OREGON — Stronghold Conference and Retreat Center recently hosted a volunteer workday in partnership with Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves to remove invasive species from a rare hill prairie on its property. This prairie is listed on the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory (INAI) and is currently being prepared for potential designation as an official Illinois Nature Preserve.
The workday was led in coordination with Oregon native Kaleb Baker of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. Kaleb has been instrumental in advising land stewards on habitat restoration efforts across the region. His guidance at Stronghold is helping ensure that this sensitive remnant prairie—home to native plants and wildlife—is preserved for future generations.
Stronghold welcomed around 35 volunteers, with strong representation from both the Chicago Chapter of Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves and the growing Rock River Valley Chapter. Volunteers worked hard removing woody invasives, such as honeysuckle and autumn olive, which threaten to overtake the hill prairie’s delicate ecosystem.
Stronghold also includes other natural features of ecological value. As it moves toward nature preserve designation, it will continue hosting volunteer workdays and welcome anyone passionate about conservation, restoration, or learning more about native Illinois habitats to get involved.
This effort is part of a larger statewide movement to protect and restore Illinois’ remaining high-quality natural areas.
“Stronghold is proud to be a steward of this important work and invites the community to join us in preserving this special place,” a press release said.
