At the September 5th board meeting of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the acquisition of #11 and #12 Hickory Lane as buffer to Wolf Road Prairie. These parcels were threatened with high density development by Greene Development Group. The acquisition of these two sites totaling 10.15 acres protects the watershed and biodiversity of the prairie. The properties border Chicago Highlands Golf Course to the west, the Ashley Woods townhouse subdivision to the north, the Wolf Road Prairie wetland to the east and Save the Prairie Society and Illinois Department of Natural Resources buffer properties to the south. A portion of the Middle Fork creek, a large pond, a fen-like wetland and a remnant oak savanna are known to the properties. Both properties offer outstanding restoration opportunities to expand native plant populations, enhance wildlife habitat and protect open space. The District acquired these properties in late October. Another buffer property being acquired by the District on Hickory Lane is in condemnation proceedings. The District received a LAWCON grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to assist the District with the costs of these parcels. Our thanks to President Todd Stroger and District Commissioners and to Supt. Steven Bylina and staff for their dedication to protecting Wolf Road Prairie and its rare and endangered ecosystems and species through acquisition of these strategic buffer properties. return to Save the Prairie Society