Powderhorn Prairie, which straddles Chicago’s southeast side and the suburb of Burnham, is home to an ecosystem so rare it’s considered globally imperiled. Powderhorn’s sand prairie was formed under the waters of ancient glacial Lake Chicago. When the lake water receded, it left dunes and swales in its wake. This home of prickly pear cactus (yes, cactus in Illinois) and prairie sundrops is one of the highest quality prairies in Illinois.

Reviving ecological stewardship at Powderhorn has been on Friends’ agenda for many years. We have an active volunteer group that meets regularly for workdays to help this special place.

There are lots of opportunities to get involved with Friends or with many other stewardship groups throughout the county. Volunteers remove invasives, collect trash, assist with prescribed burns, and gather and spread seeds to restore the natural health of the ecosystem. Whether it’s at Powderhorn Prairie or another preserve, we think everyone will enjoy getting out in nature to restore habitat with some like-minded people.