Wolf Road Prairie Nature Preserve is a sanctuary for native plants and animals that is being maintained and restored to its natural condition so present and future generations can see the Illinois landscape as it appeared in the past. This living example of natural heritage is valuable for scientific studies and provides habitat for rare plants and animals. It is a remnant of the prairie and savanna landscape that once graced much of northeastern Illinois. At this site, a freshwater marsh dominated by sedges and cattails occupies the northern half, while high-quality mesic prairie occurs throughout much of the rest of the site. The prairie is dominated by tall grasses such as big bluestem and Indian grass and includes flowers such as blazing stars, shooting stars, hoary puccoon, rattlesnake master, prairie phlox, prairie dock, and compass plants. The remnant oak savanna is restricted to a narrow corridor along 31st Street and is dominated by open-grown burr oaks with carpets of wild geraniums and wild hyacinth. Sidewalk trails at the site are a reminder that it was once targeted for development. The preserve is owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Save the Prairie Society, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
