Illinois Department of Transportation and University of Illinois Extension Begin Multi‑Year Habitat Project
MACOMB, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and University of Illinois Extension have announced a new partnership to restore a prairie habitat along West Jackson Street in Macomb, just east of the local Extension office. The project will transform an unmanaged IDOT right-of-way—currently dominated by invasive plants and trees—into a managed prairie that supports pollinators, wildlife, and hands‑on horticulture education.
The restoration process is already underway. IDOT has begun mowing the site and removing invasive trees to prepare the area for long‑term management. Later this fall, crews will ensure the site is ready for native seed installation and current vegetation has been controlled.
In November, local volunteers, together with McDonough County Master Gardeners, will plant a diverse mix of prairie seeds. Many native prairie species require cold stratification—a natural period of winter exposure—to germinate successfully. Planting in late fall allows the seeds to overwinter and begin establishing in spring.
This project marks the beginning of a multi‑year effort. Prairie ecosystems take time to develop, but once established, they provide essential habitat for pollinators, birds, and small wildlife while offering a resilient, low‑maintenance landscape. During the first few years, while the prairie is establishing, the area will be mowed periodically to control weeds. In future years, controlled prairie burns will be used. The restored strip will also serve as a teaching site for horticulture and conservation programs offered through Illinois Extension.
For more information about local conservation efforts or upcoming horticulture programs, explore Extension resources at go.illinois.edu/HKMW or contact the McDonough County Extension office.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.