise, and eat treats together at break time. On the other hand, we especially invite people who might want to “work, learn, and lead.” These rare ecosystems need so much more restoration than conservation staff folks can do. Many of us have been empowered to contribute as fast as we can demonstrate we’ve mastered what the various needs take. We cut brush and burn bonfires; we harv

est, prep, and broadcast rare seeds; we publish posts and videos; we control invasive weeds; we monitor rare species. All this work is authorized by Lake Forest Open Lands Association (which owns the Skokie River Nature Preserve, of which Shaw Prairie, Savanna, and Woods are a part). This initiative was set in motion by Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves. We feel a part of both fine groups. Connect to them here:

https://www.lfola.org/skokie-river-nature-preserve

https://friendsofillinoisnaturepreserves.org/events/

A beautiful day to care for Shaw WoodsOn Saturday May 16, a sunny and pleasant day but getting hot by noon, twelve volun...
05/26/2026

A beautiful day to care for Shaw Woods

On Saturday May 16, a sunny and pleasant day but getting hot by noon, twelve volunteers continued working on the seasonal priority, pulling garlic mustard in the woods

We noted many flowering shooting stars enjoying the dappled sunlight where we have opened the canopy around bur oaks. We also noted a substantial increase in the range covered by one rare and one uncommon species we’ve been monitoring in this area that has been receiving much attention and restoration effort over the past four years

Upcoming tasks include gathering of spring seeds and aspen girdling. Also, a crew of two crackerjack stewards geared up to spray invasive woody re-sprouts in and around these woodland priority areas

Want to get involved? Reach out to the volunteer leaders at [email protected]

Or via shawprairiestewards.com

Shaw Prairie Stewards serve the ecosystem at Skokie River Nature Preserve
Lake Forest Open Lands Association

Photos 1-5 by Monica Gajdel, 6-7 by Jess Sladek

Hope you are enjoying these beautiful spring days 🌱🗓️ We have an updated schedule for MayThis Saturday, May 9th, is the ...
05/07/2026

Hope you are enjoying these beautiful spring days 🌱

🗓️ We have an updated schedule for May

This Saturday, May 9th, is the Lake Forest Open Lands Association Chicago River Day supported region-wide by the Friends of the Chicago River. There are 8 spots left--Sign up here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chicago-river-day-2026-skokie-river-nature-preserve-tickets-1984566619181

✏️Upcoming Shaw Prairie Stewards volunteer work dates are Saturdays, May 16 and 30
9 to noon

The invasive garlic mustard is plentiful out there 🥹
Continuing to pull them makes room for spring flowers

If you aren't able to make any of our work days this spring, we highly recommend taking a walk in Shaw Woods 🌱

Check out the website for great information and photos
shawprairiestewards.com

Shaw Prairie Stewards serve the rare ecosystem at Skokie River Nature Preserve
Lake Forest Open Lands

Photo of white trillium taken on May 14, 2022 in Shaw Woods

Address

Skokie River Nature Preserve
Lake Forest, IL
60045

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