JUNE TOPIC: Pollinators, Insects, and Prairies

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of prairies! We’ll start with a brief, accessible look at prairie ecosystems and how they fit into broader climate patterns. From there, we’ll dive into the remarkable, long-standing relationship between plants and insects—highlighting pollination as one of nature’s most essential partnerships.

We’ll also take a closer look at why high-quality habitat matters, especially in our region where natural areas often exist as small, isolated “islands.” You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for how these spaces support insects and other wildlife, why they’re so important to protect, and how you can volunteer to help!

SPEAKER: Karl Gnaedinger, Site Manager, Markham Shkode Prairies, The Nature Conservancy

In 1995, Karl started volunteering for restoration work at the Markham Shkode Prairies (formerly IBP) and started working with Dr. Ron Panzer of Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) in his research on remnant-dependent prairie insects in the Chicago Region. In 1999, Karl was hired by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) as a Restoration Specialist at the Markham Shkode Prairies.  In 2006, he became the Site Manager of the Markham Shkode Prairies, where he continues to work on the unique difficulties of creating and maintaining a nature preserve in an urban environment, dealing with community relations, land acquisition, stewardship, wetland mitigation, and other varied issues. Karl assists in working with TNC’s fellow landowner at IBP, NEIU. He has contributed to published results about hydrology and the conservation status of Chicago Wilderness prairie and savanna insects.  His current research interest is the re-introduction of a native leafhopper to control a non-native invasive grass.

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