Prairie Lane Conservation Area
Prairie Lane Subdivision was platted in August of 2000, the developers worked with the Boone County Conservation District, the Village of Timberlane, the Boone County Planning Department, the Boone County Board, and the Parks & Conservation Foundation to create a conservation area as part of this development project. The concept was relatively new and everyone was excited to try a conservation design.
Legend
North is top of page
- Yellow = proposed trail system
- Light Blue = wet meadow restoration
- Tan = oak savannah restoration
- Green = existing wooded/wetland area
- Uncolored = prairie restoration
Note:
- Entry drive and parking area may need to be paved
- Shelter & pit type restroom shown next to parking area
- This property is subject to the covenants of Prairie Lane Subdivision
Today, the Schneeman-Leeson Conservation Area offers a mowed grass trail that winds its’ way through the wet meadow and prairie habitat that has been established here. More than 120 species of native forbs and grasses were planted to create a rich mosaic of species that supports pollinators throughout the growing season. These same plants provide breeding and nesting habitat for many ground nesting birds. A walk at daybreak along one of the paths is likely to treat the listener with a soundscape that is only gifted to the early riser. In addition, these same plant communities serve a vital role in managing stormwater runoff from the Prairie Lane Subdivision. Dense root systems open pathways for stormwater runoff to filter into the soil and recharge groundwater. Sediment and other contaminants often associated with this stormwater runoff are mitigated by prolonged exposure to sunlight, are not channeled to form concentrated flow that can erode soil and further degrade surface waters in streams and creeks. And excess nutrients applied to lawns and landscaping is more likely to be used by these plants instead of being carried off downstream to pollute our water systems. Collectively, all of these features can be labeled as ecological services that contribute substantially to our quality of life.
The Parks & Conservation Foundation supported this project by accepting the developer’s donation of land to be held until the Boone County Conservation District could successfully utilize the property donation’s eligible value as a matching component toward a grant project. By doing this, the Boone County Conservation District (BCCD) essentially doubles the financial value of the developer’s donation. In this case, the BCCD used the matching component of an Illinois Department of Natural Resources land acquisition grant to purchase an additional 92-acres of important conservation land along the Kishwaukee River. The Parks & Conservation Foundation role in this process cannot be overstated – it was essential to the success of this process. This is but one of the important functions that the Parks & Conservation Foundation contributes to the Community of Boone County, Illinois.
On the following page is a map that shows the development plan for this site. Additional contributions are needed to fully implement this plan. Elements left to be funded include a parking area