Additional seeding and mowing (to eliminate weedy competitors) is part of the stewardship on all of our grassland sanctuaries.

The goal of the Richard and Jean Graber Grasslands LWR is to provide habitat for grassland birds, especially those which are threatened and endangered in Illinois. Located within the Prairie Ridge State Natural Area project, it is adjacent to state-owned grasslands in Jasper County. It is protected in perpetuity as an Illinois Land & Water Reserve.

The Graber Grasslands LWR is located south of Newton, and about 1.5 miles north of the Robert Ridgway Grasslands Nature Preserve. This area was acquired in the winter of 2003, and had a crop of winter wheat at that time. Following the wheat harvest, the area was converted to native grasses and forbs. Some brush clearing was also necessary on this tract.

Stewardship is needed for the long-range management objectives. The management will be coordinated with that of adjacent state-owned lands, in cooperation with the IDNR and the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. To help with stewardship at this site, please note Graber Grasslands on your donation and forward it to the Illinois Audubon Society, PO Box 2547, Springfield, IL 62708.

• Adams Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bartel Wildlife Sanctuary Land & Water Reserve
• Bremer Wildlife Sanctuary
• Graber Grasslands LWR
• Karcher's Post Oak Woods Nature Preserve
• Plum Island Eagle Sanctuary
• Ridgway Grasslands NP
• War Bluff Valley Sanctuary