Nature At The Confluence Centennial Prairie Reconstruction

We are reconstructing 5 acres of prairie with native plants. The Confluence grounds was not orginally a prairie, as it was naturally a marshy wetland. Over the last 75 years industrial fill was brought in to raise the land 8-10 feet. The prairie restoration is name in honor of South Beloit’s Centennial celebrated in 2017.

Prairies are unique ecosystems dominated by grasses and other non-woody plants called forbs. Plants help maintain the diversity of the prairie ecosystem, attracting animals who use the prairie for food and habitat.  When the Centennial Prairie is established, we’ll see birds and mammals, and insects. Many species of birds use grassland habitats as their home. They use the prairie as a place to hunt for food, to hide their nests in the tall grasses, and to raise their young. If a prairie site doesn’t have a variety of plants, insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals will not choose the site as their home. Each animal needs specific types of plants for food and shelter. Some animals use only one type of plant. When a prairie has a large variety of plants, it attracts a wider variety of animals.

Nature At The Confluence Green Team

Our Green Team Programs and Initiatives support the effort to restore the confluence campus grounds to a sustainable and healthy eco-system. Anyone can be part of the Green Team! Just pitch in and help! 

Interested in Volunteering for the Green Team? Click here to sign up.