The Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge is pleased to announce that restoration work is slated to begin this spring on a 50-acre parcel owned by Openlands located in the Queen Anne Core of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge. This restoration work is made possible by a Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). NFWF is this Nation’s largest private conservation grant-maker that works with both public and private sectors to protect and restore our Nation’s fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats for current and future generations.
The $48 thousand grant will be used to restore a 26-acre wetland basin and convert 24 acres of cropland back to prairie with support from Openlands, local conservation agencies, local school groups, and volunteers with Friends of Hackmatack NWR. This project will enhance or provide habitat for a suite of grassland and wetland plants and wildlife.
Plans for early this year include conducting a controlled burn of the wetland basin, control of invasive species, and planting a temporary cover crop in what was former cropfield. Funds from this grant will also be used to purchase prairie seed to convert cornfield into prairie.
Look for opportunities on our website or in press releases to volunteer and assist the Friends in restoring this land. Opportunities to assist will include control of invasive species and collection of prairie seed to be used in the restoration effort.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is dedicated to sustaining, restoring, and enhancing the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats for current and future generations. Read more about this organization on their website: https://www.nfwf.org/
Update: April 11, 2024
MCCD employees and Friends of Hackmatack NWR volunteers conducted a controlled burn at the Otrebla property on April 10, 2024. This parcel is currently owned by Openlands, and is located within the Queen Anne Prairie Core of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge.
The crew burned a large part of the southern wetland basin, excluding the parts holding standing water. For this particular burn, the goal was to remove invasive woody and herbaceous species.
Controlled burn at Openlands, the Otrebla Parcel.
Phragmites casting a large flame during the controlled burn of invasive species.
Prior to conducting the controlled burn, Openlands secured the necessary permit from IEPA and that an approved Controlled Burn Plan had been prepared for the site and was conducted under the leadership of a Certified Prescribed Burn Manager recognized by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Thanks to the hard-working crew of MCCD employees and Friends of Hackmatack NWR volunteers!
Update July 17, 2025
Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge is pleased to announce the successful restoration of a 50-acre parcel made possible by a Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). The parcel is owned by Openlands and is located within the Queen Anne Core of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge north of Woodstock, Illinois. This restoration work was made possible with the support of NFWF – this Nation’s largest private conservation grant-maker that works with both public and private sectors to protect and restore our Nation’s fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats for current and future generations.
The $48,000 Five Star and Urban Waters Grant from NFWF was used to restore a 26-acre wetland basin and convert 24 acres of cropland back to prairie. Important partners with this project included Openlands, which took the cropland out of production and planted a temporary cover crop – preparing the ground for conversion to prairie. The McHenry County Conservation District also provided support, partnering with the Friends to conduct a controlled burn of the site and to spread prairie seed during the winter months.
Other partners included students from Richmond-Burton Community High School, Marengo High School, Alden-Hebron High School, McHenry High School, and Woodstock High School who assisted with collecting prairie seed and controlling invasive brush. In addition to overseeing this restoration project, members and volunteers with FOHNWR also provided countless hours of support and brush removal. This project will enhance and provide habitat for a suite of grassland and wetland plants and wildlife.
At the request of NFWF, the Friends of Hackmatack NWR report the following: “The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors (the Friends) and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or the policies of the U.S. Government or the NFWF and its funding sources. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Government, or the NFWF or its funding sources.”