GENERAL MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM AND POTLUCK

The Freeport Prairie: A Jewel in our Own Backyard

Presented by Mary Blackmore

Tuesday, May 7th – Potluck at 6:00 p.m. • Program at 7:15 p.m.

St. John United Church of Christ, Freeport, IL

We will start the evening with a delicious potluck meal. Bring a dish to pass and your own table service. NIAS will provide beverages. After the meal, there will be some brief announcements with the program to follow at approximately 7:15.

Join us as we pay tribute to the Freeport Prairie Nature Preserve, the last of the original upland prairie known as Shannon Prairie. Located on Freeport’s south edge and owned by the Jane Addamsland Park Foundation, the Freeport Prairie is home to many species of grasses and forbs, some quite rare such as Pasque Flower, Prairie Parsley, Prairie Brome and Downy Yellow Painted Cup. The history of the prairie, changes in adjacent land use and the beauty and wonder of the species that survive there will be explored.
Mary Blackmore’s awareness of prairie ecosystems began with the Freeport Prairie in the 70s. Her decade-long relationship with this site continues to include stewardship, field trips, learning and . . . just looking.