Friends of Hinsdale Prairie

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Friends of Hinsdale Prairie Friends of Hinsdale Prairie: remnant prairie site, discovered by Dr. Robert F. Betz, in DuPage County Dr. Robert F.

WILD ONES DUPAGE NEWSLETTER: MARCH 2016Hinsdale Prairie... on Facebook
Hinsdale Prairie is a 2.5acre remnant prairie* enclosed by Illinois Route 83 on the west and the Village of Hinsdale on the east. On Jackson Street it runs north and south in a rectangle between 8th and 7th Streets. Betz successfully advocated for this prairie's preservation and long-term study with the Village of Hinsdale from the mid-1970s until he passed away in 2007. Dr. Betz studied Hinsdale Prairie's plants and soils, identifying an Illinois endangered species, Lespedeza leptostachya (Prairie Bush Clover), and later welcoming Dr. Marlin Bowles from the Morton Arboretum who in 2000 planted a population of the endangered Asclepias meadii (Mead's Milkweed). Dr. Gerould Wilhelm and Dr. Laura Rericha pointed to large encroaching populations of crown vetch, day lily, teasel and more when they conducted a research visit in the summer of 2015. Agreements are on the public record: Village of Hinsdale (VOH) trustees agreed to continue annual maintenance with annual weeding and prescribed burns. The parcel of land which includes HP, is an Illinois owned property in DuPage County (PIN #0911315002), which encompasses a wide range of landscape practices and neglect. BP/ West Shore Pipeline and IDOT Right of Way border and undermine the southwest portion. In the north, an overwhelming population of invasive plants exist as well as a combined stream and storm drain with ancient, crumbling infrastructure. VOH provides minimal turf grass maintenance in a portion of the area. Underground utilities have landscape easement ROW requirements as well. Friends of Hinsdale Prairie (FHP) was formed in 2014 as an advocacy group without meetings or dues, but importantly as a community joining together to be counted, standing ready to serve one of the most rare ecosystems in the world: a remnant prairie. If you’d like to help, please contact Kathleen Thomas at [email protected]. Prairie advocates can also add their 'likes' to the “Friends of the Hinsdale Prairie” page and posts, bringing much-needed attention to Hinsdale Prairie. * If you would like to understand why saving Hinsdale Prairie and other prairie remnants are so important, please view the TEDx youtube video called “Why Prairie Matters”. Thank you, Kathleen Thomas, Illinois Native Plant Society and Wild Ones member, FHP founder

10/11/2026

Honoring the living legacy of Larry Sheaffer, recipient of the Jane Foulser Habitat Award for his decades of dedication to restoring local prairies!

Larry Sheaffer was a passionate prairie advocate who channeled his lifelong love of nature into restoring native landscapes across northeastern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Though he humbly described himself as an "amateur naturalist," Larry was a true steward of the land—preserving forgotten remnants and planting vibrant new natural areas along the Illinois Prairie Path and in Warrenville’s local parks.

As an ecologist, Larry understood that humans cannot simply recreate a historic, true prairie. Instead, he thoughtfully viewed his plantings as "gardens without rows or paths"—living educational opportunities designed to reconnect the public with local biodiversity.

Larry joined the Illinois Prairie Path in the 1970s and soon became a board member, taking the lead on managing key native habitats. Over time, his stewardship expanded to oversee seven distinct areas along the trail system:

The Maywood Trailhead

Hoffman Park remnant (Glen Ellyn)

President Street remnant (Wheaton)

Founder’s Park (Wheaton)

Volunteer Park (Wheaton)

Prince Crossing (West Chicago)

Army Trail Road area

It was Larry’s vision to plant a prairie garden at Mile Marker Zero—the central hub of the Illinois Prairie Path. He supervised every phase of development at Volunteer Park, from site prep and plant selection to years of dedicated weeding, watering, and seeding. Thanks to his tireless care, this once-bare spot transformed into a thriving haven featuring over 100 native species of flowers and grasses.

A beloved fifth-grade teacher at Bower Elementary School, Larry’s passion for education extended far beyond the classroom. Whenever he was out working along the path, he routinely paused to answer questions and spark curiosity among passersby.

Larry Sheaffer’s lifelong dedication leaves behind a living legacy—flourishing native habitats where butterflies, fireflies, and essential pollinators continue to thrive today.

Photo: Volunteer Park by Ken McClurg

They’re back! Always a reminder of the quality and diversity of the plants in the remnant Hinsdale Prairie.
05/09/2026

They’re back! Always a reminder of the quality and diversity of the plants in the remnant Hinsdale Prairie.

05/07/2026

Join the Illinois Forestry Association, Illinois Extension, the Walnut Council, and Illinois Tree Farm for the 2026 Family Forestry Field Day at the Torstenson Youth Conservation Education Center.

Beautiful beginnings at Hinsdale Prairie AND you can view it from the sidewalk 8th Street and Jackson St. Hinsdale.INAI ...
05/07/2026

Beautiful beginnings at Hinsdale Prairie AND you can view it from the sidewalk 8th Street and Jackson St. Hinsdale.

INAI —- Illinois Natural Area Inventory —- PROTECTED by the state of Illinois as a remnant Tallgrass Prairie.
Do not add or remove any plants, except under the direction of Steward Kath - DM to join work mornings🤗🌻🤗

Address

724 S Jackson Street
Hinsdale, IL
60521

Telephone

+13127207245

Website

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