The quality and scale of restoration at Poplar Creek reflect the strength of our partnerships. We are proud to work alongside conservation agencies, grant funders, educational institutions, and ecological professionals whose support amplifies the impact of our volunteer-driven stewardship.
Our Partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County
Our work would not be possible without our close partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, the owner of the land we care for. We are deeply grateful for their trust in our volunteer-led restoration efforts and for the collaborative spirit that defines our relationship. In particular, we extend special thanks to Kris DaPra, Manager of Volunteer Resources, and John McCabe, Director of Resource Management, whose unwavering support, guidance, and leadership have strengthened our work year after year. Their partnership ensures that our work is safe, strategic, and impactful.
Foundation & Grant Support
Our restoration work is strengthened through grant funding that enables us to accelerate ecological recovery, blend professional contractor support with volunteer workdays, and expand long-term site management in partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF) awarded us a Community Stewardship Challenge Grant in 2023 that facilitated the restoration of 11 acres in the Eastern Woods of the Schaumburg Road Grasslands. This enabled us to hire RES, Inc. for woody invasives clearing and control. Volunteers conducted garlic mustard control, seed collection, seeding, propagation, and plug planting within the project area, and the FPCC conducted prescribed burns. In order to receive the full funding from ICECF, our volunteers and supporters generously donated $7,000.
Volunteer Stewardship Network of The Nature Conservancy and the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. PCPS has been a member since 1989, and has been an annual recipient of grants from the Stewardship Fund since its inception in 2003.
One Tree Planted awarded us grants for hosting workdays for multiple years.
An Ecosystem of Support
Major Partners in Conservation
- Illinois Nature Preserves Commission
- The Nature Conservancy, who helped found us in 1989
- Chicago Botanic Garden
Community & Educational Partners
- Rickover Academy of the Chicago Public Schools
- Greencorps Chicago
- University of Illinois Extension – Master Naturalists program
- University of Illinois Extension – Master Gardeners program
- Township High School District 211
Contractors who have worked, or are working, at our sites
- RES, Inc.
- Tallgrass Restoration, LLC
Scientific Collaborators
- Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network
- Dragonfly Monitoring Network
- Bird Conservation Network
- Grassland Restoration Network
Artistic Collaborators
- Mark Baldwin, Nature of Things Photography
Poplar Creek Prairie Stewards 