Illinois
Department of Natural Resources
PRAIRIE
RIDGE STATE NATURAL AREA
4295 North 1000th Street
Newton, IL 62448
618-783-2685
E-mail: scott.simpson@illinois.gov
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PRAIRIE
RIDGE STATE NATURAL AREA
Prairie Ridge State Natural Area is one of the best sites in Illinois for observing rare species of grassland wildlife. Whether your interests are bird watching, nature study, photography, or simply enjoying the prairie vistas, Prairie Ridge SNA is a great place to visit.
The core site for the Prairie Ridge State Natural Area (PRSNA) was acquired in the early 1960's following the drastic decline of the greater prairie-chicken due to habitat loss. This 4101 acre state natural area provides grassland and wetland habitat for 36 species of special concern, including 16 state endangered, eight state threatened, five watch list, and six area sensitive species. It is the only large grassland habitat complex in the entire Southern Till Plain Natural Division of Illinois.
Prairie Ridge
is unique in that, while the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
(IDNR) manages the entire 3,500 
acres,
nearly 200 acres remains under ownership of the Illinois
Audubon Society and has been developed as grassland/wetland habitat
and an environmental education area. About 200 acres owned by AmerenCIPS
adjacent to nearby Newton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area have been
placed by the company under management of IDNR. Of the land IDNR owns,
567 acres are dedicated nature preserves and 2814 acres are registered
as land and water reserves.
Management
of this area includes the development of grassland plant communities of
introduced grasses and native prairie species. Wetland communities have
been constructed to provide habitat for 15 state threatened and endangered
wetland dependent species. The site contains a mosaic of habitat types
including cool season grasses, restored native grasses, wetlands, native
remnant prairies, habitats prepared by annual discing for brood-rearing
of prairie-chickens and other birds, woodlands/old 
fields,
cropland being converted into grassland, and miscellaneous areas such
as buildings sites and waterways.
Prairie
Ridge has the distinction of having the state's largest breeding population
of northern harriers, short-eared owls as well as the only population
of greater prairie-chickens - all of which are state endangered grassland
birds.
Swallowtail on Liatus
Short
Eared Owl
Barn Owl
In 1995, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service identified 17 birds dependent on grasslands or wetlands associated with grasslands in a region that includes Illinois and seven other Midwestern states as species of special management concern. This status is due to: 1) documented or apparent population declines; 2) small or restricted populations, and/or 3) dependence on restricted or venerable habitats. Fifteen of those 17 species occur at Prairie Ridge and 12 are known to breed at this site, giving regional importance to this grassland habitat complex. (see below)
Status
a
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service species of Special Management
Concern in the Midwest, 1995;
b
Population trends estimated form Breeding Bird Survey
data and surveys for endangered species.
* Not considered because non-migratory.
| Species | USFWSa | Illinois | Estimated Population Trend in Illinois, 1967-1997b |
| Northern Harrier |
SMC |
Endangered |
too rare |
| Greater Prairie Chicken | 0 | Endangered | -80% |
| Upland Sandpiper | SMC | Endangered | -20% |
| Short-eared Owl | SMC | Endangered | too rare |
| Loggerhead Shrike | SMC | -90% | |
| Dickcissel | SMC | -70% | |
| Field Sparrow | SMC | -65% | |
| Grasshopper Sparrow | SMC | -85% | |
| Henslow’s Sparrow | SMC | Endangered | too rare |
| Eastern Meadowlark | SMC | -65% |
The main objective at Prairie Ridge is development of a grassland ecosystem capable of maintaining viable populations of grassland species, including permanent resident and migratory species, with emphasis on threatened and endangered species. Secondary goals includes the development of a prairie preserve characteristic of the presettlement flora of the Southern Till Plain Natural Division of Illinois and providing opportunities for ecological research, education and wildlife viewing.
In all of
modern America, there is no more lost, plaintive, old-time sound than
the booming of a native prairie-chicken, wrote John Madson in his tribute
to tallgrass prairie, Where the Sky Began. "Booming"
is the sound male prairie-chickens produce during their communal courtship
display on a lek or booming ground. The males inflate their orange air
sacs (tympani), erect their black neck feathers (pinnae),
stomp their feet and emit the three noted booming sound, 'who-OOM-oom.'
The sound has been likened to blowing over the mouth of an empty jug and
can be heard up to a mile away. This annual ritual was nearly eliminated
from the Prairie State. The gray prairie soils of Southeastern Illinois were poorly
drained, acidic and low in productivity. The chief crop was
redtop grass which was grown principally for seed. By the
early 1900's, redtop seed was an important money crop in southeastern
Illinois, an area which maintained the title "Redtop
Capitol of the World"until after WWII. In 1934 about
85% of the world production and 95% of the U.S production
of redtop grass seed were grown in southeastern Illinois.
Redtop grown for seed production provided nesting cover for
prairie-chickens and was responsible for maintaining prairie-chicken
populations in this region of the state. After WWII, redtop
farming was being phased out in favor of grain farming, due
to the use of agriculture limestones and fertilizers. Yet,
various federal farm programs continued to provide critical
nest cover in the 1960's. A census of prairie-chicken flocks
in a 20-county area in southern Illinois in 1962 revealed
179 flocks containing approximately 2000 birds. A survey of
prairie-chickens by the Illinois Department of Conservation
in 1959 and 1962 led to the selection of the management areas
in Jasper and Marion counties. In response to the drastic decline of the prairie-chickens due
to the loss of grasslands, the Prairie-Chicken Foundation
of Illinois was organized in 1959 with the single purpose
of preserving the prairie-chicken in Illinois. In 1961 the
first sanctuary of 77 acres was acquired in Jasper County.
Between 1961 and 2003 in Jasper County, 12 tracts totaling
2346 acres were developed as grasslands in Jasper County,
mostly by private groups and individuals working in cooperation
with the Prairie-Chicken Foundation of Illinois, The Illinois
Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy, the Illinois Natural
History Survey, the IDNR and AmerenCIPS. In Marion County,
seven tracts totaling 1207.5 acres were purchased between
1967 and 2001 for prairie-chicken management. These grasslands
currently support the last remaining Illinois prairie-chicken
populations. Several wetlands have been developed
to attract species requiring open prairie marshes. King rails,
least bitterns and American bitterns have been documented
to nest near these wetlands. Yellow rails are seen each year
during migration. Many species of waterfowl use these wetlands
during migration while mallards and blue wing teal nest here.
On spring evenings, the calls of amphibians resonate from
the marshes, including the unique call of Northern crayfish
frogs. Numerous prairie insects occur
on tracts with native prairie vegetation. Of these prairie
insects, there are several which have rare or restricted occurrence
in Illinois. The most notable is the prairie cicada, which
is perhaps the rarest large insect in Illinois. Another interesting
find was made in 1995, when researchers discovered a previously
undescribed species of leaf hopper. Visitors may encounter various mammals
such as cottontail rabbits, coyotes, deer, mink and muskrats. Large wintering
concentrations of raptors are common at this site due to high densities
of small mammals such as southern bog lemmings, prairie and meadow Government
Land Office Survey notes of 1820 indicate that 87% of the
site that is now Prairie Ridge was dominated by prairie, with
the balance in forest. Following European settlement of Jasper
and Marion counties, these prairie areas were converted to
agriculture. The Walters’ Prairie (Jasper County) was
cropped until the mid 1950's and since that time has remained
fallow, allowing for colonization by native prairie species.
About 178 native plant species have recolonized these former
crop fields. The Soldner tract (Marion County) also has a
five-acre prairie remnant with many native prairie plants.
Lead plant, compass plant, blazing stars and a few species
of orchids can be found growing on these prairies. Throughout
Prairie Ridge1000 acres have been restored to native prairie
vegetation. Also, Twelve-Mile Prairie, a
railroad remnant prairie which boasts 472 species of native
plants, is adjacent to the Marion County area. The remainder
of the grasslands on this site were seeded into cool season
grasses such as redtop, timothy and brome to mimic the redtop
seed production era which maintained the prairie-chicken for
many years. The Prairie Chicken Foundation
of Illinois (PCFI) was organized in 1959 by the Department
of Conservation, Illinois Natural History Survey, Illinois
Audubon Society, Izaak Walton League, Federation of Sportsman’s
Clubs and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) with a single purpose:
preserving the prairie chicken in Illinois. The PCFI purchased
five tracts totaling 297 acres between 1962 and 1967 in Jasper
County. In 1965 the Illinois Chapter - The Nature Conservancy
formed a special Prairie Grouse Committee (PGC) to raise additional
funds for land acquisition for prairie chickens. The PCFI
was disbanded in 1973 and it’s assets were transferred
to the PGC. The Illinois Chapter of the Nature Conservancy
was active for many years at Prairie Ridge State Natural Area
serving to pre-acquire land for the Department of Natural
Resources. TNC maintained ownership on nearly 1200 acres until
2000 when their land holdings were sold to the Department
of Natural Resources. TNC now lists Prairie Ridge as a Priority
Site for their Eco-Regional Planning Process. Since 1999,
the Illinois Audubon Society (IAS) has become very active
at Prairie Ridge State Natural Area and has purchased nearly
700 acres, of which 160 acres remains under their ownership.
The IAS in cooperation with IDNR , developed their land holdings
as additional grassland/wetland habitat and also developed
an environmental educational area. The IAS remains active
at Prairie Ridge to assist with acquiring additional habitat
for grassland wildlife and securing grants for numerous management
and educational projects. The Illinois Natural History Survey,
Illinois Nature Preservers Commission and Illinois Endangered
Species Board remain active in providing management recommendations
at Prairie Ridge. Most recently these agencies in cooperation
with IDNR have developed a Plan for the Recovery of the Prairie
Chicken in Illinois. The Jasper and Marion County Soil and
Water Conservation Districts have been actively pursuing Conservation
2000 grants to provide additional grassland habitat on private
land through Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Incentive
Payments. Eastern Illinois University and the University of
Illinois have been involved in numerous wildlife research
projects at Prairie Ridge. Prairie Ridge State Natural Area
is a unique site in Illinois, dedicated to conserving the
rarest members of Illinois’ native tallgrass prairie
and marsh communities. It offers one of the most spectacular
viewing opportunities for grassland wildlife in Illinois.
The number of endangered species found at PRSNA is very high,
and great care is taken to ensure the continued protection
and presence of these species. As a result access to the interior
portions of this site is restricted and wildlife viewing is
limited to roadsides. Roadside viewing is often excellent
for prairie-chickens, loggerhead shrikes, northern harriers,
short-eared owls and dickcissels. A wildlife viewing guide
and check list of birds are available upon request. By arrangement,
groups and individuals can be given a tour of the site by
site staff. The Illinois Audubon Society’s environmental
educational area, known as the Robert Ridgway Grassland Nature
Preserve, is open on an daily basis for wildlife viewing and
hiking. This area has been restored to prairie and has a self
guided interpretive trail and a wildlife viewing platform
over looking a wetland surrounded by native prairie plants.
The acquisition and establishment
of Prairie Ridge State Natural Area were due to successful
cooperation between private, governmental and commercial groups
working together to protect a unique natural resource. Scientific
and educational use of the area is allowed by permit, issued
by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Hunting,
trapping and fishing are not allowed at this site. For more
information about the area, contact Site Manager, Prairie
Ridge State Natural Area, 4295 North 1000th Street,
Newton, IL 62448 (618) 783-2685 or the Illinois Audubon Society,
P.O. Box 2547, Springfield, IL 62708 (217) 544-2473 or www.illinoisaudubon.org Office Driving east from Effingham or
west from Newton on State Highway 33 turn south on Bogota
Road (990 N 900E) and go 4 miles to first curve in road. Go
straight off curve to crossroads (600N 900E), turn left (east)
for 1 mile or first crossroad (600N 1000E) then turn right
(south) and go 1 3/4 miles to white house with wire fence. From State Highway 130 : Turn
west at St. Marie road (600N 1390E) and go 4 miles to (600N
1000E) and turn south (left) and go 1 3/4 miles to white house
with wire fence. Robert
Ridgway Grasslands Nature Preserve From Prairie Ridge's Office continue
south to first crossroads (400N 1000E) and turn left (east)
and travel 0.6 miles to parking lot. The best booming ground for viewing is behind the office
complex. The best viewing is from ½ hour before sunrise,
to 1 hour after on a calm day from late March to 15 April.
The birds are approximately 300 yards from the office yard,
so bring a spotting scope and tripod. Park in the office drive,
climb over gate (or pull in if open) and walk to the northwest
corner (directly behind office)
of fenced office facility. Stand behind plywood fixed on fence
and view northwest and birds will be on tilled area. Please
stay behind fence or the birds will flush. Blind viewing is
by reservation only. Bouzat,
J.L., H.A. Lewin, and K.N. Paige. 1998a. The ghost of genetic
diversity past; historical. DNA analysis of the greater prairie
chicken. The American Naturalist 152:1-6. Bouzat,
J.L., H.H. Cheng, H.A. Lewin, R.L. Westemeier, J.D. Brawn,
and K.N. Pagie. 1998b. Genetic evaluation of a demographic
bottleneck in the greater prairie chicken Tympanuchus cupido.
Conservation Biology 12:836-843. Buhnerkempe,
J.E. 1979. Habitat utilization and partitioning within a community
of nesting grassland birds. Thesis, Eastern Illinois University,
Charleston, Illinois, USA. Buhnerkempe,
J.E., W.R. Edwards, D.R. Vance, R.L. Westemeier. 1984. Effects
of residual vegetation on prairie chicken nest placement and
success. Wildlife Society Bulletin 12 (4): 382-386.
Buhnerkempe,
J.E., and R.L. Westemeier 1984. Nest-sites of Turkey Vulture
in building in southeastern Illinois. Wilson Bulletin. 96(3):
495-496. Buhnerkempe,
J.E., W.R. Edwards, D.R. Vance and R.L. Westemeier. 1984.
Effects of residual vegetation on prairie-chicken nest placement
and success. Wildlife Society Bulletin. 12(4): 382-286.
Buhnerkempe,
J.E., and R.L. Westemeier. 1988. Breeding biology and habitat
of upland sandpipers on prairie chicken sanctuaries in Illinois.
Transactions of the Illinois Academy of Science 81:153-162.
Edgin,
Bob and J.E. Ebinger. 2000. Vegetation of a Successional Prairie
at Prairie Ridge State Natural Area, Jasper County, Illinois:
Castanea 65(2): 139-146. Herkert,
J.R., S.A. Simpson, R.L. Westemeier, T.L. Esker, and J.W.
Walk. 1999. Response of northern harriers and short-eared
owls to grassland management in Illinois. Journal of Wildlife
Management 63:517-523. Kershner,
E.L. 2001. Conservation of Grasslands Birds in an Agricultural
Landscape: The Importance of Habitat Availability and Demography.
PhD dissertation: National Resource and Environmental Sciences,
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Kershner,
E.L., J.W. Walk, and R.E. Warner. In press. Breeding season
decisions, renesting and annual fecundity of female eastern
meadowlarks. Auk. Kershner,
E.L., J.W. Walk, and R.E. Warner. In press. The reproductive
success of brown thrashers nesting in fencerows in an agricultural
landscape. Prairie Naturalist. Louis,
W.E. 1999. Nesting Ecology and use of restored wetlands by
mallards Anas playrhynchos in Southeastern Illinois.
M.S. Thesis, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. 40
pages. Olson,
D.J. and W.E. Louis, 1999. Emydoidea blandingii. Herpetological
Review. Olson,
D.J. and J.W. Walk. 1999. Rana shenocephala, Nerodia
erythrogaster neglecta, and N. sipedon sipedon.
Herpetological Review 30: 232-233. Olson,
D.O. and R.E. Warner 2001. Natural History- Grassland Snakes.
Diet. Herpetological Review. 32(3): 186-187.
Olson,
D.O., R.L. Westemeier, and R.E. Warner. (In prep.-2002?) .
A survey of the reptiles and amphibians of Prairie Ridge State
Natural Area in Jasper and Marion Counties Illinois.
Rubin,
C.S. 1994. Survival, movements, and habitat use of female
greater prairie chickens translocated from Minnesota to Illinois.
Thesis, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA. Sanderson,
G.C., R.L. Westemeier, W.R. Edwards. 1973. Acquisition and
management of prairie chicken sanctuaries in Illinois. Pages
59-79 in W.D.
Svedarsky
and T. Wolfe, eds. The Prairie Chicken in Minnesota, University
of Minnesota, Crookston. 102 pp. Simpson,
S.A, 1984. Seasonal lekking behavior of the Greater Prairie-chicken
in Illinois. Thesis, Eastern Illinois University. Charleston,
Illinois. USA. Svedarsky,
W.D., R.L. Westemeier, R.J. Robel, S. Gough, and J. E. Toepfer.
2000. Status and management of the greater prairie-chicken
Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus in North America. Wildlife
Biology 6(4): 277-284. Svedarsky,
W.D., J.E. Toepfer, R.L. Westemeier, and R.J. Robel. (In press
- 2003). Effects of management practices on grassland birds:
Greater Prairie chicken. Northern Prairie Wildlife Research
Center, Jamestown, ND – pages. Vance,
D.R. 1976. Changes in land use and wildlife populations in
southeastern Illinois. Wildlife Society Bulletin 4:11-15.
Vance,
D.R. and R.L. Westemeier. 1979. Interactions of pheasants
and prairie chickens in Illinois. Wildlife Society Bulletin
7(4):221-225. Walk,
J.W. 1997. Influence of management and habitat area on the
distribution and abundance of grassland birds in Illinois.
M.S. Thesis, University of Illinois, 64 pages. Walk,
J.W. 1998b. Winter roost sites of northern harrier and short-eared
owls on Illinois grassland. Journal of Raptor Research 32:116-119. Walk.
J.W., E.L. Kershner, and R.E. Warner. 1999. Oological notes
from Jasper County, Illinois. Transactions of the Illinois
State Academy of Science 92:285-288. Walk,
J.W. and R.E. Warner. 1999. Effects of Habitat Area on the
Occurrence of Grassland Birds in Illinois. Am Midl.
Nat. 141:339-344. Walk,
J.W., T.L. Esker, and S.A. Simpson 1999. Continuous Nesting
of Barn Owls in Illinois. Wilson Bull. 111(4) pp. 572-573. Walk,
J.W., E.L. Kershner and R.W. Warner 2000. Nocturnal Singing
in Grassland Birds. Wilson Bull. 112(2) pp. 289-292. Walk,
J.W. and R.E. Warner 2000. Grassland management for the conservation
of songbirds in the Midwestern U.S.A. Biological Conservation
94:165-172. Walk,
J.W. 2001. Nesting Ecology of Grassland Birds in an Agricultural
Landscape. PhD Dissertation: Natural Resource and Environmental
Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Walk,
J.W. 2003. A Plan for the Recovery of the Greater Prairie
Chicken in Illinois. University of Illinois Post Doctoral
Research Bulletin. Westemeier,
R.L. 1973. Prescribed burning in grassland management for
prairie chickens in Illinois. Annual proceedings of the Tall
Timbers Fire Ecology conference 12:317-338. Westemeier,
R.L. 1980. Greater prairie chicken status and management 1968–1979.
Pages 8-17 in
Vons, P.A. and F.L. Knoft, eds. Proceedings of the Prairie
Grouse Symposium, Stillwater, OK. 89pp. Westemeier,
R,.L. and J. E. Buhnerkempe. 1983. Responses of nesting wildlife
to prairie grass management on prairie chicken sanctuaries
in Illinois. Pages 39-46 in R. Brewer, ed. Eight North American
Prairie Conference Proceedings, Western Michigan University,
Kalamazoo. 176 pp. Westemeier,
R.L. 1984. Responses and impact by pheasants on prairie chicken
sanctuaries in Illinois: A synopsis. Pages 117-222 in
R.T. Dumke, R.G. Stiehl, and R.B. Kahl, eds. PerdixIII: International
Partridge/Pheasant Workshop Proceedings. Wisconsin Dept. Natural
Resources. Madison. 203 pp. Westemeier,
R.L. 1985. The history of prairie-chickens and their management
in Illinois. Pages 17-27 in
R.W. McCluggage, ed., Selected papers in Illinois History
1983. Fourth Annual Illinois History Symposium of the Illinois
State Historical Society, Springfield, IL 61 pp. Westemeier,
R.L. 1985a. Management plan for native prairie chickens in
Illinois. Illinois Natural History Survey, Effingham, Illinois,
USA. Westemeier,
R.L. and W.R. Edwards. 1987. Prairie-Chickens: survival in
the Midwest. Pares 119-131 in H. Kallman, C.P. Agee, W.R.
Goforth, and J.P. Linduska, eds. Restoring America’s
Wildlife. U.S. fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C.
394 pp. Westemeier,
R.L. 1988 An evaluation of methods for controlling pheasants
on Illinois prairie-chicken sanctuaries. Pages 267-288 in
D.L. Hallett, W.R. Edwards, and G.V. Burger, eds. Pheasants:
symptoms of wildlife problems on agricultural lands. North
Central Section, The Wildlife Society. Bloomington, IN 345
pp. Westemeier,
R.L., T.E. Esker, and S.A. Simpson. 1989. An unsuccessful
clutch of northern bobwhites with hatched pheasant eggs. Wilson
Bulletin 101:640-642. Westemeier,
R.L., S.A. Simpson, and D.A. Cooper. 1991. Successful exchange
of prairie chickens eggs between nests in two remnant populations.
Wilson Bulletin 103:717-720. Westemeier,
R.L., S.A. Simpson, and J.W. Walk. 1997. Nesting and brooding
by king rails in upland cool-season grasses. Meadowlark 6:12-13. Westemeier,
R.L., J.E. Buhnerkempe, and J.D. Brawn, 1998. Effects of flushing
nesting greater prairie-chickens in Illinois. Wilson Bulletin
110(2): 190-197. Westemeier,
R.L., J.D.Brawn, S.A. Simpson, T.L. Esker, R.W. Jansen, J.W.
Walk, E.L. Kershner, Bouzat J.L., and K.N. Paige. 1998a. Tracking
the long-term decline
and recovery of an isolated population. Science 282:1695-1698. Westemeier,
R.L., J.E.Buhnerkempe, W.R. Edwards, J.D. Brawn, and S.A.
Simpson. 1998b. Parasitism of greater prairie chicken nests
by ring-necked pheasants. Journal of Wildlife Management 62:854-863. Westemeier,
R. L. and S. Gough. 1999. National outlook and conservation
needs for greater prairie chickens. Pages 169-187 in W.D.
Svedarsky, ed., Greater Prairie Chicken Symposium - A National
Look, Minnesota Agriculture Experiment Station,
Crookston, MN. 187 pp. Westemeier,
R.L., S.A. Simpson, and T.L. Esker. 1999. Status and management
of greater prairie-chickens. Pages 143-152 in
W.D. Svedarsky, ed., Greater Prairie Chicken Symposium - A
National Look, Minnesota Agriculture Experiment Station, Crookston,
MN 187 pp. Professional
Presentations/Abstracts and Posters Bolinger,
E.K., K. Wentworth and J.W. Walk. Seasonal fecundity and movements
of female Dickcissels. Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference.
Minneapolis, MN (2000) Kershner,
E.L., J.W. Walk, and R.E. Warner. The effect of predator distribution
on grassland bird nest success. North American Ornithological
Conference. St. Louis, MO. (1998) Kershner,
E.L., J.W. Walk, and R.E. Warner. The effect of predator removal
on grassland bird nest success. Wilson Ornithological Society
Annual Meeting. Waterville ME. (1999), Illinois Chapter of
the Wildlife Society Annual Meeting. Monticello, IL (1999),
Midwest Fish Wildlife conference. Cincinnati, OH (1998) Kershner,
E.L., J.W. Walk, and R.E. Warner. Avian productivity in restored
grasslands. Illinois Chapter of The Wildlife Society Grassland
Workshop. Effingham, IL (2000), Illinois Renewable Natural
Resources Conference. Peoria, IL (2001) Kershner,
E.L., J.W. Walk, and R.E. Warner. Post-fledging movement and
survival of Eastern Meadowlarks. Illinois Renewable Natural
Resources Conference. Peoria, IL . (2001) Olson,
D.J., J.W. Walk, and R.E. Warner. 2001. Population size, movement
and status of the ornate box turtle Terrepene ornata
in a highly fragmented landscape. Illinois Renewable Natural
Resources Conference, Peoria. Simpson,
S.A, 1983. Seasonal Lekking Activity of the Greater Prairie
Chicken in Illinois.. 15th Prairie Grouse Technical
Council Conference. Emporia, Kansas. Simpson,
S. A. 1987 Illinois Chapter of The Wildlife Society Annual
Meeting , Pekin, IL gave presentation on “Pheasant Control
on the Prairie Chicken Sanctuaries. “ Simpson,
S.A. 1987. Pheasant control measures on prairie chicken sanctuaries
in Jasper County, Illinois. 17th Prairie Grouse
Technical Conference and “Prairie Chickens
on the Sheyenne National Grasslands” Symposium. University
of Minnesota-Crookston. Simpson,
S.A. 1991. Genetic management of Illinois prairie chickens.
19th Prairie Grouse Technical Council Conference.
Billings, Montana. Simpson,
S.A. 1996 Illinois Chapter of The Wildlife Society, Effingham,
gave presentation on “Status and Management of Illinois
Prairie Chickens and other grassland birds at the Illinois
Prairie Chicken Sanctuaries” Simpson,
S. A. 1996. National Public Radio Interview, WBEZ - Chicago,
IL on “Genetic Management of Illinois Prairie Chickens.” Simpson,
S.A. 1998. Genetic management of Illinois prairie chickens.
Prairie Grouse Technical Council 22nd International
Meeting. College Station, Texas. Simpson,
S. A. 1999. Great Lakes Radio Consortium Interview (138 Public
Radio Stations) on “Illinois Prairie Chickens”. Simpson,
S.A. 2000. Gave Presentation at Annual Meeting of the Illinois
Audubon Society, Effingham, IL on “Grassland Birds at
Prairie Ridge State Natural Area”. Simpson,
S. A. 2000. Management of grassland birds at Prairie Ridge
State Natural Area. Illinois Chapter of the Wildlife Society
Grassland Management Workshop Field Trip to Prairie Ridge
State Natural Area. Effingham Simpson,
S.A. 2002. Greater Prairie Chicken History, Current Status,
and Conservation Needs in Bird Conservation Region 22 East
of the Mississippi River. Integrated Bird Conservation Planning
Meeting, Morgantown, Indiana. Walk,
J.W. and E.L. Kershner. Success of shrub-nesting birds relative
to surrounding land use. North American Ornithological Conference.
St. Louis, MO. (1998) Walk,
J.W., E.L. Kershner, and R.E. Warner. Effects of area and
age of habitat patches on nesting success in grassland birds.
Wilson Ornithological Society Annual meeting. Waterville ME.
(1999), Illinois Chapter of The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting.
Monticello, IL (1999), 1st Annual Graduate Student
Symposium. Urbana, IL (1999), Midwest Fish & Wildlife
Conference. Cincinnati, OH. (1998) Walk,
J.W. and R.E. Warner. Influence of management and patch size
on the distribution of grassland birds. North American Ornithological
Conference. St. Louis, MO (1998) Walk,
J.W., E.L. Kershner, and R.E. Warner. Abundance and productivity
of birds in managed grasslands. Illinois Chapter of The Wildlife
Society Grassland Management Workshop. Effingham, IL (2000) Walk,
J. W., E.L. Kershner and R. E. Warner. Reproductive success
of Loggerhead Shrikes in southeastern Illinois. Illinois Renewable
Natural Resources Conference. Peoria, IL (2001) Walk,
J.W., E.L. Kershner, and R.E. Warner. Agricultural and wooded
grassland edges: effects on nest predation and brood parasitism.
Illinois Renewable Natural Resources conference. Peoria, IL.
(2001) Westemeier,
R.L. 1966 April 22. Attended Illinois State Academy of Science,
Normal, IL, and presented “The Status of the Prairie
Chicken and its Management in Illinois.” Westemeier,
R.L. 1967 Sept. 12-14. Chairman of 7th National
Prairie Grouse Technical Council Conference, Effingham, IL
and presented paper on “Nesting Ecology of Prairie Chickens
in Illinois: a Progress Report.” Westemeier,
R.L. 1969 Dec. 7-10. Attended Midwest Wildlife Conference,
St. Paul, Minn. And presented “Behavioral Ecology of
Prairie Chickens as it Relates to Management.” Westemeier,
R.L. 1971 Jan. 21-23. Attended IL Chapter, The Wildlife Society
meeting, Springfield, IL, and presented paper on “Encouraging
Status of the Prairie Chicken in Illinois.” Westemeier,
R.L. 1971 Attended 9th Prairie Grouse Technical
Council Conference, Dickinson, ND, and presented “Management
Techniques and Population Respo0nses of Prairie Chickens in
Illinois.” Westemeier,
R.L. 1972 June 8-10. Attended Tall Timber Fire Ecology Conference,
Lubbock, TX, and presented “Prescribed Burning in Grassland
Management for Prairie Chickens in Illinois.” Westemeier,
R.L. 1975 Feb. 13. Gave lecture to Chicago Academy of Science,
Chicago, on “The Decline of the Illinois Prairie chicken.” Westemeier,
R.L. 1975. Attended 11th Conference of the Prairie
Grouse Technical Council, Victoria, TX, and presented “Status
and Management of Prairie Chickens in Illinois.” Westemeier,
R.L. 1977 Attended 12th Conference of The Prairie
Grouse Technical Council, Pierre, SD, and presented “Responses
of Prairie chickens to Habitat Manipulations in Illinois.” Westemeier,
R.L. 1979 Sept. 26-28. Attended 13th Conference
of Prairie Grouse Technical Council, Wisconsin Rapids, WI
and presented “Factors Affecting Nest Success by Prairie
Chickens in Illinois.” Westemeier,
R.L. 1979 Oct. 6. Gave paper at annual convention of Indiana
Audubon Society on “Prairie Chickens and Associated
Wildlife: Their History and Future in the Midwest.” Westemeier,
R.L. 1980. Sept. 17-18. Attended Prairie Grouse Symposium,
Stillwater, OK, and presented “Greater Prairie Chicken
Status and Management 1968-79.” Westemeier,
R.L. 1981 Sept. 23-25. Attended 14th conference
of the Prairie Grouse Technical Council, Halsey, NE, and presented
paper on “The Relative Significance of Reproductive
Performance and Winter Mortality to Illinois Prairie Chickens.” Westemeier,
R.L. 1982 August 3-5. Attended Eighth North American Prairie
Conference in Kalamazoo, MI, and presented paper (by invitation)
on “Responses of Nesting Wildlife to Prairie Grass Management
on Prairie Chicken Sanctuaries in Illinois.” Westemeier,
R.L. 1983 March 29-30. Attended Perdix III, International
Partridge/Pheasant Workshop, Cambellsport, WI and presented
paper (by invitation) on “Responses and impact by pheasants
on prairie chicken sanctuaries in Illinois.” Westemeier,
R.L. 1983 September 20-22. Attended 15th conference
of the Prairie Grouse Technical Council, Emporia, KS, and
presented paper on “Cycles, densities, and thresholds
as considerations for prairie chickens in Illinois.” Westemeier,
R.L.1985 September 24-26. Attended 16th conf. Prairie
Grouse Technical Council, Sedalia, MO and gave paper “Parasitism
of prairie-chicken nest by pheasants in Illinois.” Westemeier,
R.L. 1986 March 14. Presented “Update on pheasant/prairie
chicken interactions” to Ill. Chapter, The Wildlife
Society. Westemeier,
R.L. 1987 December 7-9. Attended 49th Midwest Fish
and Wildlife Conference and gave paper on “An evaluation
of methods for controlling pheasants on Illinois prairie chicken
sanctuaries.” Westemeier,
R.L. 1989 Principal speaker. Wildlife responses on prairie
chicken sanctuaries; Pheasant control for prairie chicken
preservation; and Prairie pasture development (3 talks). Indiana
Chapter of the Wildlife Society, 7 September, Glendale, IN. Westemeier,
R.L. 1989 Conference speaker. Habitat size and edge effects
on success and parasitism of prairie chicken nests. 18th
prairie Grouse Technical Conference, 12-15 September, Escanaba,
MI. Westemeier,
R.L. 1990 Invited speaker. Prairie chicken responses to management
in Illinois: Before and after pheasant intervention. Prairie
Chickens at the Crossroads Conference. 3 February. Kansas
City, MO. Westemeier,
R.L. 1991 Invited speaker, Chicago Academy of Science, Responses
and status of grassland birds on restored grassland ecosystems.
12 Feb., Chicago, IL. Westemeier,
R.L. 1991 Conference speaker, Decline in quality of prairie
chicken eggs. Symptom of inbreeding depression?, and panel
participant in discussion of prairie grouse translocations-
eggs. 19th Prairie Grouse Technical Conference,
25-27 Sept, billings, MT. Toured prairie grouse range in Wyoming,
Colorado, and Kansas on return trip. Westemeier,
R.L. 1992 Co-authored paper by Etter, S.A. (presenter) R.
L. Westemeier, and R.E. Warner. Conceptual issues in the ecology
of Illinois pheasants and prairie chickens. 54th
Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conf., 6-9 Dec., Toronto, Ont.
Westemeier,
R.L. 1993 Conference speaker, “Survival, movements,
habitat use, and reproduction of greater prairie chickens
translocated from Minnesota to Illinois: Phase I”, reported
work as archive custodian for Council; reported work on committee
to upgrade public image of prairie grouse; toured prairie
grouse range in Colorado; and received The Hamerstrom Award
for exemplary contributions to prairie grouse conservation.
20th Prairie Grouse Technical Conference, 25-28
July, Ft. Collins, CO. Westemeier,
R.L. 1994 Invited speaker, IL Chapter, The Wildlife Society,
Pres. Paper on “Ecology of translocated prairie chickens
in an agricultural landscape with restored grasslands.”
9-10 March, Marion, IL . Westemeier,
R.L. 1994 Invited speaker, Fourth Central Illinois Prairie
Conference. Presented paper on “Restored prairie types
vs. domestic cool-season grasses and legumes for prairie chickens,”
field trip, 17-18 Sept., Millikin, U., Decatur, IL Westemeier,
R.L. 1995 Conference speaker on “nest and brood habitats
used by translocated greater prairie chickens in Illinois;”
served on panel discussion and 2 committees; 21st
Prairie Grouse Technical Council Conference, Medora, ND, 28-31
August. Westemeier,
R.L. 1990. Prairie chicken responses to management in Illinois:
Before and after pheasant intervention. Pages 4-6 in Summaries
of Selected Talks from Prairie Chickens at the Crossroads.
Missouri Prairie Foundation and Missouri Department of Conservation. Westemeier,
R.L. 1990. Predation and parasitism of prairie chicken nests
in relation to habitat size and edge (Abstract). Proc. 18th
Prairie Grouse Technical Council Conf., Escanaba, MI. Westemeier,
R.L., R.W. Jansen, and S.A. Simpson. 1995. Nest and brood
habitats used by translocated greater prairie chickens in
Illinois (Abstract). Page 17 in J. Kobriger, compiler. Proceedings
of 21st Prairie Grouse Technical Council meeting,
Medora, North Dakota, USA. Popular
Articles and Non Reviewed Publications Ambrose,
Dave 1991. Plight of the Prairie Chicken. Outdoor Highlights,
Illinois Department of Conservation, Vol. 19, No. 12. pp.6-13. Buhnerkempe,
J.E., and R.L. Westemeier 1984. Northern Harrier Nests on
a Prairie-Chicken Sanctuary in Jasper County, Illinois. Illinois
Audubon Bulletin 208:pg 28-29. Day,
Susan 1997. Prairie Boomers. Wild Outdoor World, May/June
pp. 38-42. DeNeal,
Judy 1994. The Greater Prairie-Chicken in Illinois. Meadowlark
Vol.2, No. 4 pp. 122-126. Devore,
Sheryl 2000. Birding Illinois. Falcon Publishing, Inc. Helena,
MT 356pp Ellis,
R.J. 1964. Responses of prairie chickens to habitat manipulation.
P-R Job completion Report W-66-R-3, Illinois. Etter,
S.L., R.L. Westemeier, and R.E. Warner. 1992. Conceptual issues
in the ecology of Illinois pheasants and prairie chickens
(Abstract). 54th Midwest Fish & Widl. Conf.,
Toronto, Ont. Heske,
E.J. 1999. Habitat use by Small Mammals in an Intensively
Managed Grassland Wildlife Sanctuary. Illinois Natural History
Survey, Champaign, Illinois, Final Report. Lockhart,
J. 1960. The Prairie Boomer. Outdoors in Illinois. Vol.7.
No.2. Lockhart,
J. 1973. The Last Chance. Illinois Department of Conservation.
Bulletin. Larson,
D.L. 2002. Living on the Fringe of Farmland. Illinois Steward
- Spring 2002 Vol. 11, No.1. Ortego,
B. 1998. High Counts in the United States and Canada. American
Birds 98th Christmas Bird Count: 600-610. Ortego,
B. 2000. High Counts in the United States. American Birds
100th Christmas Bird Count: 674-682. Ortego,
B. 2001. High Counts in the United States. American Birds
101st Christmas Bird Count: 104-112. Simpson,
S.A., and T.L. Esker. 1997. Prairie Ridge State Natural Area
Habitat Plan. Illinois Department of Natural Resources - Division
of Natural Heritage, Springfield, Illinois, USA. Simpson,
S.A. 1998. Prairie Ridge State Natural Area. A grassland bird
success story involving 40 years of cooperation among public
agencies, private conservation organizations, and dedicated
individuals. Illinois Audubon- Fall 1998 266: 4-9. Simpson,
S.A. 2001. Prairie Chickens; Promoting a Population Boom.
Illinois Steward - Spring 2001 Vol. 10; No.1 Walk.
J.W., E.L. Kershner, and R.E. Warner. 1997. Songs of the grassland.
The Illinois Steward 6:20-24. Walk,
J.W. 1998a. Birds of Prairie Ridge State Natural Area. Meadowlark
7:8-11. Walk,
J.W. and E.L. Kershner. 1999. Grassland bird research at Prairie
Ridge State Natural Area. Meadowlark 7:105-106. Walk,
J.W. 2001. Birds in the Beans. Illinois Audubon . Winter 2001-02. Westemeier,
R.L. 1980. The prairie boomers; a sight and sound preserved.
Ill. Dept. Conserv. Outdoor Highlights. 8(4):6-9. Westemeier,
R.L. 1980. Prairie and prairie chickens. The Illinois Natural
History survey Reports. June 1980, No. 198. Westemeier,
R.L. and S. F. Stone. 1980. The prairie boomer: Spring 1980
newsletter serving Jasper and Marion counties and marking
the progress of the Illinois prairie chicken. Ill. Dept. Conserv.
2 pp. Westemeier,
R.L. and S. F. Stone. 1980. The prairie boomer: Fall 1980
newsletter serving Jasper and Marion counties and marking
the progress of the Illinois prairie chickens. Ill. Dept.
Conserv. 2 pp. Westemeier,
R.L. and S. F. Stone. 1981. The prairie boomer: Spring 1981
newsletter serving Jasper and Marion counties and marking
the progress of the Illinois prairie chickens. Ill. Dept.
Conserv. 2 pp. Westemeier,
R.L. and S. F. Stone. 1982. The prairie boomer: Winter 1982
newsletter serving Jasper and Marion counties and marking
the progress of the Illinois prairie chickens. Ill. Dept.
Conserv. 2 pp. Westemeier,
R.L. and S. F. Stone. 1982. The prairie boomer: Spring and
Summer 1982 newsletter serving Jasper and Marion counties
and marking the progress of the Illinois prairie chickens.
Ill. Dept. Conserv. 2 pp. Westemeier,
R.L. and S. F. Stone. 1982. The prairie boomer: Fall and Winter
1982 newsletter serving Jasper and Marion counties and marking
the progress of the Illinois prairie chickens. Ill. Dept.
Conserv. 2 pp. Westemeier,
R.L. 1984. Prairie Chicken management-cycles, densities, and
thresholds. INHS Reports No. 235. Westemeier,
R.L. 1984. Preserving the prairie chicken. Illinois Resources.
2(4):2. Westemeier,
R.L. 1984. Status of Illinois Prairie Chickens: spring 1984.
Champaign County Audubon Soc. Newsletter No. 5, p.3. Westemeier,
R.L. 1984. Illinois. (prairie chicken status) P.G. News. National
Prairie Grouse Technical Council. October 1984. P. 2-3. Westemeier,
R.L. 1986. Endangered prairie chickens and some species interactions.
Illinois Natural History Survey Reports 262:1-2. Westemeier,
R.L. 1989. Upland sandpipers on Illinois prairie chicken sanctuaries.
Illinois Natural History survey Reports 284:1-2. Westemeier,
R.L., 1991. New residents on sanctuaries. Illinois Natural
History Survey Reports 306:1. Westemeier,
R.L., 1992. Exchanging prairie chicken eggs. INHS Reports
No. 316. P. 1-2. Westemeier,
R.L., C.S. Rubin, T.L. Esker, and S.A. Simpson. 1993, Survival,
movements, habitat use, and reproduction of greater prairie
chickens translocated from Minnesota to Illinois: Phase I.
(Abstract). Proc. 20th Prairie Grouse Technical
Council Conf., Ft. Collins, CO. Westemeier,
R.L., C.S. Rubin, R.E. Warner, T.L. Esker, S.A. Simpson, and
J.E. Toepfer. 1994. Ecology of translocated prairie chickens
in an agricultural landscape with restored grasslands. (Abstract)
Proc. IL. Chapter, The Wildlife Society conf., Marion, IL. Westemeier,
R. L. 1994. More than prairie chickens. Illinois Natural History
Survey Reports 325:6-7. Westemeier,
R.L., C.S. Rubin, R.E. Warner, T.L. Esker, S.A. Simpson, and
J.E. Toepfer. 1994. Survival, movements, habitat use, and
reproduction of greater prairie chickens translocated from
Minnesota to Illinois: Phase 1. (Progress Report) Illinois
Natural History Survey, Effingham, Illinois, USA. Westemeier,
R.L. C.S. Rubin, and R.W. Jansen. 1994. Restored prairie types
vs domestic cool-season grasses and legumes for prairie chickens
(Abstract). Proc. Fourth Central Illinois prairie Conf., Millikin
U., Decatur, IL. Westemeier,
R.L. R.W. Jansen, and S.A. Simpson. 1995. Nest and brood habitats
used by translocated greater prairie chickens (Abstract).
Proc. 21st Prairie Grouse Technical Council Conf.,
Medora, ND. Westemeier,
R.L., and R.W. Jansen. 1995. Nonresident Prairie Chickens
in Illinois INHS Reports No. 332 p. 1,9. Westemeier,
R.L. 1997. Grassland for prairie chickens: how much is enough?
Illinois Natural History Survey Reports 343:1-2. Wiseman,
N.E. and R.L. Westemeier. 1987 Endangered Species –
Prairie chickens. The Natural Resources of Illinois. Illinois
Natural History Survey special Publication 6. 24.p. Reports
and Non-refereed Publications Buhnerkempe,
J.E. and R.L. Westemeier. 1985. Grassland Wildlife nest studies,
1985. Ill. Nat. Hist. Surv. (white paper). 20 pp. Simpson,
S.A. and D.L. Cooper 1992. Action Plan for Genetic Management
of Illinois Prairie Chickens. Illinois Department of Conservation,
Division of Natural Heritage Special Plan 4 pages. Simpson,
S.A., J.E. Buhnerkempe, and R.L.Westemeier. 1986. Annual prairie
chicken management report to cooperators. Ill. Nat. Hist.
Surv. (white paper). 26 pp. Simpson,
S.A. and R.L. Westemeier. 1987 Annual prairie chicken management
report to cooperators. Ill. Nat. Hist. Surv. (white paper).
23 pp. Simpson,
S.A. 1988. Annual prairie-chicken management report to cooperators.
Illinois Department of Conservation (white paper). Simpson,
S.A. 1989. Annual prairie-chicken management report to cooperators.
Illinois Department of Conservation (white paper). Simpson,
S.A. 1990. Annual prairie-chicken management report to cooperators.
Illinois Department of Conservation (white paper). Westemeier,
R.L. 1966. Job Completion Report, Ill. Dept. Conserv. F.A.
Project W-66-R-5, Job 9. 10pp. Mimeo. Westemeier,
R.L. 1967. Job Completion Report, Ill. Dept. Conserv. F.A.
Project W-66-R-6, Job 9. 7pp. Mimeo. Westemeier,
R.L. 1968. Job Completion Report, Ill. Dept. Conserv. F.A.
Project W-66-R-7, Job 9. 6pp. Mimeo. Westemeier,
R.L. 1969. Ecology and management of the prairie chickens
in south-central Illinois. Ill. Dept. Conserv. P-R Rept. Project
W-66-R-8, 16 pp. Mimeo Westemeier,
R.L. and W.R. Edwards. 1969. Second annual report of the prairie
chickens in south-central Illinois. Ill. Dept. Conserv. P-R
Rept. Project W-66-R-9, 18 pp. Mimeo. Westemeier,
R.L. 1970. Ecology and management of the prairie chickens
in south-central Illinois. Ill. Dept. Conserv. P-R Rept. Project
W-66-R-9, 18 pp. Mimeo. Westemeier,
R.L. and W.R. Edwards. 1970. Third annual report of the Prairie
Grouse Committee. Illinois chapter - The Nature Conservancy.
18 pp. Mimeo. Westemeier,
R.L. 1971. Ecology and management of the prairie chickens
in south-central Illinois. Ill. Dept. Conserv. P-R Rept. Project
W-66-R-10. 21 pp. Mimeo. Westemeier,
R.L. 1971. Fourth annual report of the Prairie Grouse Committee.
Illinois Chapter- The Nature conservancy. 25 pp. Mimeo. Westemeier,
R.L.1972. Factors affecting nest placement by prairie chickens.
Ill. Dept. Conserv. P-R Rept., Project W-66-R-11. 22 pp. Mimeo
Westemeier,
R.L. and D.R. Vance. 1972. Fifth annual rep of the Prairie
Grouse Committee. Illinois Chapter- The Nature Conservancy.
25 pp. Mimeo. Westemeier,
R.L. 1973. Factors affecting nest placement by prairie chickens.
Ill. Dept. Conserv. P-R Rept., Project W-66-R-12. 22 pp. Mimeo. Westemeier,
R.L. 1973. Illinois prairie chicken ecology and management
investigations. Ill. Dept. Conserv. P-R Rept., Project W-66-R-13.
11 pp. Mimeo. Westemeier,
R.L. , D.R. Vance, and W.R. Edwards. 1974. A preliminary proposal
for CIPS participation in preserving a remnant flock of native
prairie chickens near Bogota, Jasper county, Illinois. Illinois
Natural History Survey. 29 pp. Mimeo. Westemeier,
R.L. 1974. Illinois prairie chicken ecology and management
investigations. Ill. Dept,. Conserv. P-R Rept., Project W-66-R-14.
20 pp. Mimeo. Westemeier,
R.L. 1974. Sixth and seventh annual reports of the Prairie
Grouse Committee, Illinois Chapter - The Nature Conservancy.
24 pp. Mimeo. Westemeier,
R.L. 1975. Illinois Prairie Chicken Adaptable Bird. Champaign
News-Gazette, 23 March 1975. P.2, Sect. 1 Westemeier,
R.L. 1975. Illinois prairie chicken ecology and management
investigations. Ill. Dept. Conserv. P-R Rept., Project W-66-R-15.
4 pp. Mimeo Westemeier,
R.L. And D. Russel Vance. 1976. Eighth annual report of the
Prairie Grouse Committee, Illinois Chapter- The Nature Conservancy.
28 pp. Mimeo. Westemeier,
R.L. 1976. Illinois prairie chicken ecology and management
investigations. Ill. Dept. Conserv. P-R Rept., Project W-66-R-16.
29 pp. Mimeo. Westemeier,
R.L. 1977. Illinois prairie chicken ecology and management
investigations. Ill. Dept. Conserv. P-R Rept, Project W-66-R-17.
38 pp. Mimeo. Westemeier,
R.L. and W.R. Edwards. 1977. A first-step proposal for dedication
of certain lands of the CIPS Newton Power Station for management
of endangered prairie chickens in Illinois. Ill. Nat. Hist.
Surv. 6 pp. Mimeo. Westemeier,
R.L. 1978. Illinois prairie chicken ecology and management
investigations. Ill. Dept. Conserv. P-R Rept., Project W-66-R-18.
38 pp. Mimeo. Westemeier,
R.L., W.R. Edwards, and G.C. Sanderson. 1978. Project description
for land acquisition for prairie chickens in Marion County,
Illinois. Illinois Natural History Survey . 6 pp. Mimeo. Westemeier,
R.L. 1979. Illinois prairie chicken ecology and management
investigations. Ill. Dept. Conserv. P-R Rept., Project W-66-R-19.
42 pp. Mimeo. Westemeier,
R.L. 1980. Grassland ecology and management investigations.
Ill. Dept. of Conserv. P-R Rept., Project W-66-R-20. 25 pp.
Mimeo. Westemeier,
R.L. 1981. Guidelines for a cooperative approach to habitat
management for a remnant flock of prairie chickens near Hoyleton,
Illinois. Ill. Nat. Hist. Surv. 15 pp. Westemeier,
R.L. 1981. Grassland ecology and management investigations.
Ill. Dept. of Conserv. P-R Rept., Project W-66-R-21. 32 pp. Westemeier,
R.L. 1981. Impact of pheasants on prairie chickens in Illinois
and some possible solutions. Ill. Nat. Hist. Surv. 35 pp. Westemeier,
R.L. 1982. Recommended activity schedule for the 200-acre
grasssland management unit on the CIPS Newton Power State
(Revised 6 January 1982). Ill. Nat. Hist. Surv. 6 pp. Westemeier,
R.L. 1982. Pheasants threaten Jasper County prairie chickens.
The Illinois Natural History Survey Reports. January 1982.
No. 213. Westemeier,
R.L. 1982. Grassland ecology and management investigations.
Ill. Dept. of Conserv. R-R Rept., Project W-66-R-22. 9 pp.
Westemeier,
R.L., and W.R. Edwards. 1982. Constraints on the extraction
of minerals from prairie chicken sanctuaries. Ill. Nat. Hist.
Surv. 14 pp. Westemeier,
R.L. 1983. Management prospectus for native prairie chickens
in Illinois. Ill. Nat. Hist. Surv. 100+ pp. Westemeier,
R.L. 1964-83. Monthly Wildlife Research Letter. Illinois Federal
Aid Project W-66-R. Department of Conservation and Natural
History Survey, cooperating; 12 reports per years since 1964.
Westemeier,
R.L. and J.E. Buhnerkempe. 1983. Grassland ecology and management
investigation. Ill. Dept. of Conserv. Quarterly P-R Rept.,
Project W-66-R-24 (2 reports, 4 pp each). Westemeier,
R.L. and J. E. Buhnerkempe. 1984. Grassland ecology and management
investigation. Ill. Dept. of Conserv. Quarterly P-R Rept.,
Project W-66-R-25 (4 reports, 3-6 pp each). Westemeier,
R.L. 1984. Grassland ecology and management investigations.
Ill. Dept. of Conserv. Annual P-R Rept., Project W-66-R-24.
7 pp. +29 pp. Appendix. Westemeier,
R.L. 1984. Annual prairie-chicken management report to cooperators.
Ill. Nat. Hist. Surv. 29 pp. Westemeier,
R.L. and J.E. Buhnerkempe. 1985. Annual prairie chicken management
rep to cooperators. Ill. Nat. Hist. Surv. (white paper). 15
pp. Westemeier,
R.L. 1985. Grassland ecology and management investigations.
Ill. Dept. of Conserv. Final P-R Repot. W-66-R-23, 24, 25.
12 pp +148 pp. Appendix. Westemeier,
R.L. 1985. The critical need for reduction of pheasants on
prairie-chicken sanctuaries: a recommendation. Ill. Nat. Hist.
Surv. (white paper). 10 pp. Westemeier,
R.L. 1986. Protection of native endangered prairie-chickens
from ring-necked pheasants on Illinois sanctuaries. Ill. Nat.
Hist. Surv. (white paper). 26 pp. Westemeier,
R.L. 1986. Development of a prairie pasture demonstration
area in Jasper County, Illinois. Ill. Nat. Hist. Surv. (3
reports to DENR in 1986). Westemeier,
R.L. 1986. Fact sheet on Illinois prairie chickens: relative
to the current threat by pheasants and their control on prairie
chickens sanctuaries in Jasper County (INHS white paper).
6 pp. Westemeier,
R.L. 1988. Prairie chicken research rept to cooperators. Ill.
Nat. Hist. Surv. (white paper). 15 pp. Westemeier,
R.L. 1988. Development of prairie pasture demonstration areas,
Phase II. Ill. Nat. Hist. Surv. Final Rep to DENR. 42 pp.
(Plus 3 Quarterly Reports in 1988). Westemeier,
R.L. 1989. Prairie chicken research report to cooperators.
Ill. Nat. Hist. Surv. (white paper). 18 pp. Westemeier,
R.L. 1989. Feasibility of exchanging prairie chicken eggs
between nests on the Jasper and Marion County Sanctuaries.
Ill. Nat. Hist. Surv. (white paper). 9 pp. Westemeier,
R.L. 1990. Prairie chicken research report to cooperators.
Ill Nat. Hist. Surv. (white paper). 22 pp. Westemeier,
R.L. 1992. Exchanging prairie chicken eggs. INHS Reports.
No. 316. P. 1-2. Westemeier,
R.L. , C.S. Rubin, R.E. Warner, T.L. Esker, S.A. Simpson,
and J.E. Toepfer. 1994. Survival, movements habitat use, and
reproduction of greater prairie chickens translocated from
Minnesota to Illinois: Phase 1. Ill. Nat. Hist. Surv. (Special
Report). Westemeier,
R.L., and R.W. Jansen. 1994. Illinois (prairie chickens).
P.G. News [newsletters (2)] of the prairie Grouse Technical
Council, Dickinson, ND. Westemeier,
R.L., and S.A. Simpson. 1995. Illinois (prairie chickens).
P.G. News. [newsletters
(2)] of the Prairie Grouse Technical Council, Dickinson, ND. 
The
greater prairie-chicken, a grouse native to Illinois, was listed as common
to abundant prior to European settlement. Prairie-chickens occurred on the
21 million acres of native prairie that existed in Illinois; about 60 percent
of the state's total area. Peak prairie- chicken numbers of 10 - 14 million
birds probably occurred from about 1850 - 1860 at the time when there was
a patchwork of prairies interspersed with grain fields, creating optimum
habitat for prairie-chickens. By 1900, only about 1 million acres of the
original prairie and marsh remained in Illinois. Prairie-chickens still
existed in 92 counties by 1912. The prairie-chicken hunting season was permanently
closed in 1933 when there was an estimated state-wide population of 25,000
birds. Agriculture intensified and by 1940 the range of the prairie-chicken
was limited to 50 square miles of sand prairie along the Green River in
Lee County, about 2600 square miles of “gray prairie” (so-called
for the lighter soils than the “black prairie” of northern and
central Illinois) in southeastern Illinois, and a few poorly drained areas
of the Kankakee drainage. At this time, the need for publicly owned refuges
was stressed and two were purchased; the Green River Conservation Area in
1939 and the Iroquois County Conservation Area in 1944. Unfortunately, prairie-chickens
disappeared form both areas by 1960.
Wildlife
Prairie
Ridge State Natural Area not only prevented the extinction of the prairie-chicken
in Illinois but also provides critical grassland habitat for 15 other
state endangered and eight threatened grassland species. Nine threatened
or endangered bird species are know to breed at Prairie Ridge. Northern
harriers, short-eared owls, upland sandpipers, Henslow’s sparrows,
loggerhead shrikes are some of the rare birds regularly found at this
site. Barn owls have been found to nest here occasionally. Prairie Ridge
hosts a diversity and abundance of other grassland birds such as dickcissels,
eastern meadowlark, grasshopper sparrows, savannah sparrows and Bell’s
vireos. About 250 bird species have been recorded at Prairie Ridge.
voles,
and deer mice.Vegetation
Partnerships
Facilities
Directions
Prairie Chicken Viewing:
Site Maps (pdf)
Prairie Ridge State Natural Area Bibliography
Professional and Reviewed Publications
