Poplar Creek Prairie Stewards is a volunteer-led restoration group working in partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County to advance long-term ecological recovery across prairie, savanna, and woodland habitats. We combine sustained volunteer stewardship with science-based management, professional contractor support, and grant-funded initiatives to deliver measurable conservation outcomes.
We welcome conversations with foundations, corporations, and public agencies interested in supporting landscape-scale ecological restoration and community engagement.
Organizational Overview
- Volunteer-led restoration group founded in 1989
- Working in partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County
- Active management of multiple sites within the Poplar Creek Preserve
- 600+ acres of prairie, woodland, and savanna landscape
- Long-term monitoring of birds, butterflies, and plant communities
Restoration Approach
Our restoration model blends:
- Regular volunteer workdays
- Licensed and certified invasive species management
- Professional ecological contractors when appropriate
- Prescribed fire managed by the Forest Preserves of Cook County
- Seed collection, propagation, and native planting
- Long-term ecological monitoring and adaptive management
This integrated approach ensures that grant-funded work is sustained beyond the life of a single project. See our restoration methods page for more details.
Current & Past Grant Support
Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (2023–2025)
Community Stewardship Challenge Grant supporting restoration of 11 acres in the Eastern Woods of the Schaumburg Road Grasslands, combining professional woody invasive clearing (RES, Inc.) with volunteer-led invasive control, seeding, propagation, and plug planting.
Annual Reports
Transparency and measurable outcomes are central to our work. Annual reports summarize restoration accomplishments, volunteer engagement, financial overview, and ecological impact.
Annual Reports
- 2024 Annual Report (PDF)
- 2023 Annual Report (PDF)
- 2022 Annual Report (PDF)
Financial Transparency
- Registered 501(c)(3)
- Operates in partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County
- Grant funds directed toward restoration activities and professional ecological services
- Volunteer labor significantly multiplies the impact of grant funding
- Financial oversight and reporting aligned with Forest Preserve partnership requirements
Grant Inquiry Contact
For grant discussions, partnership inquiries, or proposal requests, please contact:
pcps-contact@poplarcreekprairiestewards.org
Poplar Creek Prairie Stewards 