Milkweed seeds | Contributed photo
Milkweed seeds | Contributed photo
The last seed-collection day of the year at the remnant prairie is Sunday.
The Prospect Heights Natural Resources Commission (NRC) Volunteer Work Day runs 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 8 at the remnant prairie, 1535 Abbott Drive in Wheeling. Volunteers are encouraged to wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and to dress in layers, as the forecast for Sunday is for cool, brisk weather. Bring a water bottle and wear sunscreen.
A remnant prairie is an undisturbed section of prairie. This unique ecosystem is dominated by grasses and a variety of native flowers and plants. As part of ongoing outreach and education efforts, the Prospect Heights Natural Resources Commission is distributing packets of native Illinois prairie plants to students at Betsy Ross School. Included among the seeds are native milkweeds, which are the only plants that Monarch butterfly caterpillars can eat.
The NRC thanks all volunteers who came out to collect seeds. For more information, visit the NRC website at www.phnrc.com. The NRC also can be found on social media; search Facebook for Prospect Heights Natural Resources Commission.
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