The Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves, supported by the Cary Park District, is hosting a Prairie Seed Collection event on Saturday, October 19 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at Sands Main Street Prairie.
Sands Main Street Prairie is a dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve, receiving the highest level of protection available for a natural area within the state. Its gravel hill prairie supports a rare ecosystem, a rolling landscape home to many rare native plants.
An introduction and tour of the Nature Preserve will be followed by guided seed collection of beneficial plants typical of gravel prairies. Participants will then distribute the seed in parts of the site that are in need of enrichment.
This event is the first of three volunteer workdays planned for Cary’s protected prairies, under the care of the Cary Park District. The other sites are Hillside Prairie and Water Tower Prairie, where participants will help with clearing unwanted brush during the winter months. Dates to be announced.
Participants are asked to bring gloves, wear long sleeved shirts and pants, and to carry water. Clippers for cutting stems will be provided. Snacks will be served.
Directions to Sands Main Street Prairie
On East Main Street, about a mile east of the intersection of Rt. 14 and E. Main Street & east of Dexter Drive. The entrance sign is on the north side of the road at the old farmhouse. Park in the gravel lot on the left and meet the group in the lawn near the biggest barn.