Illinois is the Prairie State, so-called because of the once biologically rich grassland that covered about 60% of the landscape. Today, because of agricultural and urban development, more than 99% of the original prairie is gone. Efforts to conserve the state’s prairie heritage include protection of unplowed remnants, reconstruction of prairie through new plantings and creation of gardens using native prairie plants. This college has a strong affiliation with environmental sustainability and the protection of native animal species. Through research and education, this team addresses issues related to the preservation of natural habitat worldwide and the impact of human activity on the environment and the health of people and animals. In particular, we have a strong and long-standing service and education program, the Wildlife Medical Clinic, devoted to providing medical care for native wild animals  and raising awareness of native species in the surrounding public. More than 2,000 ill or injured animals receive care every year through this program, and several birds of prey that we are licensed to keep spend their days in a flight cage on campus when they are not being displayed for public education talks at local schools and organizations. 

This team proposes to install a perennial garden consisting of plants characteristic of native tallgrass prairie in central Illinois. The area suggested for this planting is to the east by the front entrance to the Basic Sciences Building and to the south around the sculpture called “Growing in Illinois,” by Illinois artist Richard Hunt. This garden will be designed to educate, beautify and inspire. It will be a public symbol of the commitment to the native plant species of the ecosystem as well as the native species that rely on that ecosystem. Also, by planting a fairly low-maintenance garden, the University reaps the benefits in terms of reduced energy costs for mowing.