Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve 1985-1996

• PROSPECT CEMETERY PRAIRIE NATURE PRESERVE 111 inois Natural Areas Inventory# 992 Nature Preserve# 61 \ ' \ \ submitted to the I'~N·:.P,~C; August 30, 1985 \.. - ¥ - Adopted: _____________________________ _ (Preserve Owner) (Nature Preserves Commission) Prepared by: Victoria Nuzzo Native Landscapes 124 Dawson Avenue Rockford IL 61107 (Date) (Date)

SUMMARY Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve, Ford County, IL Nature Preserve# 61 Prospect Cemetery Prafrie Nature Preserve is a five acre abandoned cemetery containing a 1.5 acre black soil mesic prairie. More than 80 species of forbs and grasses have been identified in this high quality grade 'A' prairie, the only tract of undisturbed--tallgrass prairie in the county, and one of only seven-~ristine mesic prairie remnants in Illinois. Located in the east central part of 111 inois 22 miles north of Champaign, the preserve affords an historical synopsis of the development of Illinois: virgin tal lgrass prairie, next to an abandoned settler cemetery, surrounded by agricultural fields and residential developm~nt. This smal 1 preserve lies on the south edge of Paxton one block east of Highway 45, at the junction of Vermilion and Green Streets. Parking is available at the Paxton Farm Equipment Company across Vermilion Street from the prairie. The preserve has no trails, and access is obtained by climbing the wire fence surrounding the site (an entrance gate <nay be constructed in the future). The Trustees of the Patton Township Cemetery Association are the official custodians of the preserve. Detailed information about the site may be obtained from the 11 linois Nature Preserve Commission.

2 MANAGEMENT SUMMARY Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve, Ford County, IL Nature Preserve# 61 Management objectives for the Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve are two-fold. The primary and most important objective is to preserve the hfgh quality mesic prairie, by means of controlled burns and removal of invading woody plants. The secondary and less important objective is to restore the surrounding 3 1/2 acres of degraded prairie to a condition representative of the presettlement character of the site. Attaining this secondary obJectfve wlll requfre conslderble time and labor, using the management tools of prescribed fire, hand-cutting, selective stump treatment with non-residual herbicide, and introduction of ~eed collected from the adjacent high quality prairie remnant.

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3 CONTENTS Part I. GENERAL INFORMATION Section 1. Basic Information .................... page 4 Section 2. Purpose and Value .................... page '7,~ Section 3. Legal and . . . /.r:,-:-,•(_> Adm 1 n 1st rat 1 ve ... ' ........... page 8 /\ Section 4. Surroundings and Adverse Influence': .. page t\ 10 Section 5. Resource Inventory ................... page 13 Section 6. Visitor and Use Characteristics ...... page 19 Part II. MANAGEMENT PLANS Section 1. General Provisions ................... page 21 Section 2. Structures and Facilities ............ page 21 Section 3. Management of Adjacent Land .......... page 24 Section 4. Land Management Practices ............ page 24 Section 5. Management of Visitors and Use ....... page 32 Section 6. Land Acquisition & Dedication Needs .. page 34 Part I I I. MANAGEMENT SCHEDULE ...................... page 35 .-.. - -,- .-, ,::..-·✓, \ _1·. _l .......... ..-,' Part IV. L-ITERATURE CITED ......................... page 37 Part V. FIGURES .................................. page 39 Part VI. APPENDICES ............................... page 44

1.1. 1 4 PART 1. GENERAL INFORMATION Section 1 of Part I. Baste Informatton Summary Introduction Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve fs a high quality grade 'A' mesic black soil prairie. The primary significance of this preserve is the rarity of the community type: less than 54 acres fn 7 site in 111 inofs remain of this once abundant plant community. Current use is primarily by researchers. and casual visitors, with occasional visits by college classes. 1.1.2 Location Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve is located in Ford County, in the east-central part of Illinois approximately 30 miles east of Indiana. The preserve is on the south side of the city of Paxton, some 22 miles north of Champaign-Urbana, 45 miles e~st of Normal, and 45 miles south of Kankakee. The closest nature preserves are Weston Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve, approximately 35 miles northwest in McLean County, and Horseshoe Bottom Nature Preserve and Windfall Prairie Nature Preserve, some 25 miles southeast in Vermilion County. Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve is located in the SW 1/4 of Sec. 17, T23N, Rl0E, 3 PM. {Paxton Topo. Quad. 15 min.). The preserve is included in the Grand Prairie Section of the Grand Prairie Natural Division (Schwegman, 1984), and in the Bloomington Ridged Plain of the Til 1 Plains Section (Leighton, et al., 1948). Drainage is to the Vermi 1 ion River, 2 miles south of the preserve, and from there to the Wabash River. A.S.C.S. photograph located (Appendix B) is dated June 27, 1940; no number included on the photograph. 1.1.3 Access Access to the preserve from points north and south of Paxton: Exit I-57 at Hwy 9 (Paxton); Go east 1.5 miles on Hwy 9 through the city of Paxton to Hwy 45. Turn south on Hwy 45 and proceed .9 mile to Green Street (In July of 1985 this was an unmarked intersection; Bee Craft Inc. Boat Factory is on the northeast corner). Turn east on Green Street and proceed one block to a stopsign and dead end on Vermil Ion Street. The preserve is across the street, apparently unmarked as viewed from this intersection. Parking is available in the John Deere dealership just south of this intersection, accessible from both Green and Vermilion Streets. Mr. Bill Ingold, son of the owner of the Paxton Farm Equipment Company, indicated that visitors may use the parking lot during visits

5 to the prairie. , Access to the preserve from points east and west of Paxton f s vi a Hwy 9 to Paxton, and t_hen as described above. Air transportation ts available vfa Illini Airport, two miles north of Urbana; Greater Kankakee Valley Airport, 2 miles south of Kankakee; and ·01oornington Municipal Airport, on the east side of Bloomington. Two small private airports are nearby: one ts approximately two miles west of Paxton, southwest of the fntersection of Hwy 9 and 1-57; the other airport is located approximately 12 miles east and two miles north of the preserve, near Elliott. The preserve has no formal entrance. Access fs gained by climbing over or under the fence near a former entrance road, now gated and padlocked, some 100 feet south of the fntersction of Vermilion and Green Streeets. Space is available at this gate for a single vehicle, but mud and poor visibl il tty limit the usefulness of the site for parking. No trail system is established in the preserve. 1 . 1 . 4 Size Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve is a five acre rectangular site with no buffer. Surrounding lands are 50% agricultural and 50% commercial-residential. 1.1.5 Dedication Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve was dedicated October 20, 1976 as Nature Preserve# 61. 1.1.6 Owner and Custodian Ownership of Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve is unclear, but general legal opinion (refer to letter from Pacey and Pacey, lawyers, in Appendix C) is that the Patton Township Cemetery Trustees may be considered the most likely "owner'' (refer to section 1.5.9 for further information). There is no designated custodian nor preserve steward. James Graham (221 S. Spring, Paxton, IL 60957; 217-379-4262 (B); 217-379-2767 (H)), one of the three cemetery trustees, has been somewhat involved in management of the preserve. Mr. Graham indicated in July, 1985, that Bob Leber (RR 2, Paxton 11 60957; 217-379-2459), who 1 ives near the cemetery, is interested in the preserve. 1.1.7 Natural Character and Notable Features The southern 1.5 acres of the cemetery is high quality grade 'A' rnesic prairie, a significant feature. More than 80 herbaceous species have been located in this prairie, 21 of which are found nowhere else in Ford County (refer to Appendix

6 A). The remainder of the preserve 1s low qual1ty, disturbed prairie and former prairie {refer to the map of the preserve fn Figure 1). The Illinois Natural Areas Inventory designated these two sections as grades -C and D prairie. The disturbance is such, however, that the section designated grade 'C' by the I.N.A.I. has been re-designated here as grade 'D'. The very disturbed wooded area designated as grade'D' prairie by the I.N.A.I. maintains a grade 'D' classification, but can not be considered a prairie: Individual prairie plants survive in the undergrowth, but this section of the preserve is typi~al of an abandoned horticultural area, with tal 1 trees, a dense 6 to 12 foot tall shrub layer, and a very dense non-native herbaceous layer. Section 2 of Part I. Purpose and Value of the Preserve 1.2. l Objectives The primary objective for the Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve is the preserva~ion of the high quality black - soil mesic prairie. The two secondary objectives are: t~---- ?To provide an opportunity for research of a· ~,_·prairie, one which can function as a benchmark for study--of ;--·and management of, lower quality prairies {attaining this objective ·c' is inherently a part of attaining the primary objective; research of the characteristics of a high quality prairie can only be conducted ff the prairie is preserved); and~; To restore the degraded prairie and wooded sections of the preserve to high quality mesic prairie, replicating the vegetation of the site in the early 1800's. A tertiary, and much less significant, objective, is to provide the general public with an example of an undisturbed prairie. This third objective is dependent upon, and subordinant to, the first two objectives and may be expended with if achieving it in any way interferes with achieving the primary and secondary objectives. 1.2.2 Preservation Values The significant preservation value of Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve is the extreme rarity of high quality mesic prairie: This preserve is one of only 7 such sites in the state, which collectively total 54.3 acres (White, 1978). In the Grand Prairie Section of the Grand Prairie Division, the major prairie region of Illinois, a total of 14 acres of grade'A' mesic prairie have been located (White, 1978). 1.2.3 Use Values The preserve is extremely valuable as a location for scientific research about pre-settlement 11 l inois prairie,

.7 \ 'D' /'1t;_:::,ir_ P~<:A•~ E I \ ~ ✓ 7 .. --· = \C ( I Figure l: Vegetation Map oF Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve. Letters reFer to quality rankings oF the plant communities.

8 including species composition, soil development, and insect-plant relationships. Information gained through non-manipulative study of this prairie will p~ovide data useful for_ assessing and restoring mesic prairies in Illinois and throughout the Midwest. The preserve is also valuable as a site for documentation of restoration ~ractices, through restoration of the lower quality portion of the preserve to resemble the high quality mesic prairie. The prairie has significant educational value, but use of the preserve by groups must be limited to the ability of the site to tolerate such use. The most acceptable educational activities are those concerned with restoration of the low quality prairie. Educational use of the high quality prairie should be limited to individual researchers, and to occasional non-manipulative class activity. The preserve has exceptional value as an aesthetic resource, but the small size of the prairie places a limit on the type of activities which can be conducted. Use of the site must be balanced with the ability of the prairie to tolerate the amount and intensity of use. Section 3 of Part I. Legal and Admfnistratfve Aspects 1.3.1 Ownership Ownership of the Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve is unclear. On February 16,rf~69, the Prospect City Cemetery Association [Paxton was original°ly named Prospect City] agreed to pay Benjamin Stites $100.00 for 4 acres of land in the southwest corner of the southwest quarter of section 17 in to•.msh i p 23. On September 23, /1863, Susan Stites re 1 eased the land to the Prospect City Cemetery Association, which had appar~ently never paid for the property. The quit claim deed is on page 42 of Book 7 in the Ford County Courthouse, Paxton 11. The plat book of 1884 indicates that the cemetery covered five acres and was termed the "Old Cemetery". The few stones remaining in the cemetery bear dates from the years 1865 to 1914. On February 11, 1970, a certificate of status of exempt property was granted to the Trustees of" the "Paxton Old Cemetery" (see Appendix C). Mr. Stephen Pacey, in a letter dated January 13, 1976, states that interments have been made within the past 75 years (as evidenced by the 1914 date on one of the stones), and that "the Patton Township Cemetery Trustees are a legally constituted authority actively attending to the general care and maintenance of Prospect Cemetery." (see Appendix C). On October 20, 1976, the Cemetery Trustees of Patton Township, together with the County Board of Ford County, designated Prospect Cemetery as a nature preserve. Mr. James Graham, one of the Cemetery trustees, indicated that individual plots in the cemetery may be owned by heirs. If these heirs asked the trustees to mow about the gravesites the trustees

9 would pay for the mowing .. It is possible that owners of individual plots might choose to be buried fn the cemetery, although so far this has not occurred (Mrs. Ruth Bricker, 335 West State, Paxton, 217-579-2851, fs considered to be a local cemetery authority, and may have information concerning title to individual cemetery -plots. Mrs. Bricker was fn poor health and not consulted at the time of this writing.). Mr. Graham has indicated that in his opinion the Trustees are the Proprietors, but not the owners, of the cemetery, and that he does not know who the actual ownerS J...s~'-L, To sum up the above: Ownership is unclear, but as of July 1985 the concensus is that the Cemetery Trustees of patton Township form a governing body which can function as the owner. 1.3.2 Dedication and ftgreements The legal description of the preserve is as follows: Five acres in the South West corner of the South West quarter of section Seventeen in_Township twenty-three, North of Range Ten East, commencing at the said Southwest quarter of said section running thence North thirty-seven and a half rods, thence East to a point so far as to include five acres, thence south to a point appersite [sic] to the place of beginning, thence East to the place of beginning, lying and b2ing in the County of Ford and State of Illinois. The instrument of dedication, dated October 20, 1976, was recorded October 25, 1976, and is filed in book 215, page 8, document# 158566, in ~he recorder's office of Ford County, IL. 1.3.3 Occupancy, Custody and Administration The Patton Township Cemetery Trustees is an official body having custody of the preserve (refer to section 1.3. 1). No custodian or preserve steward has been designated. According to Mr. Graham the care, protection and guardianship of the preserve is the responsibility of the Nature Preserves Commission (refer to minutes of public hearing, May 28, 1976, in Appendix C in which Mr. Gerald Paulson indicates that "ecological management of the prairie ... would be carried out by or under the advice and direction of staff members of the Nature Preserve Commission". Mr. Graham has in general granted all requests to use the site, most often from individual students from the University. Mr. Graham was unaware that collection of specimens from a Nature Preserve was not permitted ... my general impression was that Mr. Graham expected those who visited the site or conducted research at the site to be more knowledgeable than he as to the correct use of the prairie, and therefore al lowed the proposed uses. As of July 1985 there was no formal

1 0 care or management of the cemetery as a cemetery, nor was there any anticipation to begin such management in the future. 1.3.4 Outstanding Land Rights The Patton Township Cemetery Trustees have the right to "maintain plots and markers of existing graves or, if they deem necessary, to mow existing graves together with land within 25 feet thereof and an access path thereto" (Instrument of-dedication, Appendix C). The trustees have not exercised this right at Prospect Cemetery, nor do they anticipate doing so in the future (according to Mr. Graham). As described in section 1.3.1, there is the possibility that individual plots may be owned and used for burial. A public road lies en the west boundary of the preserve, with what appears to be a four rod right-of-way. Utility poles are parallel and adjacent to the north property line. No easements were noted in the only deed located for the property, dated Sept 23, 1863 (refer to section 1.3.1). 1.3.5 Law Enforcement The principal responsible law enforcement agency for the nature preserve is the Ford County Sherriff's Office (217-379-2324; Lloyd Falck, Sherriff). There are at this time no problems with unlawful use or activities or with vandalism in the preserve. 1.3.6 Liability There are no provisions relating to public liability. 1.3.7 Title and Land Survev Status There is no known abstract of title, title committment, or title insurance for the nature preserve, other than the deed described in section 1.3. 1. There is no record of a survey of the property, and no survey markers have been located in the cemetery. Property boundaries are marked by a wire fence on all four sides. Section 4 of Part I. Surroundings and Adverse Influences I . 4 . l Landscape Characteristics Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve is surrounded by farmland on the south and east sides; by commerical concerns on the the west side, across Vermilion Street; and by

1 1 residential development in the city of Paxton, adjacent to and north of the preserve. There is no nearby area of prairie or other intact native plant community. The West Branch of the Middle Fork of the Vermil fen River lfes two miles south of the Preserve, averaging 15· to 20 feet in width and 1/2 to 8 feet in depth (Zebrun, 1970). Soils surrounding the preserve are primarily somewhat poorly drained silty soils of the Bryce-Swygert Association (SCS, 1985) 1.4.2 Population Centers -- Urbanization the Paxton (population 4,400) is north of and Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve. adjacent to Other communities in the vicinity include: Loda: 4 miles north, Elliott: 9 miles west, Gibson City: 14 miles west, Ludlow: 5 miles south, Rantoul: 12 miles south, Rankin: 11 miles east, population population population population population population 525. 365 .•Jj 3,600. 530. 26,000. 730. Ford County reached a population peak of 18,000 in 1900. Population gradually decreased to 15,000 by 1940, then rose to approximately 16,600 by 1960 (Smith et al., 1941; Zebrun, 1970). 1.4.3 Land Use and Capability The major land use in the area is agricultural, with the majority of surrounding lands used for crop production. In 1940 some 94% of the county was "improved farm land'', down from a peak of 97% in 1900 (Smith et al., 1941). Much of the low lying land has been drained. The land surrounding the cemetery is in general suitable for construction, and it is possible that the city of Paxton may eventually encircle the preserve. 1.4.4 Water Pollution There do not appear to be any problems with adjacent lands polluting the water of the preserve, primarily because the preserve has no noticeable above-ground water. 1.4.5 Drainaoe Surrounding land does not appear to be draining onto or through the preserve. The adjacent farm fields are separated from the preserve by a six inch 'trench' some 6 to 10 inches away from the property line; the 'trench' apparently carries most water washing off from the fields. No noticeable erosion of the surrounding farm fields was observed. Field heights

12 are approximately the same as those tn the prairie. A large ditch between the preserve and Vermilion Street carries off water from the road. 1.4.6 Accelerated Runoff There are no apparent problems with accelerated runoff in the vicinity that affect the preserve. 1.4.7 Siltation There are no apparent problems with deposition of sojl eroding from adjacent lands (refer to 1.4.5). 1.4.8 Air Pollution Air pollution is not a noticeable problem in the preserve vicinity. Several railroads traverse the sity of Paxton, but emissions do not appear to be significant. There is no large industrial site or population center nearby to contribute to air pollution. A possibility for damage by air-borne pollutants does exist when the neighboring landowners apply fertilizers and pesticides to their property, particularly as there is no buffer between private farm land and the preserve. 1.4.9 Noise Background noise is a common occurence in the preserve, due to traffic on Vermilion Street and on Hwy 45, to trains on the the railroad lines, and to lawnmowers and other motorized equipment in the city of Paxton. 1.4.10 Visual The nature preserve retains a natural appearance only in the southern third of the site, where the high quality prairie resembles pre-settlement conditions. If only this portion of the prairie is observed the tract provides a sensation of the diversity of pristine prairie. In general, however, this small 1.5 acre parcel does not provide an overall appearance of untouched grassland, due to the presence of the degraded prairie as wel 1 as to surrounding land uses: farm fields, residences, a farm implement dealership, roads, utility 1 ines. None of these surroundings are highly offensive, and removal of any one or two.would not increase the natural appearance of the preserve. Restoration of the degraded prairie to high quality prairie would provide the most significant change in the visual aesthetics of the preserve.

13 1.4.11 Nuisances and Hazards There are no known significant nuisances or hazards in the vicinity that might af"fec·t the preserve or visitors. No vandalism has been observed (J. Graham. pers. comm.). At some time in the past grave stones were removed -from the southern half of the cemetery and piled in the southwest corner, apparently to permit plowing. This plowing did not occur, and the stones were not replaced. No other vandalism has been reported. On occasion a car runs into the fence opposite Green Street, requiring replacement of" the wire. 1.4.12 Habitat Alteration and Degradation There is no apparent on-going serious habitat alteration or degradation on surrounding lands that aff"ect the preserve. The adjacent lands have been farmed for at least 85 years. and the the residential lands were presumably farm land, pasture or residential land since the city was established in 1857. There is a possibility for degr~dation to occur if the adjacent farm fields are used for residential development (refer to sect i on l . 4 . 3 ) . Section 5 of Part I. 1. 5. 1 C 1 i mate Resource Inventory Ford County, Illinois, has a continental climate with cold snowy winters and warm humid summers. Average temperatures range from the upper 90's in summer to 10 degrees below zero in winter. Actual temperatures range from a maximum of" 110 degrees to a minimum of minus 22 degrees, for a total temperature range of 132 degrees fahrenheit. Precipitation averages 36 inches a year. Rainfal 1 accounts for some 32 inches of the total. Forty to -forty five thunderstorms occur annually, about half in the months of June, July and August. Hai 1 occurs on average twice a year. Prevailing winds are from the northwest from January through March, and from the souhwest the remainder of the year (Zebrun, 1970; Smith et-;al .. 1 1941; SCS 1985). 1.5.2 Topography Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve has relatively flat topography, with an elevation of 765 feet above sea level throughout the preserve. The preserve is in the Bloomington Ridged Plain of" the Til 1 Plains Section of the Central Lowland Province of the Interior Plains Division (Leighton, et al .• 1 948) .

14 1.5.3 Geology Bedrock beneath the preserve is a 100 foot thick layer of Devonian shale and 1 imestone. Above this bedrock is a 400 foot layer of glacial, primarily lacustrine, material· of the Yorkville Till Member of the Wedron Formation, a gray, clayey till deposited fol lowing glaciation by the Woodfordian substage of the Wisconsinan stage some 12,500 to 22,000 years ago. Just north of the preserve is an end moraine. A layer of loess some 3 to 5 feet in depth overlays the till deposit (Lineback, 1979; SCS, 1985; Fehrenbacher, et al., 1967). 1.5.4 Soils The soil of the nature preserve is a Swygert silty clay loam, with a Oto 2% slope. The typical swygert soil has a surface layer of black, friable silt loam about 13 inches thick. Below this is a 5 inch thick subsurface layer of very dark gray, friable silty clay loam. The subsoil is a light olive brown, mottled, firm silt~ clay approximately 30 inches thick. The substratum, to a depth of sixty inches, is composed of a light olive brown, mottled, firm calcareous silty clay. This soil is characterized by a seasonal high water table which results in ponding, slow permeability, and moderate available water capacity (SCS, 1985). 1.5.5 Hydroloay Drainage from the preserve is generally by surface and groundwater flow in a southwards direction towards the West Branch of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, which in turn drains southeast to the Wabash River (SCS, 1985). The preserve itself has no stream, pond or other water feature. The flat topography of the preserve limits erosion potential, and no active erosional processes are apparent on or adjacent to the preserve. 1.5.6 Natural Communities "All of the preserve area was mapped by the Natural Areas Inventory in 1976 as rnesic prairie. The vegetation type was listed as big bluestem--1 ittle bluestern. In presettlement times, almost all of T. 23N., R. 10 E. was prairie [refer to figure 2]. There was a strip of timber along the stream (West branch of the Vermilion River) that crosses the south end. Even here, the trees were scattering. Groves were few and smal 1 throughout the county. The preserve is on the south slope of an end moraine where the terrain is rol 1 ing, but most of the general area is level with deep soil. Practically every bit of the township area was described by the Public Land Survey surveyors in

--.............. ·, ............ _ ./ I 1 ro/{; j 7 pc il'i e, 8 ID leve.l riil irie, \ we:+ (evl!<-l rof(j, t~ prai r,e..-·,-,) Pr , ri e. I e 11 ( I ( 8-fii· -for 17 I~ n· h 15 11- evf l 3 -r 'ot'\ • • We+ lp1r~;rie... pra,ne l--'-~..:.._+---=-~_:....::...=..::c:J,. __ ~-----4-------L-----'-------1 ,rie yoK ("t f I'} r,; 'ei .2..0 ; ! .J, , \ 31 l Figure 2 . Comments of presettlement character for Township 23 Nc.-rtn 1 R.:inge 10 East of the Jrd Principal Meridian taken from the Puhlic Land Survey field notes of April, 1822; the location of Prospect C~metery Prairie Nature Preserve is shown with an arrow; the tir.1bered area is shaded, and the rest is prairie; the surveyor's comments for many of the prairie lines were the same and are not repeated for every line of this map; the blue lines are streams

16 1822 as having "rich" or "good" soil and was considered Fit For cultivation. The trees that grew in the area were mostly black oak, white oak, red oak, and hickory. The undergrowth was commonly hazel, hawthorne, and grape. The prairie was rich with a dense cover of tall grasses and Forbs. Species diversity was high. Dominants were commonly big bluestem, little bluestem, and Indian grass, but the showy Flowering Forbs covered local areas of the prairie during the growing season. Siplhiums, goldenrods, milkweeds, violets, phlox, dropseed, asters, tickseeds, roses, rattlesnake master, puccoon, leadplant, butterrly weed, and New jersey tea were Frequent. The nature preserve was meslc prairie with good soil. It had a large number or species including al 1 of the plants previously listed as Frequent in the region. The vegetation grew dense and tal 1. There was probably a small grove or trees in the north part where a Few large black oaks now stand. The individual trees now present may not be old enough to have been there prior to settlement, but they may be descendents of a natural stand. Smal 1 groves and groups or two or three trees would not have been inrrequent in the prairie along the moraine edge where the terrrain was rolling. Today, the [south part of the] preserve still retains much or its original character. It was__formally deeded For use as a cemetery in 1863 and may never hace-been_p-lowed -or-- grazed [The city was established 1857; the county first settled in 1836]. The burials have disturbed the soil in a small part [in the southern portion; in the northern two thirds of the preserve the burials and subsequent landscaping with non-native species have disturbed the soil and groundcover to a much greater extent]. The main and most obvious change in character has been the introduction and spread or exotics. Several alien plant species, including asparagus, timothy, rescue, bluegrass, white sweetclover, red clover, wild carrot, orange dayl ily, yucca, [tiger lily, periwinkle, cypress spurge, sedum, alralfa, heal-all, chicory, brome grass, goatsbeard], multiflora rose, white mulberry, and silver poplar are present. These are most common around the grave sites in the north part of the preserve [and beneath the trees in the eastern part or the cemetery, as well as in the southwestern corner of the preserve]. Past mowing has encouraged the spread of non native species and has discourged native prairie plants. Periwinkle has replaced native ground cover species in the small [approximately 15% to 20% of the preserve] grove. A Few redcedar saplings occur in the tract that should not be a part of the native prairie flora in this area [probably seeded From the several large, 12" diameter red cedars In the cemetery proper-]. Occasional shrubs or dogwoods and hawthorne probably did occur in the prairie and are probably natural here." (Max Hutchison, 1985; comments in brackets

17 are the author's). As indicated in figure 1, the preserve consists of a 1.5 acre high quality mesic prairie, surrounded by degraded and former prairie. Brush invasion is abundant along the fencelines, in the southwest GOrner of the cemetery, and along the perimeter of the grade A prairie. Hawthorn, mulberry and gray dogwood, fn that order, are the most frequent and aggressive of the woody invaders. In the prairie itself the shrubs are relatively few and small. On the perimeters they are large and very dense, in places creating almost impenetrable stands. In the 'grove' or forested area the overstory trees appear to be fn declining health. Beneath these large trees a dense layer of shrubs and saplings 6 to 12 feet high is present. In addition to the three most frequent woody species, white poplar, black cherry, hackberry, honeysuckle, snowberry, blackberry and black oak are present and at times abundant. Within the wooded area the groundlayer is dominated by periwinkle, woodbine, and poison ivy. The northern part of the preserve in large part is dominated by eurasian species, which were_planted at the gravesites and have since spread vigorously. These non-native plants now form a virtual carpet over the former cemetery, through which occasional individual or patches of prairie plants emerge. Both daylily and tiger lily are sprecding vigorously, daylily by rhizome and seed, and tiger lily by bulblet. Trumpet creeper and non-native grasses appear to be increasing in presence. White sweet clover, yucca, lily of the valley and other exotic species are present, at times in abundance. The native species occurring in this degraded prairie tend to be fairly aggressive, such as goldenrod and oxeye. The "late-successional" species abundant in the high quality prairie a few yards south are absent from this section of the preserve. 1.5.7 Flora, Fauna, and Other Natural Features Some eighty species of native herbaceous forbs and grasses have been identified in the prairie (refer to Appendix A). Of these, 21 occur nowhere else in the county. The species themselves are not particularly rare, and occur in many other prairies in Il 1 inois. Their scarcity in the county is due to the lack of suitable habitat, in this case undisturbed prairie. No state or nationally recognized rare, endangered or threatened species have been identified Lo__the preserve. A very limited list of birds observed over the·and in the prairie has been compiled (refer to Appendix A): no rormal study has been conducted to determine the animal species present in the site.

18 1.5.8 Archeological Features There are no records of permanent Indian villages established fn Ford County, although occasional bands of Indians wandered through~he~area, including Kickapoo, Potawatomi, Pi ankles haw, -·wea, Eel River bands and Mascouten. By the 183 0' s no native Americans remained fn the county. Numerous artifacts have been located in Patton Township, but none have been found in the preserve. Most artifacts fn the county are attributed to Archaic, Woodland and Mississippian cultures. Some artifacts appear to be from the Paleo period following glaciation [information derived from the historical exhibits in the County Courthouse in Paxton, IL]. 1.5.9 History In 1836 Joshua Trickle established the first permanent residence in Ford County, located in Button Township just east of Paxton. The county was the last to be formed in Illinois, incorporated in 1859. _ Paxton was established in 1857. The Prospect Cemetery was created in 1859 when Benjamin Stites sold four acres to the Prospect City Cemetery Association, creating the first cemetery in the county (refer to section 1.3.1). By 1863, when his widow released the land to the Association, the cemetery was a five acre plot. Burials continued until 1914, and possibly much later: Few stones remain in the cemetery, and no burial records were located. Many of the markers have fallen over or been removed, and the graves are frequently sunken. A number of the markers were removed "a number of years ago" by a farmer who piled them in the southwest corner in anticipation of plowing the site (pers. comm, J. Graham). This action provides some support for the speculation that the southern part of the cemetery is essentially virgin prairie that was not used for burials, as it is believed that few people would intentionally plow up and plant an area containing human remains. The preserve today bears little resemblance to a cemetery, retaining only a few large white upright gravestones. The cemetery was dedicated as Illinois Nature Preserve # 61 in 1976. Dr. Betz documented species presence from 1971 through 1975, and Kathryn Kerr conducted a species composition study in 1979. Management of the prairie has been generally undocumented. The northern part of the preserve was mowed two to three times a year with a "brush hog mower" up until 1972. According to Mr. Ingold, the prairie was burned occasionally by a local resident up until 1979, and hasn't been burned since. Notes in the Natural Land Institute File indicate that all or part of the prairie was burned March 14, 1974, and May 1, 1975. Mr. Graham stated that two acres were burned March 18, 1980, and that in the same year 60 hours were expended removing

19 an old fence and 'junk'. Jack White recorded in 1979 the removal of brush from the north fence of the preserve. Section 6 or Part I. 1.6. 1 Visitors Vfsftor and Use Characteristics Visitor levels are undocumented and appqrently have not been recorded since the preserve was established. Local residents frequent the preserve in the spring to collect asparagus, with up to '20 people a day' observed by Mr. Ingold from the farm implement dealership across the road. Occasional individuals walk through the prairie throughout the growing season. There appear to be no record or recollection by local residents of relatives visiting grave sites, and no one in town appears to be related to those buried fn the cemetery. Vandalism is virtually absent. Mr. Ingold stated that 75 to 100 people at a time visit the prairie 2 to 3 times a summer from Parkland Junior College (Champaign, IL), parking buses ~nd mini-vans in the dealership's parking lot. Mr. Graham apparently has not been informed of these visits, as he indicated that while occasional students from th~ University have conducted research at the site, there were no large classes visiting the prairie. In general, visitation is extremely low, consisting of asparagus hunters in spring, a few classes in summer, and an occasional individual at other times. 1.6.2 Existing Public Uses Use of the preserve is limited to asparagus picking in spring, visits by student groups in summer, and occasional research by individuals (refer to section 1.6.1). There is no use of the preserve as a cemetery, nor plans to use or maintain the site as a cemetery in the future. Prospect Cemetery is considered to be an abandoned cemetery. There appears to be little or no community concern for maintaining the gravesites, nor for preserving the cemetery character of the preserve. There is also little active interest in preservng the site as a prairie, although several of the individuals spoken to in Paxton were aware of the prairie and appeared supportive of its existence. There is interest by local scout leaders to have eagle scout candidates conduct their public service work at the cemetery, removing brush and otherwise helping to manage the site. The general impression received during discussions with local residents is that many are aware of the prairie, enjoy its uniqueness or are unconcerned, .but not antagonistic, about its presence; are mildly interested in having it as a prairie but believe that the state owns and/or is responsible for

20 the site; bel feve that any attempt to become involved with. management (such as by scouts) would result in conFl feting answers rrom several agencie~, requiring too much time and paperwork to resolve.

2 1 PART II. MANAGEMENT PLAN Section 1 of Part II. General P~ovisions The primary management objective for Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve is the preservation of the high quality black soil mesic prairie located in the southern third of the preserve. The secondary management objective is to restore the remainder of the preserve to high quality mesic prairie, replicating the original prairie present in the early 1800's. 2 . 1 . l Applicability of Management Rules The management of the preserve shall be in accordance with the Rules for Management of Nature Preserves (Illinois o.o.c., 1972). 2.1.2 Deviations from Management Rules Deviations from the management rules shall be permitted for sections 2.4.3 (Removal or Introduction of Objects), 2.4.5 (Fire Control) and 2.4.7f (Introduction of Plants or Animals) as described in the appropriate sections. Section 2 of Part II. Structures and Facilities 2.2. 1 Boundary Markers Boundaries shall be marked using the standard 111 inois Nature Preserves sign, posted on the fence surrounding the preserve. Two signs shal 1 be placed on each of the four sides. Each sign shall be positioned halfway between the corner oF the fence and the midpoint of the fence, to increase visibility of the signs from adjacent roads and private residences. 2.2.2 Boundary Fences The fence surrounding the preserve shall be maintained in its current location. As time and money permit the rusted fence posts and wires shal 1 be replaced to establish a 'cared-for' impression about the preserve. Three strands of non-barbed wire will provide sufficient protection for the prairie. As of July of 1985 no livestock were grazed on adjacent farm land; if and when such grazing takes place additional strands of wire may be required to prevent access by 1 ivestock to the prairie. If non-authorized use of the prairie inci~eases, particularly if the surrounding land is developed as a residential area, it may become necessary to replace the fence with a woven wire, barbed, or ta! !er fence (refer to section 2.3.1).

22 2.2.3 Location Markers Location markers may be established in the preserve if necessary for research purposes. Markers shall be of the minimum size possible, and shall be made as inconspicuous _,,, as possible. In July of 1985 3 foot tall thin metal stakes ~ ) painted orange were located in the prairie. Such markers, or shorter ones, are acceptable if needed to mark the location of permanent sampling points visited during the growing season. 2.2.4 Access Points and Service lanes Access to the preserve is now obtained by climbing over or under the fence near a padlocked gate located along the southern half of the west boundary. This gate is adjacent to the grade 'A' mes i c prairie. _ The entrance point sha 1 1 be relocated 200 feet north (refer to figure 3} to reduce trampling of the high quality prairie. The grade 'D' prairie in the northern part of the preserve by the new access point is more capable of tolerating such trampling. The new access point shall consist of a 'people gate' constructed to permit a single individual to enter the site, but preventing entrance of bikes or motorized vehicles (refer to ~igure 3 for suggested styles of gates). At this entrance a large attractive sign shall be placed, similar in size and format to the one at Harlem Hills Prairie Nature Preserve, which shall emphasize the uniqueness of the prairie and its status as an 111 inois Nature Preserve. No provision shall be made for vehicular parking: Mr. Ingold has indicated his willingness to have cars and buses use the Paxton Farm Equipment Company's parking lot located across Vermillion Street from the prairie. A new, unobtrusive vehicle access point shall be established by the new entrance, to permit vehicular access to the preserve as needed for management. This gate shall be locked when not in use. The existing padlocked gate shall be removed, to eliminate vehicular traffic on the Grade 'A' prairie. It is recommended that attention be given to providing a cared-for appearance for the preserve, particularly in regards to the fence, entrance point, signs and gravestones (refer to 2.2.7 and 2.4.7). The rusty fence and fallen gravestones present an appearance of disinterest: Visibly displaying the concern of the state for this small prairie will hopefully increase local Interest in the prairie as a unique plant community, as well as reflect favorably on the Nature Preserve system. 2.2.5 Firebreaks No permanent firebreaks shall be established within the p;-e::er,12. Te:npor3ry fir•::>:JreG!-.:.s may be cr-e3ted by r2kin9 and

I :...,\~L~; . {.}'. {. r'C"C.PI..£ -C,A1r:.:._-;. I ----- J I,' I ;:::. f---':,v-J 1.1--.lt:>("_ ::.,e,,J ( ·,~ ~ r - - - - t \t,=·,-,,., I"\ 'J o.= t::"'1.\.'".111-'6 ;:::,-;;:..,'e:S.. .• , A:::::,o r=~u.;;~,) ~ , D1 s ("Lf'-.c>":1=1 t:.~"- c21i.S I --/ G } . .:lt'r.P.,"-lC. £::° r-r·c--i t:.E. .. t:c;t'\t".'JC~ \ / I Figure 3: Map of Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve indicating where to locate fallen and displaced grave markei·s; Location of ne\,i entrance gates; Designs for 'people gates'.

- / '' 23 backburning as needed for individual prescribed fires. Such temporary firebreaks shall be located in different positions for each prescribed burn, to prevent the development of permanent or semi-permanent firebreaks. Variable locations for fire breaks will mimic pre-settlement conditions: Prairie fires did not consistently stop and start at the same point year after year. ~ Temporary internal firebreaks shall be established for all prescribed burns. Firebreaks for accidental fires shal 1 be established outside of the preserve (refer to section 2.4.5). 2.2.6 Trails No trail shall be established in the preserve as long as visitor use remains as its 1985 level. If visitor levels increase, primarily due to educational use of the preserve (refer to section 2.5.3), it ma~ become necessary to develop a trail system to preserve the quality of the prairie. Need for a trail will be indicated by the presence of extensive areas of trampled vegetation, development of a non-designated trail, and similar evidence of intensive use. A representative of the I.N.P.C. or other knowledgeable person should • inspect the site once or twice annually to monitor use intensities. Should a trail system become necessary, it shal 1 be located in the northern portion of the preserve in the grade 'D' prairie -- and grove. The trail shall be established and maintained . ~ by periodically mowing a path one to two feet wide with a weed eater (a lawnmower impacts the prairie by creating wheel ruts and encouraging growth of Eurasian species [Panzer, 1981]). If the I.N.P.C. determines that visitor access must be established to and through the grade 'A' prairie, then the trai 1 in this section of the preserve shall consist of a boardwalk one foot wide, elevated six to twelve inches above the prairie, on supports laid on top of the prairie. There shall be no digging or other disturbance of the prairie during 'trail construction. In al 1 cases, any established trai 1 system ) shal 1 be very low key, resulting in minimal disturbance to ~the prairie both during construction and when in use. ' All necessary entrance structures and trails shal 1 be designed to accomodate current use levels, rather than to encourage increased visitor levels. 2.2.7 Other Structures and Improvements No other structures or improvements shal 1 be established in the Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve.

Section 3 of Part II. 2.3.1 Buffer Areas 24 Management of Adjacent Land There is no designated buffer land for the preserve, nor any liklihood for such a buffer to be established in the future. Purchase of a buffer does not seem necessary in view of the current low impact of surrounding land uses. If surrounding land use increases use of the prairie, installation of a woven wire fence or other type of fencing may become necessary (refer to section 2.2.2). 2.3.2 Service Area No service area shall be e~tablished in the preserve. Parking for al 1 vehicles shall be at the Paxton Farm Equipment Company across Vermillion Street from the prairie. Sectton 4 of Part II. Land Management Practices 2.4.1 ~cenic and Landscape Management There shall be no deviations or exceptions to the Rules for Management of Nature Preserves for scenic or landscape management. 2.4.2 Elimination of Safetv Hazards There are no known safety hazards in the preserve. 2.4.3 Removal or Introduction of Objects There shall be no variance from the Rules for Management of Nature Preserves except as fol lows: 1. Introduction of seed collected from the grade 'A' prairie into the grade 'D' prairie and grove as part of a restoration program (refer to section 2.4.7f); 2. Removal of trees from the grove as part of a restoration effort (refer to sections 2.4.7a and d). Removal of designated trees will be accomplished in winter when the ground is frozen, and wil 1 include removal of al 1 cut materials from the preserve. 3. Replacement of grave markers which have fallen over;_or have been placed in piles. ~ 2.4.4 Water Level Control There shall be no efforts made to control or alter natural water levels.

25 _; 2.4.5 Fire Control All wildfires shall be permitted to burn within the preserve. Efforts to control the spread of any wildfire shall be made from outside the preserve: ~uch efforts will be quicker p- and more effective than if made from within the preserve. In addition, creation of emergency fire breaks within the , 1 ::, - :,, • . - preserve wou 1 d resu 1 t in severe and permanant degradation to the prairie. The surrounding lands provide fair to very effective· firebreaks: North: The mowed lawn and driveway of the private residence West: form a fairly effective year-round firebreak. The driveway provides easy access for a fire truck, and garden hoses provide some protection from a fire. Vermillion Street forms an effective year-round fire break. South: The farm field forms an effective winter firebreak. East: The farm field on the southern part of the east boundary forms a firebreak as described above. The private residence on the north part of the boundary forms a firebreak as described above. Prescribed burns shal 1 be conducted on a frequent, periodic basis, ranging from annually to 7 out of ten years. There shal 1 be no set boundaries for these prescribed fires, and temporary firebreaks shal 1 be relocated for each burn. The purpose of burning is threeFold: 1. 'Maintain and increase the quality of the grade 'A' prairie; 2. Reduce or eliminate non-native and woody plant growth in the entire preserve; and 3. Stimulate the growth of prairie species in the grade 'D' prairie. Burns shall be conducted in early spring or in late fall, when the adjacent farm fields form effective fire breaks. Al 1 fires shall take place under safe burning conditions as described by Pauly (1982) and in individual burn prescriptions. Prior to burn it will be necessary to remove woody plant material (refer to section 2.4.7). 2.4.6 Erosion Control There shall be no efforts made to control natural soil erosion. As of July 1985 there was no apparent erosion from adjacent property onto the preserve. If such erosion develops control efforts may be made, with the approval of the I.N.P.C., from within the preserve in the grade 'D' portion, and

26 immediately adjacent to the preserve in the grade 'A' portion, with the cooperation of the adjacent landowner. 2.4.7 ManaqernRnt of Vegetation and Wildlife. The two portions of the preserve (grade 'A" mesic prairi~ and grade 'D' prairie and grove) have different management goals, and shall be managed in different modes. Maintaining the quality of the grade 'A' prairie takes precedence overall other management concerns, and the majority of efforts shall be expended to meet this goal. As time, labor and finances permit, efforts to improve the grade 'D' prairie and the grove shall be made. 2.4.7a Control of Natural Community Development and Plant Succession ',~rade 'A' prairie: The management goal for this portion of ~ 'the preserve is to maintain the existing integrity and diversity I - of the prairie (refer to section 1 of Part II). This goal • h2s three objectives: 1.' Maintain the existing diversity .~ and abundance o-f prairie species; 2. • El i mi nate nonnative and woody plants encroaching on the prairie; 3. Pr~vent -future -····-➔ encroachment of nq_nat i ve or woody species. • The principal management tools are prescribed fire and ~selective removal o-f undesireable species. As indicated in --,-(f="i gure 4, the majority of invading woody species are located along the fence rows~win the southwest corner; and adjacent to the grove. The woody species appear to pose the most signi-ficant danger to the prairie, in particular as they appear to be spreading fairly rapidly. Hawthorn and mulberry are the two most abundant species. Management efforts shall be -focused on the removal o-f these woody species, beginning in the center o-f the grade A prairie, and moving towards.the perimeters as ti me and -finances al low. w-4-tb ~ffortspoXcentrated on the perimeters in the followng order: the southern boundary; southwest corner; west boundary; east boundary; and lastly the prairie-grove border. Control o-f woody plants shal 1 begin with two consecutive years of prescribed burns. Several o-f the species in the prairie wil 1 be injured by fire (including multiflora rose [Evans, 1983 J and honeysuck 1 e [Evans, 1984 J) • Care must be taken to ensure that the -fire is not excessively hot, particularly within a large thicket; scorching of the soi 1 wi l 1 create ideal habitat for woody and weedy species, and may injure existing prairie species, resulting in additional management problems. Assessment of the effectiveness of the two burns in reducing woody plant populations shall be made. If the populations do not appear to be slgni-ficantly reduced, to the pain~ t~at contirued burns may b~ a~ticip3ted to el i~inate

• I I I I l 27 (_ - -- . -- . -----1.,--~( ➔ -- ,·- _,-~-'l_,_,r~~ , I I • l •i I,,. : I/ <' .',,_o_ -'> ( (_ r"'r" ( ( ~-- ,- ./ I/ -----~---- -3- ,. ,,,;- ---, \..r-- ,_i_~. "l-' - "-- Figure 4: Vegetation management map for Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve. Numbers indicate priority sequence of management areas. Arrows indicate direction to proceed within each management unit.

• --- 28 the plants within 5 to 10 years, then a-~~~ntr~-i' p~ogram shal 1 ; be initiated. -Contra 1 of ",/oody species • sha.1 1 be by hand-cut'~ -t-i ng.. al 1 p 1 ants to ground 1 eve 1 , and F-emov-fMg a 11 cut mater i a 1 <,.-o ,, ~ from the site. Hawthorn will occasionally respr0ut when cut (Gil 1 and Healy, 1974) but a second cutting within the following growing season should be sufficient to significantly reduce the hawthorn population. Mulberry will resprout when cut, as will the majority of the woody species in the prairie (refer to section 1.5.6). For these species it is recommended that cut stumps be treated with a systemic non-residual herbicide such as Round-up. Treatment sho~ld be by a staff member or other approved individual to ensure that no herbicide contacts the prairie species. As -with all management, it is desireable that data be collected prior to and during management work to deterffiine the effectiveness of the management efforts. Line transects indicating speci~s and percent cover, combined ~,ith photgraphs, will provide usable information. Woody plants will continue to appear in the prairie, originating primarily from buried seeds and from plants in the adjacent grove~ Annual assessment of woody populations are recommended. The necessity to control non-native herbaceous species shal 1 be determined following the two consecutive burns outlined above. Populations of exotic forbs and grasses within this high quality prairie are relatively low, and some of the species wil 1 likely be controlled by frequent burning (such as white sweet clover [Kline, 1983)). Hand removal of the exotic forbs is recommended if qualified volunteer labor is available. lt is recommended that al 1 plants be hand-pulled (most easily accomplished when the soil is moist) with a minimum of soil disturbance. Fol lowing removal of each plant the soil should be tamped. It is recommended that a staff person or other knowledgable individual be present to assist in and oversee the correct removal of these exotic species. Gravestones piled in the southwestern corner, or located elsewhere in the grade 'A' prairie, shall be relocated to the grade 'D' prairie in the area where other markers are stil 1 standing (refer to the fol lowing section on management of the grade 'D' prairie, and to figure 3). Grade 'D' prairie: The management goal for this low quality prairie, discussed in section 1 of Part 11, is to restore the site to high quality mesic prairie, replicating the original prairie present in the early 18OO's. This goal has several objectives: I. Removal of non-native woody and herbaceous plant material, 2. Restoration of native prair·ie species (encouragement of • the existing species to expand; encoura~ement of species in the grade 'A' prairie to spread into the grade 'D' prairie; Introduction of seed from the grade 'A' prairie into the grade 'D' prairie)_)"

29 3. Preservation of a cemete~y prairie. I As mentioned in the section on the Grade 'A' prairie, A '-~management of this grade 'D' prairie is of a lower priority{ and shall be conducted only as time, labor and finances permit. Efforts will concentrate on annual burning, removal of woody material, and preservation of the cemetery. Elimination of herbacous non-natives, and active introduction of native prairie species are of lower prioirty. j The entire prairie shall be burned annuallyi following safe burning guidelines and individual burn prescriptions. Burns shall generally be conducted in midspring/ to result in maximum injury to the non-native species. This fire program can be conducted in conjunction with burning of the grade 'A' prairi1e. fPl\o~,£:9.,.;~--w~_!'?_~t,hree years of prescribed burning determina~ion s-he'.t=l 'be made of" tne e--F--FectiveR~~s o:f :fire in reducing exotic species popu 1 at fons'b and increasing native prairie species presence, and 4,;-Ae need for any alteration of the burning program. .+ -+,..,_..~ ~ A.. An active program of woody plant removal shall be undertaken in conjunction with annual burning. Removal efforts shal 1 concentrate on those areas adjacent to the grade 'A' prairie, and proceed north and then east around the grove (refer to figure 4). Removal of woody plant material may be effectively undertaken by volunteers, such as scouts, with minimal supervision by staff or other qualified persons, following the guidelines in the above section. This low quality prairie is less susceptible to damage, and therefore more easily managed by non-professionals, than the adjacent high-quality prairie. ;_,:.v\ c·· :'..2 ~~- <Appl i cation of a non-residua 1 herbicide to cut stems is appro- ,._. ,,_ .,,_ • 1 . .,· 1 ~ pr i ate for sever a 1 species, aAd--may--be--undertaken-by __ the . . • ··-~-• • ...,,. -~ . v-e--+tl-At--eeF---gr-0-UP. ~-,-:- •'-·-~,..:. :...,{__, o>..__ ·~· • ;\_ J. • -, •1 (-- - : ---- ·'i • • • · ·' · "' '...l•,--,..,.,. "·" • -,- •. -. In many parts of the prairie non-native herbaceous p 1 ants, '· in particular dayl i ly, form a virtual blanket over the soi 1. Controlled burns will reduce spread of the plants, and in some cases gradually reduce their presence in the prairie. Removal of these exotic species fro~ the prairl~! a labor-intens i ve process enta i 1 i ng hand-pu 1 1 i ng .(aria -pOss i bl y herb i c icfe ---....iippifcat·iort, is an excel lant long-term project f'or a volunteer - --- --· '"-------•--" ~/ gr-oup. A few upright gravestones remain in the grade 'D' prairie. Many have fallen over, and others have been placed in piles. Prospect Cemetery is both a prairie and a cemetery. While the local townspeople appear to be relatively unconcerned about the preservation of the site as a formal cemetery, preservation of the site as a prafrfe cemetery wi 11 produce at least two beneficial results. First, respect towards the gravemarkers and the cemetery itself will be evident; and ·s-econd, tt-ie hi stor i cal re 1 at i onsh i p between the ear 1 y settlers ~nd the prairie wil 1 be preservedi and ~emonstrated,· by the restoration of prairie around the gravestones. Preservation

• 30 of this prairie cemetery shal.l be as follows: 1. Al 1 existing gravestones shall be maintained. Stones which have fallen over shall be placed upright. Stones which have been piled up shall be relocated, either accwrately or in the general vicinity of the existing upright stones. 2. All encroaching woody vegetation shall be removed from the vicinity of the gravestones. Trees which were obviously planted by a grave may be left if necessary, but over time '.·-,., - ,, 1 __ al 1 woody shrubs and trees are to be eliminated. ., ~3. There shal 1 be no mowing of the gravesites . • ,' -"'-~,-·,~ 4. Prairie vegetation sha 11 be encouraged to rep 1 ace non-native species, so that the gravestones will be visible within a prairie matrix. 5. A sign describing the relationship of the prairie to the cemetery shall be erected at the entrance to the preserve, visible from cars traveling on ~ermill ion Street, as described in section 2.2.4. Grade 'D' Grove: The management goal for this grove, included in the grade 'D' prairie in part 2 of section II, is to develop a high quality mesic prairie resembling the prairie present in the early 1800's. This management effort has the lowest priority due to the low quality of the remnant prairie, and to the difficulty of 1realistical ly achieving the goal. Management --~objectives are;, t.' Remove the existing woody vegetation; I 2. ,Conduct annua 1 contro 1 led burns; ') 3. E 1 i mi nate non-native species; and 4.\~ncourage and/or re~introduce native species. Removal of the existing woody plants is the most easily accomplished objective. Dead and dying trees shall be cut at ground level and removed from the site when the ground is frozen. This is a project suitable for a scout group or individual interested in obtaining firewood. All saplings and shrubs shall be cut at ground level, stump-treated with --~a_ non-:-residual herbicide as necessary, and the cut material removed from the site. Live trees shall be removed last, again cut at ground level and removed from the site. This sequence of removing the woody plants is designed to alleviate local residents' concerns about the destruction of the 'woods', by first removing only those trees which are obviously dead, next removing the thick shrubs, and lastly removing what, to many people, constitute a 'woods'--the large live trees. Discussing with local newspapers and other media the concept of a prairie cemetery, which did not include trees at the time the cemetery was established, may help reduce any local opposition to the changed appearance of the cemetery. Prescribed fires shall be conducted once the woody material has been eliminated. The absence of shade and the impact of control led burns will gradually decrease the presence of existin~ non-native grou~dcover soeci~s. su2h as p~riwinkle,

• 3 1 while encouraging growth of existing prairie plants. As time and volunteer efforts permit, seeds collected from the grade 'A' prairie shall be scattered over the entire grade 'D' prairie, including the grove area. Seed may be broadcast when collected, or held overwinter and broadcast immediately following a prescribed burn. There shall be no disturbance of the soil surface in conjunction with this • seeding. Tamping the surface after seeding, which may increase the percentage of seeds germinating (Nuzzo, 1985), shall be considered as a possible restoration method. Other Concerns: At the time of this writing, management and stewardship .. --.:c.-of the Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve ~~in i ma l . This situation can be improved if a volunteer steward with the time and skills necessary_fqr active stewardship assists the present custodian ,--the(Pa_~t?.r1. Town 7h i p Cemetery ~sso9 at ion. -~ The vo 1 unteer steward wou 1 doe respons 1 b 1 e for coord 1 nat r-<2_ng volunteer work activities, maintaining annual records, providing information about the preserve to the general public, and in general keeping an eye on the preserve. Mr. Ingold and his employees might also be willing to visually monitor and record use of the preserve, particularly by large groups. It is suggested that Mr. Ingold be contacted about this matter, in view of the proximity of the company to the prairie, the year-round presence of staff able to easily view the prairie, and the willingness of the owner to permit parking by prairie visitors. _ The l.N.P.C. can provide much-needed information to the ~ ~ '~Paxton Township Cemetery Association, as well as area residents, by-clarifying and defining tt-1e responsibilities of all parties concerned with the preserve: Who is in charge of determining what reseach is conducted; who is responsible for burning 'the-f?rairie; who should repair the fence and patrol the bounda- -'o:-r i es·, etc. A letter to the Association defining what ) resp~nsibi 1 ities each individual, agency, group1 etc.r;<'has, would clarify the situation. Additionally, definition of the responsibilities of the preserve steward, and indication of the usefulness of a volunteer steward to assist the Associationi_rmay prove helpful. --.., 2.4.7b Control oF Noxious Species There appear to be no legally noxious species in the preserve. 2.4.7c Control of Exotic Species Control of exotic species is discussed in section 2.4.7a.

• 32 ·c'r -----.._,, 2. 4. 7d Contro 1 of' Natura 1 Poou 1 at ions 1 1 , • There shal 1 be no ef'f'orts to control plant populations except as described in section 2.4.7a above. 2.4.7e Management or Endangered Species There shal I be no management f'or the preservation or increase of endangered or threatened species within the preserve. If such species are found to occur in the preserve at a future time a proposal may be made to the(T.N.P.C. to permit any necessary management. • ~ 2.4.7f Introduction of Plants and Animals There shal 1 be no introduction of plants or animals from outside the preserve into the p~eserve. Seeds or native herbaceous species in the grade 'A' prairie may be collected and broadcast in other portions of the preserve as part of restoration activities described in section 2.4.7a above. Section 5 of Part II. Management of Visitors and Use 2.5.1 Use Tolerance The Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve is in general very susceptible to significant disturbance by visitors. In particular, the grade 'A' prairie is very prone to damage by visitors, primarily due to its small size (1.5 acres) and secondarily to the lack of any existing or proposed trail system. The grade 'D' prairie is much less sensitive to use, but high use levels wil 1 encourage growth of undesireable exotic species and hinder development of a high qua] ity mesic prairie. 2.5.2 Durability Classes and Allowable Use Zones The preserve is divided into three durability classes, indicated on the map in Figure 5. The grade 'A' prairie is least durable, and can tolerate a minimum of use. The grade 'D' prairie is more durable, and can tolerate use by school groups. The 'grove' is the most durable, and can tolerate group use and hands-on activities. These durabi 1 ity classes are established in terms of maintaining the existing quality of the preserve; the classifications shal 1 be reassigned as management increases the qua] ity of the plant communities. The grade 'D' communities wi l 1 become less durable as vegetotional integrity increases.

• • I ( 2 z I I ! I .I ! C ~\(-:irl.]t\ ,_ r. /.-_~;·r 1\f,"Y. i-... ------~> = I C'(.J Figure 5: Durability Classes for Prospect Ceme~ery Prairie Nature Preserve. 1 = Low Durabi l itv 2 - Moderately Low Ourabi l ity 3 = Moderate Durability

t • 33 2.5.3 Classes of Visitors The entire preserve shall be open to al~ casual visitors as wel 1 as to special activity users. Management of the prairie will passively encourage casual visitor activity in the grade 'D' prairie by relocating the entrance (refer to sections 2.2.4 and 2.2.6) and by possible future development of a trail system (refer to section 2.2.6). Development of a trail system in the grade 'A' prairie (refer to section 2.2.6) may become necessary if casual use increases substantially over current 'levels. If use increases to the point that the designated trail structure is inadequate it will be necessary to reduce the numbers of casual visitors to a level the preserve can tolerate. Organized groups shal 1 concentrate their activities in the grade 'D' sections of the p~eserve. The impact of classes from local colleges, which now use the entire preserve as an educational resource, shall be monitored. If overuse is observed all user groups shall be requested to confine their activities to the grade 'D' parts of the preserve. 2.5.4 Character of Visitor Activity Visitor activity shall be in accordance with the Rules for Management of Nature Preserves, with the exception that visitors will not be restricted to trails until such time as trails are developed (refer to sections 2.2.6 and 2.5.3). 2.5.5 Access Control Ingress to the preserve shall be by a single gate located on the northern part of the west boundary, as indicated in Flgure 3 and described in section 2.2.4. The preserve shal 1 be open year round, from dawn to dusk. Parking shal 1 be available in the Paxton Farm Equipment Parking lot, across Vermi 11 ion Street. It is recommended that Mr. Ingold be contacted periodically to verify his continuing approval of this arrangement. 2.5.6 Orientation and Guidance of Visitors Orientation shall be provided by means of a large and attractive sign desc1~ibing the prairie, the relationship between the cemetery and the prairie, and the uniqueness of the site (rerer to section 2.2.4). No other orientation or interpretive materials shal 1 be provided. 2.5.7 Permits for Research or Educational Activities

34 shal 1 be in accordance with the ability of the small preserve to tolerate the research and/or educational activities. Section 6 of Part II. Land Acqufsftfon and Oedfcatfon Needs -~No additional land needs to be acquired or dedicated to manage or protect the preserve. The surrounding land is farm, residential and commercial, and in July of 1985 presented little. or no potential for damage to the preserve (other than the chance of herbicide drift landing in the prairie) . . ---

An president of c"'.rand rrairio .:•'riond::-; of I l.ti:n.oii.:i, I cu( vrri tit1r to you in roeard.D to --:;te,::ard~1hi p of ~a:cto::1 and r_nda r:e:,::o-1:;nr•icw. '. ,;1.rch, ;ri 11 ;:\idd0 I. t mmt in:forrna tinn to ondy ,-:a.rri:cion foLlov,5. ,:c mn:' :J.nquir:y as to tl1e rcrn;mnr.iibiLiticrn of beconi:n,,. tt10 pof.3fdb.lo r:;tewarclr:-; of .:axton and Toda. i'he inf'.:)rt·'at:lo:v1 vn::tfl dir::trirmtwl mKl cU.ncuDsod at tto 1a~Jt boo.rd troetinrr '.J.nd. it i:1 tho conconmi:; of t:m boo.rd that ,·rand \~::d:r:-:in '•'ri'1rY1D cloi;:; 1.in0 :·;tn·•;1::1,r.fln1 ,i p of ·jotlt n5.t1y; f'or 10[11~. ,o 1:nvo a ,):r.ior cnr-:":~_t:·'lent r~·~ :oU.oiJ crn::10·,~::)ry, n rcH1tor··~ a -c i (}.l/, :)r·c) J ec t; ')( "tld. i "(i 0 : "1'J]~ t;f.1 ·t ~-!0 (~ ~::·1tr,-~{~i.r·,::! ,:~oti·,,.1--s~-_,- '\Y(Jl:-r:~;-; ·'.: =~E1fJ(JY..-VQ • a,1d 11~1.intnnaoce of' tho ·::hor.tt.1.n(:: rd to ·1nc~ !:'no I. wo dn not 'let~.re t;,o ,:.i 'c1. J !.~, and ox;1er°10i1co t 1) ta:rn on nnot~·or ,c:r-o;inct at t:·: irj t.i. :o. Gc)11r1or"var1n~,r ()21 \1.!}C~nif:ir! .rrcn,j0~t!J Ett t!1~r1c~ ,·1i~t,..,r:1 ~:1J1c;~'lO"'J'(·1r ~;t1:.Jnib tc~. -~'hore a.ro nnny intoroFited r1,ncl enthtm5.:-1,:;t::.e ·x-w.')'-~~ .i":. tt,:1,n cF:•.•·nnI•- ::.:atlon 1,11.10 1,;ou.L.1 onjo~/ .:101pin["" ,.vith a ~:ur::'1 0 neert.i::-J.(', or otJi(~r tr.u:i'w. l'."R.:nd !.rait·:'i.G :.'riorn.tn in also very i.ntorontod :i.n reco;1:,J.doei:;-1·~ r;trniarch;llJ;) o:f Laxton and tor1.a 1.n t 1·10 non.I' f':.,1.tu.:e:•,;. ·l",:1.:-::0 :·.:c.HJ'; u:::i infornod of your t1ro,0:rcHm in t!1es0 areru:i. 'o contact UH you can oit.11e:t· ,..,rito to tho abovn au.d:r.orm or eonta.ct. ~·,:c' rtt :.;:. :l bo.::: :.:~1h, :ors:ar, 1.1.. 6lbh•9 or call ne at ~2'.i.'?- cl96-~;~,s~;::_;o ,:o ro--re·r. t'·:nt 'cJrJ ca.nnot ar.,BUlilo uttmardnidp n.t this time but looJ:: for1.w.rd to v1or1d:n.,,...,. i.1ith you an n:uch ar; nounibl.o. ,Io 1oo(t fo1 .... -:,arc1 . to ·r:o~l'.:•1-;::1:. 1.r \J:l.t.J :i.ron in tho hope o:..c' J_.:conervine, our prairie ho:d .. tar;o tofrothor. :;u~mnne ~~ni th >renidcnt, , .. ra.nd I""cliric rr:lenclfl

Prospect Cemetery Prairie Protection Status- Illinois Nature Preserve Location- In Ford County on the south side of the city of Paxton approximately 22 miles north of Champaign-Urbana. Access is available from 1-57 to Hwy 9 through Paxton. Turn south on Hwy 45 .9 mile to Green Street. The Preserve sits one block east of Hwy 45 at the intersection of Green and Vermillion streets. Size- 5 acre rectangular site marked by a wire fence Dedication- The site was dedicated on October 20, 1976 as Nature Preserve #61. Steward(s)- John Taft •Kitty Sehrnidt•dones c,lr, $ ftiJ lf > P.O. Box 497 Sidney, IL w-244-5046 h-688-2931 Contact person(s)- /2 neighbor(s)- Don Carter INPC representative- Mary Kay Solecki P.O. Box 497 Sidney, IL 688-2931 other knowledgeable people Ownership- Paxton Township Cemetery Trustees Management Input- Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, T~ancy, Grand Prairie Friends Safety Information- Ford County Sheriffs Office 217-379-2324 Site Quality- A/B/C (INAI standards) The southern 1.5 acres of the cemetery is high quality grade 'A' mesic prairie. The remainder of the preserve is fo.v qualit:y, disturbed prairie aflO f0Fm8r praifre:--· . /( j. b_' \ ~ :y~-, f-~ B 'to J;, vJ/ !1/J 1~ iJsf u,,-//7-,:f ( 1 ~ / - oz,Jy,.fl f-/4,,, u 4 &~ .e . . -»ri /:t M 1,vy ,/Ml~ f/ .{t>v! jW'',J ef ;i~ ~ 6', ,' d Y ,'6<A <e- /

History In 1836 Joshua Trickle established the first permanent residence in Ford County, located in button Township just east of Paxton. The county was the last to be formed in Illinois, incorporated in 1859. Paxton was established in 1857. The Prospect Cemetery was created on February 16, 1859 when Benjamin Stites sold four acres to the Prospect City Cemetery Association (Paxton was originally named Prospect City) for $100, creating the first cemetery in the county. On September 23, 1863, Susan Stites released the land to the Prospect City Cemetery Association, which had apparently never paid for the property. At this time it was a five acre plot. Burials continued until 1914, and possibly much later. A few stones remain in the cemetery, and no burial records were located. Many of the markers have fallen over or have been removed, and the graves are frequently sunken. A number of the markers were remove "a number of years ago" by a farmer who piled them in the southwest corner in anticipation of plowing the site. This action provides some support for the speculation that the southern part of the cemetery is essentially virgin prairie that was not used for burials, as it is believed that few people would intentionally plow up and plant an area containing human remains. The preserve today bears little resemblance to a cemetery, retaining only a few large white upright gravestones. The cemetery was dedicated as Illinois Nature Preserve #61 in 1976. Dr. Betz documented species presence from 1971 through 1975, and Kathryn Kerr conducted a species composition study in 1979. Management of the prairie has been generally undocumented. The northern part of the preserve was mowed two to three times of year with a "brush hog mower" up until 1972. According to Mr. Ingold, the prairie was burned occasionally by, a local resident up until 1979. Notes in the Natural Land Institute File indicate that all or part of the prairie was burned March 14, 1974, and May 1, 1975. Mr. Graham stated that two acres were burned March 18, 1980, and that in the same year 60 hours were expended removing an old fence and 'junk'. Jack White recorded in 1979 the removal of brush from the north fence of preserve. (taken from Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve, Illinois Natural Areas Inventory# 992, Nature Preserve # 61, prepared by Victoria Nuzzo, 1985)

1 • • n, ·ttf· 7L. Steward(s)- John Taft and ~tty ~cl ,rniElt .Jo~es Ltv, ·, fl-\, ' / Management Objectives- (as outlined by the INPC) ~-,\ The primary management objective for Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve i~ the preservation of the high quality black soil mesic prairie located in the southern_...U:rlfd of the preserve. The secondary management objective is to restore the remainder of the preserve to high quality mesic prairie, replicating the original prairie present in the early 1800's. The management of the preserve shall be in accordance with the Rules for Management of Nature Preserves (Illinois DOC, 1972). No trail shall be established in the preserve as long as visitor use remains at its 1985 level. This was extremely low consisting of asparagus hunters in spring, a few classes in summer, and an occasional individual at other times. If visitor levels increase, primarily due to educational use of the preserve, it may become necessary to develop a trail system to preserve the quality of the prairie. No other structures or improvements shall be established in the Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve. Prescribed burns shall be conducted on a frequent, periodic basis, ranging from annually to seven out of ten years. There shall be no set boundaries for these prescribed fires, and temporary firebreaks shall be relocated for each burn. No permanent firebreaks shall be made within the preserve. The purpose of burning is three fold: 1. Maintain and increase the quality of the grade 'A' prairie; 2. Reduce or eliminate non-native and ~~-~t growth in the entire preserve; and 3. Stimulate the growth of prairie species in the)eW"grade prairie and grove. The management goal for the grade 'A' prairie portion of the preserve is to maintain the existing integrity and diversity of the prairie. This goal has three objectives: 1. Maintain the existing diversity and abundance of prairie species; 2. eliminate non-native and woody plants ,..,Jencroaching on the prairie; and 3. Prevent future encroachment of non-native or woody species. . ~IJl)v The principal management tools are prescribed fire and selective removal of _ ,._,.,.,,f)7 f/""/ k ,#'> undesireable species. The woody species appear to pose the most significant danger to the < :l v-n- f.t_. . ~ ti tJflc'\ -~ -~- ,. . .. prair~awthorn and mulberry are the two most abundant species along with white poplar. t¥,~J !.c 1 t l .~<=:~ral of the species in the prairie will be injured by fire (including multiflora rose [Evans, 1983] ~.;.e f'"!!<.o, .J vJ' v1 and honeysuckle [Evans, 19841). Hand cutting of woody species and application of a t t' ,,~Ji.Ir. non-residual herbicide such as Round-Up (by a licensed applicator) should be used as a control ~t:~- . (l ,/' along with fire. Fire should control non-native forbs and grasses. Within the high quality prairie '\ ~1J,t,Y occurence of exotics is low, but removal by pulling of undes)rpl;lle~ such c},S)Nhite sweet clov~r)s_ /. 0 ·\~ recommended. -·--, :.~="" 7"'--4 ,., _,u,t..t~7 /,,'f' c;.;--,,£;,,_ Ii r (_/ f JI, '{ -:... (-- f?.}) vi' \ The management goal for (he low qualityprairie on the north end"Of Prospect Cemetery n Prairie is to restore the site to high qllatitymesfc prairie, replicating the original prairie present in .t the early 1800's. The objectives are: 1. Removal of non-native woody and herbaceous plant /'J} ,1 material; 2. Restoration of native prairie species (encouragement of the existing species to J! lif expand); and 3. Preservation of a cemetery prairie. Jlf ~~j An active program of woody plant removal shall be undertaken in conjunction with 1 J, ;' • \ annual burning. Application of a non-residual herbicide to cut stems is appropriate for many J' { 1 species, and may only by applied by a licensed applicator. In many parts of the prairie of ~.,_,. ✓ ~b7 \ non-native herbaceous plants, such as daylily and periwinkle, form a virtual blanket over the soil. rYJ' \ • Controlled burns, labor intensive hand pulling, and herbicide application are some management ' Y-' ! objectives for their control. l , 1 \~ A few up right gravestones remain in the low quality prairie. Many have fallen over, and J /\ ~;~:1 rs have been place in piles. Prospect Cemetery is both a prairie and a cemetery. While the ,/ i local townspeople appear to be relatively unconcerned about the preservation of the site as a & I formal cemetery, preservation of the site as a prairie cemetery itself will be evident; and second, J the historical relationship between the early settlers and the prairie will be preserved, and ' demonstrated, by the restoration of prairie around the gravestones. Preservation of this prairie (t , or \ cemetery shall be as follows: 1. All existing gravestones shall be maintained. Stones which r , have fallen over shall be placed upright. Stones which have been piled up shall be relocated, !

i::iti-u,:( accln-ateiy or ,n the gene.-al vicinity of the existing upright stones; woody vegetation s11aii be removed from the vicinity of the graveston --. obviously pianted by a grave rnay be ieft if necessary, but over tirr--.e ·a oody shrubs and trees are to be eliminated; 3. There shall be no mowing of the gravesit~s; 4. Prairie vegetation shall be encouraged to replace non-native species, so that the gravestones will be visible within a prairie matrix; and 5. A sign describing the relationship of the prairie to the cemetery shall be erected at the entrance to the preserve, visible from cars travelling on Vermillion Street. There shall be no efforts to control plant populations except the control of non-native, exotic species. There shall be no management for the preservation or increase of endangered or threatened species within the preserve. If such species are found to occur in the preserve at a future time a proposal may be made to the INPC to permit any necessary management. There shall be no introduction of plants or animals from outside the preserve. Seeds of native ~ "'-',.A,J-- '/10 herbaceous species in the grade 'A' prairie may be collected and broadcast in portions of the r TV:--' -J preserve as part of restoration activities in the low quality section. ---J • ;._;;:lb fl)£r 3/ (taken from lNAI # 992, Nature Preserve# 61, Victoria Nuzzo, 1985) Management History Management of the prairie has been generally undocumented. The northern part of the preserve was mowed two to three times of year with a "brush hog mower'' up until 1972. According to Mr. Ingold, the prairie was burned occasionally by a local resident up until 1979. Notes in the Natural Land Institute File indicate that all or part of the prairie was burned March 14, 197 4, and May 1, 1975. Mr. Graham stated that two acres were burned March 18, 1980, and that in the same year 60 hours were expended removing an old fence and 'junk'. Jack White recorded in 1979 the removal of brush from the north fence of preserve. Seed collectionExotic plant removalPhysical maintenanceManagement needs and goals fireSeed collectionExotic plant removalPhysical maintenance-

Prospect Cemetery Prairie Species List Acaiypha gracilens Acer saccharinum Ambrosia artemisiifolia Amorpha canescens Andropogon gerardii Andropogon scoparius Anemone cylindrica Antennaria neglecta Asclepias sullivantii Asclepias syriaca Asclepias tuberosa Asclepias berticillata Aster ericoides Aster laevis Aster novae-angliae Aster pilosus Baptisia leucophaea Cal ste ia se ium Carex bi knellii Carex meadii Carex normalis Carex tenera Carex vulpinoidea Ceanothus americanus Celtis occidentalis Cirsium discolor Claytonia virginica Comandra richardsiana Coreopsis tripteris Crataegus sp. Crotolaria sagittalis Desmodium canadense Desmodium illinoense Echinacea pallida Eleocharis ellipitca Eleocharis verrucosa Elymus canadensis Elymus virginicus Erigeron annuus Erigeron strigosus Eryngium yuccifolium Euphorbia corollata Fragaria virginiana Gaura biennis Gentiana puberulenta Helianthus grosseserratus Helianthus mollis Heliopsis helianthoides Hypoxis hirsuta Juniperus virginiana Kuhnia eupatorioides Lactuca canadensis Lespedeza capitata l; (,-.,~ pt-,/,i Mpl,,ll1-r4 Slender mercury Siiver maple Common ragweed Lead plant Big bluestem Little bluestem Thimbleweed Pussytoes, Cat's foot Sullivant's milkweed Common milkweed Butterfly weed Horsetail milkweed Heath aster Smooth aster New England aster Hairy-aster Cream wild indigo American bindweed Prairie sedge Sedge Sedge Sedge Fox sedge New Jersey tea Hackberry Field thistle Spring beauty Bastard toadflax Tall tickseed Hawthorn Rattlebox Showy tick trefoil Illinois tick trefoil Pale coneflower Spike rush Spike rush Canadian wild rye Virginia wild rye Daisy fleabane Daisy fleabane Rattlesnake master Flowering spurge Wild strawberry Butterfly-weed Downy gentian Sawtooth sunflower Downy sunflower False sunflower Yellow star grass Red cedar False boneset Wild lettuce Round-headed bush clover

Lithospermum canescens Lobeiia spicata Lysimachia lanceolaia Monarda fistulosa Oenothera biennis Oxalis violacea Panicum virgatum Parthenium integrifolium Parthenocissus quinquefolius Pedicularis canadensis Petalostemum purpureum Phlox pilosa Physalis virginiana Physostegia virginiana Polygonatum commutatum Potentilla arguta Potentilla simplex Prenanthes aspera Prunella vulgaris Prunus serotina Pycnanthemum tenuifolium Pycnanthemum virginianum Quercus velutina Ratibida pinnata Rhus radicans Rosa carolina Rubus alleghaniensis Ruellia humilis Scutellaria parvula Silphium integrifolium Silphium laciniatum Silphium terebinthinaceum Sisyrinchium albidum Solidago altissima Solidago nemoralis Solidago rigida Sorghastrum nutans Sporobolus heterolepis Sporolobus aspera Ulmus rubra Viola pedatifida Zizia aurea Hoary puccoon Spike iobelia Lance-leafed loosestrife Wild bergamot Common evening primrose Violet wood sorrel Switch grass Wild quinine Virginia creeper Lousewort Purple prairie clover Prairie phlox Lance-leaved ground cherry False dragonhead Solomon's seal Prairie cinquefoil Common cinquefoil rough white lettuce Self heal Black cherry Slender mountain mint Common mountain mint Black oak Drooping coneflower Poison ivy Pasture rose Blackberry Wild petunia Small skullcap Rosinweed Compass plant Prairie dock Common blue-eyed grass Tall goldenrod Field goldenrod Rigid goldenrod Indian grass Prairie Dropseed Rough Dropseed Slippery elm Prairie violet Golden alexanders

THE LICHEN FLORA OF FORD COUNTY, ILLINOIS Prospect Cemetery Nature Preserve Rich Hyerczyk 5204 S. Natoma Ave. Chicago, IL 60638-1222 1 December 1996 What follows is an annotated list of the lichen flora found at Prospect Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve, Ford County, IL. This list is arranged alphabetically by family, genus and species. The growth form and substrate are listed in brackets following the name of the author. Nomenclature follows Esslinger and Egan (1995). Six families are reported, represented by 19 species in 13 genera. Twelve lichens are foliose growth forms and seven are crustose. References: Esslinger, T. L. & R. C. Egan. 1995. A Sixth Checklist of the Lichen-forming, Lichenicolous and Allied Fungi of the Continental United States and Canada The Bryologist 98(4): 467-549. Family ARTHONIACEAE ARTHONIA Ach. Arthonia caesia (Flotow) Korber (CRUSTOSE] (CORTICOLOUSJ On the trunk of Quercus velutina. Family LECANORACEAE CANDELARIELLA Mull. Arg. Candelariella xanthostigma (Ach.) Lettau. [CRUSTOSEJ [CORTicowusJ On the trunk of Quercus velutina. LECANORA Ach. Lecanora dispersa (Pers.) Sommerf. [CRUSTOSE] [SAXICOLOUS] On dolomite headstones. Lecanora symmicta (Ach.) Ach. [CRUSTOSEJ [CORncowusJ On the trunk of Quercus velutina. Lecanora sp. [CRUSTOSE] (LlGNICOLOUSJ On a decorticate stump. Family P ARMELIACEAE CANDELARIA A Massal. Candelaria concolor (Dickson) Stein [FOLlOSE] [CORTICOLOUS, SAXICOLOUS] On a dolomite headstone and on the trunk of Celtis occidentalis, Prunus serotina and Quercus velutina.

,, FLAVOP ARMELIA Hale Flavoparmelia caperata (L.) Hale [F0U0SE] (C0RTIC0LOUS] On the trunk of Quercus velutina. FLA VOPUNCTELIA (Krog) Hale Flavopunctelia jl.aventior (Stirton) Hale [FOU0SE] [CORTIC0LOUS] On the trunk of Quercus velutina. Flavopunctelia soredica (Nyl.) Hale [FOU0SE] [C0RTICOLOUS] On the trunk of Quercus velutina. PARMELIAAch. Parmelia sulcata Taylor [FouosEJ [coRncowusJ On the trunk of Quercus velutina. PUNCTELIA Krog Pu.nctelia bolliana (Mull. Arg.) Krog [FOLlOSE] [CORTICOLOUS] On the trunk of Quercus velutina. Family PYXINACEAE PHAEOPHYSCIA Moberg Pha.eophyscia cernohorskyi (Nadv.) Essl. [FouosEJ [sAXIcowusJ On dolomite headstones. Pha.eophyscia ciliata (Hoffin.) Moberg [FouosE] [SAXICOLOUSJ On dolomite and marble headstones. Phaeophyscia rubropulchra (Degel.) Essl. [Fo11osE] [CORTicowus] On the lower trunk of Quercus velutina. PHYSCIA (Schreber) Michaux Physcia millegrana Degel. [FOLl0SE] [CORTIC0LOUS] On the trunks of Celtis occidentalis, Pronus serotina and Quercus velutina. Physcia stellaris (L.) Nyl. [Fo11osE] [coRncowusJ On the trunks of Celtis occidentalis and Quercus velutina. Family TELOSCHISTACEAE CALOPLACA Th. Fr. Caloplaca ulmorum (Fink) Fink [CRUSTOSE] [SAXIC0LOUS] On a dolomite headstone. XANTHORIA (Fr.) Th. Fr. Xanthoria fallax (Hepp) Arnold var. fallax [FouosE] [SAXICOLOUS] On a dolomite headstone. 2

Family VERRUCARIACEAE ENDOCARPON Hedwig Endocarpon pusillum Hedwig [CRUSTosE] [SAXIcowusJ On a dolomite headstone. 3

Illinois Nature Preserves Commission 524 SOUTH SECOND STREET LINCOLN TOWER PLAZA SPRINGFIELD, IL 62701-1787 217 /785-8686 9/16/96 Mr. Richard D. Hyerczyk 5204 Natoma .Ave Chicago IL 60638 Dear Mr. Hyerczyk: SPECIAL USE PERMIT C. opy PERMIT EXPIRES 12/31/ 996 Permission is hereby granted for carrying on a special activity within the Illinois Nature Preserves System subject to the conditions specified below and with the permission of the landowner as evidenced by the owner's signature below. This permit is valid only when initialed on each page and signed by representatives of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and permit holder. This permit is issued pursuant to the Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act (525 ILCS 30) and Rules for Management of Illinois Nature Preserves (17 Ill. Admin. Code 4000.570). Permit holders shall submit an annual report to the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission including the following information 1) Names of preserves visited and dates of visits. 2) Number of specimens and species collected by date and preserve. 3) Types, dates and locations of disturbances to the preserve. Permit holders shall provide the Commission with copies of all reports, and publications derived from research allowed under this permit. Permit holders shall provide the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission with copies of raw data collected under this permit upon request. The holder of a Special-Use Permit is subject to the Rules for Management of Illinois Nature Preserves and the Rules for Public Use of Illinois Nature Preserves. Expired permits may renewed upon written request and submittal of an annual report

Prairie Lands Foundation Phone: Approved by ___________________________ Date: ____ _ At PROSPECT CEMETERY PRAIRIE NATURE PRESERV, Ford County, you are authorized to do the following: Hand collection. The species and/or items you are authorized to collect include: Lichens. After completion of your work, these items will be given to the following: Morton Arboretum. Specimen taken only if not currently known from this county. The following owner or land manager must approve this research at this/these site(s). Please contact them directly to obtain their signature below. Jim Graham Patton Township Cemetery Association 221 South Spring Paxton IL 60957 Phone: Approved by ___________________________ Date: ____ _ If you have any questions please feel free to contact Randy R. Heidorn at the above address. Thank You for your interest in the Illinois Nature Preserves System: Approved by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Natural Areas Program: --..J9C-L.½L.....-I~=-"'.,____,, ,,,_,12'-'-1-'-'Jc'"""'-.;,._.[£......,·Av!:-~'-------------Date:Jft;/)-:,'/4;,t)~/'i7 he II nois Nature Preserves Commission __ ....__-+-+_llf_' "====::::::: ______________ Date: /o/2.-r,/ i b I have read and understand the permit and agree to abide by its provisions. ~ A Jhe.t ~, Date: lo-3o-1t -S-ig_n_a-tu_r_e"--0-f.L..P..,__e...z.rrn-it_H_~-'--F--,e'-r-1~...,,;+---rr--------------------- Perrnit:Hyercz~ .!}, 1 Initials: INPC_{S,_____,t::_rf_ IDNR ___ _ Year: 1996 Permit Holder: It, 'If Print date: 9/16/96 Page: 2 of 2