Santa Fe Prairie Nature Preserve has been dedicated as a sanctuary for native plants and animals and is maintained in 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 may provide habitat for rare plants and animals. A high-quality feature of the preserve is its mesic gravel prairie, which The Nature Conservancy rates as globally rare and threatened throughout its range. Surrounding lands have been managed to support natural forest, prairie, and wetlands, benefiting Santa Fe Prairie.