Winnemac Park Prairie

Winnemac Park is home to 2.5 acres of prairie habitat. In 1995, turf sections of the school campus park were converted to native Illinois prairie. Now split rail fences demarcate patches of prairie that weave through the park’s soccer and baseball fields.

In spring and summer, watch for the colorful blooms of prairie wildflowers such as pale purple coneflower, butterfly milkweed, white prairie clover, purple prairie clover, and compass plant. Late summer and fall blooms include: New England aster, Illinois bundle flower, black-eyed susan, gray-headed coneflower, and various species of goldenrod. The nectar of these native flowering plants makes Winnemac Park prairie a haven for butterflies. Red admirals, monarchs, painted ladies, and swallowtails are just a few of the butterfly species that can be seen there. Grasses in the prairie include bigblue stem, side oats grama, switch grass, Indian grass, and Canada wild rye. 

Winnemac Park prairie is not just for butterfly and prairie plant enthusiasts. Birders can observe the American kestrels that roost on top of the Amundsen High School roof. The birds love to survey the prairie for their next meal. Also, the park’s close proximity to the school makes it a great outdoor classroom. Students can come and get a glimpse of what Chicago may have looked like before development, and also learn about the stewardship activities involved in managing a prairie habitat.