Elmoville Prairie

This 3-acre remnant prairie located in rural Stockton, IL was the first land protection effort of the Northwest Illinois Chapter. Elmoville Prairie is a small, but diverse prairie remnant that supports natural populations of species not known from elsewhere in Jo Daviess County and serves as an important genetic resource for those and other prairie species.

 

View of Elmoville Prairie. Photo by Dan Carter.

Elmoville Prairie

View of Elmoville Prairie. Photo by Dan Carter. 

This 3-acre remnant prairie located in rural Stockton, IL was the first land protection effort of the Northwest Illinois Chapter. Elmoville Prairie is a small, but diverse prairie remnant that supports natural populations of species not known from elsewhere in Jo Daviess County and serves as an important genetic resource for those and other prairie species.

Access & Directions

From Stockton, head south on IL-78. Turn right on E Schuller Rd. Then south (left) on S Elmoville Rd. The prairie will be to the right before hitting E Morseville Rd. 

Google Map

Site Steward

Connect with the site steward to see how you can care for this rare habitat at an upcoming work party.

This site is stewarded by The Prairie Enthusiasts Northwest Illinois Chapter

Upcoming Events Here

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How to Enjoy This Site

Allowed:

  • Hiking
  • Bird Watching

    Not Allowed:

    • Hunting
    • Collecting plants, animals or other natural materials

    How to Enjoy This Site

    Allowed:

    • Hiking
    • Bird Watching

      Not Allowed:

      • Hunting
      • Collecting plants, animals or other natural materials

       

      View of Eldred Prairie. Photo by Dan Carter.

      What Makes Elmoville Prairie Special

      Interesting Info here. Remember not to note listed species (endangered, threatened, etc.) Good things to include are non-listed species. When to enjoy the site. animals to see or hear. special events held there. unique characateristics. 

      White baptisia at Elmoville Prairie. Photo by unknown photographer.

      How was Elmoville Prairie Protected

      Elmoville Prairie falls on lands that were taken by the US government in the 1829 treaty with the Chippewa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi. The Illinois early 1800s land cover map classifies most of site as historical prairie, but the southwest corner and lands to the west are classified as timber. 

      The Prairie Enthusiasts acquired this tract in 1996. Subsequently, it has been burned every three to five years, and woody vegetation and herbaceous invasive species have been periodically removed. In 2014 seed sourced for 21 species collected on or in the immediate vicinity.

      Prescribed burn in 2014 at Elmoville Prairie. Photo by unknown photographer.

      How You Can Help Elmoville Prairie

      The main concern at this site is invasive shrubs. This site would also benefit from more frequent burns, so whether you’re trained in prescribed fire, or would like to get out the loppers, join us in saving this rare habitat. 

      Check out our Events Calendar to see upcoming work parties or contact the site steward to get involved.

      Prescribed burn at Elmoville Prairie. Photo by unknown photographer.

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