Rare ecosystem ranks as Number 2 priority
information provided by Forest Preserves of Cook County
Zander Woods has been identified as the Forest Preserves’ number two priority restoration site because it is a rare sand savanna ecosystem in Cook County. The preserve is currently dominated by black and white oak trees that are shading out many of the habitat’s rare native plants. The 140-acre project will include tree removal, with an overall goal of increasing light levels on the ground.
The project is part of The Millennium Reserve Compact – Uniting to Control Invasives project, which includes 12 sites totaling nearly 300 acres of wetlands, prairie, and savannas that will be restored. Partners include Audubon Great Lakes and Greencorps Chicago, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, Chicago Park District, Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, Southeast Environmental Task Force, and the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
About 60 acres were completed last winter, and crews are working hard to finish up this year.