Prairie Projects

The Hutchcroft Prairie, located just west of the Rockford University main entrance, is a project to reconstruct two acres of native tall grass prairie habitat for use as a “living laboratory” and “biological sanctuary.” Initial work on the project began in 2003, and the first stage of planting was done in May of 2006.

This all-volunteer project has been assisted by Rockford University students, faculty and staff, as well as members of the greater Rockford community. Major contributions to the effort have come from Rockford Area Boy Scouts. Boy Scout Matt Holm of Rockton, along with several troop mates and family assisted in the seeding in May 2006 as part of an effort to earn the Hornaday Conservation Award, and two Eagle Scout projects by brothers Daniel and John Lieb of Rockford resulted in the construction of planter beds for a butterfly garden and benches that will be placed around the prairie.

Though in its early stages, the prairie has already been the site of a Rockford University biology student research project, and has been used as a resource for several biology classes.