Jarrett Prairie Nature Preserve

Ogle County

Location and Access:

This nature preserve is a part of the larger Byron Forest Preserve District Prairie Preserve located south of Byron just across the Rock River on IL Rt. 72, then west 0.5 mile on River Road to the forest preserve main entrance. Parking, trail access and trail maps are available at the Jarrett Prairie Center at the top of the hill.

Description:

The Byron Forest Preserve District "Prairie Preserve" is a large complex of dry-mesic dolomite prairie remnants. Much of the prairie preserve is currently undergoing restoration. The best quality prairie, including those areas that are habitat for endangered and rare species, and the best of the restored prairie all together make up in important core area that has been dedicated as the Jarrett Prairie Nature Preserve. The ridges and swales of the nature preserve are defined by the shallow underlying dolomite. Dry prairie is present on the thin soils of the ridges and upper slopes. Lower slopes and swales are characterized by more moist soils. The nature preserve also includes two sites where large bur oaks with spreading branches suggest a more savanna-like community.

Ownership: Byron Forest Preserve District

Dedicated: December 1992

Size: 322.036 acres with buffer

Topo Map: Oregon 7.5

For Further Information Contact: Byron Forest Preserve District, 7993 River Road, Byron, IL 61010 (815/234-8535)

03/10 R. Heidorn