Animals and Plants

In 2015, through a partnership agreement with the National Forest Foundation and the USDA Forest, 27 bison were introduced as a restoration experiment. In the beginning there were 23 cows and four bulls.

Although some types of wild seed are available from specialized native plant nurseries, many are not. That’s one major purpose of Midewin’s three native seed production gardens - to produce seeds of native grasses and wildflowers that we cannot get from other sources.

Invasive species and noxious weeds are a common sight on the Midewin landscape. Nearly 70 non-native, invasive plant species at Midewin threaten restoration, management, health, and safety.

Midewin supports populations of 27 Regional Forester Sensitive Species, including 1 species on the Federal list of endangered species and 19 species on the State threatened, endangered, or watch lists.

Midewin is one of the best places in northeastern Illinois to see amphibians and reptiles. There are 26 species found in the diverse grassland, woodland, and wetland habitats here, and 6 other species found nearby.