Regular, Sunday open house hours will resume May 4, 3pm-5pm.
The Wasted Land: Ignored Dimensions of Habitat Loss
Sunday, April 6, 1:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester
Plant and animal extinctions are occurring globally at an accelerating rate. “Habitat loss” is often given as a reason and around the world people attempt to reverse these losses by preserving remaining habitats. Unfortunately these areas are not immune to what happens outside their boundaries.
John Cebula, who is actively involved in many conservation projects, examines the most common and most harmful threats to protected areas, threats that compromise their intended purpose and offers suggestions on how individuals can aid threatened species.
Daring flight of WRP’S male woodcocks at dusk
Friday, March 21st @ 7pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester
Join our Woodcock experts at dusk to see the male woodcocks perform their daring courtship flight.
Every spring, our male Woodcocks return to an area a little north of the Prairie House deck. From that vantage point, one can watch their dramatic and dangerous flights. It is their way of attracting a female. They are showing off their courage. Just before the male takes off, he makes loud nasal peent calls that are preceded by soft throaty notes. Periodically, the male launches into flight flying higher and higher, about a hundred feet from the ground.
No other bird performs a more dangerous courtship flight. Join us and see and hear this unique and daring courtship flight from the deck of the Prairie house.
A History of the “L” from Chicago to Westchester
Sunday, March 9*, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester
Jack Doyle will present a program on the history of the Chicago Elevated Railways and the Westchester L as part of the celebration of Westchester’s centennial.
The presentation will cover the full history of Chicago’s elevated railway and the extension of the Garfield Park L to Westchester, providing a direct ride to the Chicago loop. The Westchester L was abandoned in 1951 and the land left vacant includes the location of today’s Prairie House School Museum and Welcome Center to Wolf Road Prairie.
*Snow date: Sunday, March 23, 2025
Illinois: Traveling Through History
Sunday, February 9*, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester
Imagine traveling through time to see the places and learn about the people who have made Illinois famous. Professional photographer, naturalist and history buff Jim Rowan has put together some of his favorite images of places you can visit to experience our historical and natural wonders first hand.
Come enjoy this slide presentation and hear Jim’s personal travel recollections at the historic Prairie House School Museum and Welcome Center to Wolf Road Prairie.
*Snow date: Sunday, February 23, 2025
An Introduction to Wolf Road Prairie
Sunday, January 26*, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester
Wolf Road Prairie Steward Wyatt Widmer will give a presentation addressing the History, Make-up, Challenges and Wonders of the prairie, with video footage and images spanning the seasons.
This presentation is part of a series recognizing Save the Prairie Society’s 50 years of commitment to preserving Wolf Road Prairie.
*Snow date: Sunday, February 2, 2025
Origins of Holiday Treats
Sunday, December 8, 1:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester
This program will address the origins and history of some of our traditional holiday baked goods and other sweet treats. Many of these delights come from the Old World and spring from specific customs and circumstances that are interesting to explore.
Enjoy a holiday atmosphere, coffee time and a few samples of the items we discuss.
Early History of the Save the Prairie Society
Jack Shouba, one of the founders of the Save the Prairie Society (STPS), describes the early history (c. 1973) of the STPS’s efforts to save the Wolf Road Prairie in Westchester, IL.
The Biggest Little Farm
Sunday November 10, 1:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester
Join us for a screening of the award-winning documentary, The Biggest Little Farm, about a young couple and community of friends who commit to turning a worn-out piece of land into a farm.
Their decision to preserve the wildlife inhabiting the land makes this a story of unexpected turns, culminating in a deeper respect for nature.
Backyard Birds of Prey
Sunday, October 13, 1:00pm
Free event @ the Historic Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester
Hoos in the woods? Biologist Stacia Novy will talk about the raptors in our own residential neighborhoods. Hawks, eagles, falcons and owls encountered during a day or night on the town will
be covered. Ever wonder about the hawk that suddenly appears at your bird feeder? What about those strange calls heard in the middle of the night? And what kind of hawk sits on telephone wires? Attend this program to learn the answers and identities of these highly-urbanized, feathered friends!
The Red-tailed Hawk is one of the species that Stacia will cover during her talk on raptors. The Red-tailed Hawk is commonly seen in urban areas and at Wolf Road Prairie.