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Prospect Heights commission highlights biodiversity at ComEd Prairie, urges work on unmanaged strip
Summary
Commissioners presented photos of the ComEd Prairie, reported abundant native plants and pollinators, and recommended addressing a neglected area between the bike path and Elmhurst Road; volunteers’ long‑term herbicide work was credited.
Agnes Farari, chairperson of the Prospect Heights Natural Resources Commission, presented a photo tour of the ComEd Prairie and recommended moving ahead to restore an unmanaged strip between the bike path and Elmhurst Road.
Farari said the prairie shows “increased abundance of biodiversity” and described dense stands of native plants with few invasives. She noted areas of tall goldenrod and Monarda that will need attention and singled out a “no man’s land” near Elmhurst Road as a priority. “I was so blown away by what I actually saw,” she said, urging the commission to proceed when staff and volunteers are available.
The presentation credited a longtime volunteer for maintenance work. Farari praised “Peter,” who the commission said has overseen herbicide treatments for years, and called his efforts a major reason for the prairie’s improved condition.
The report also highlighted pollinator gains: the presenter estimated the prairie could host very large numbers of pollinators when peak bloom arrives. Commission members recommended scheduling workdays to address the unmanaged area and to continue monitoring plant community composition.
The commission did not adopt a binding action at the meeting; staff and volunteers were asked to prioritize a site visit and follow up at a future meeting.
