Frequently Asked Questions

About the Ecosystem

  • The Lake Plain Coastal Preserves encompasses the last remaining dune and swale ecosystem in Illinois—a living 15-mile landscape where ancient beach ridges tell over 3,000 years of Lake Michigan's story. This globally rare ecosystem includes over 14 different community types, including special wetlands called pannes to oak savannas, coastal prairie, and migrating sand dunes. The distinctive "washboard" topography of ridges and swales has been moving southward for 3,000 years, creating the most intact coastal wetland complex in southeastern Wisconsin and northeastern Illinois.

  • The Lake Plain contains 6 globally imperiled wetland community types that exist in very few other places on Earth. With 930+ native plant species and 300+ animal species packed into just over 4,500 acres, it harbors extraordinary biodiversity. This includes surprising discoveries like prickly pear cactus thriving beside arctic bearberries, native species many people never knew existed in Illinois, and many geologic wonders. It's designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance—the same recognition given to places like the Everglades.

  • The Lake Plain provides essential services to millions of people. Five major tributaries and several minor tributaries flow through these preserves before reaching Lake Michigan, naturally filtering water for more than 8.5 million people who depend on the lake for drinking water. The coastal wetlands also provide natural flood protection, store carbon, and serve as critical habitat.

Management & Conservation

  • The Lake Plain operates through the Lake Plain Coalition—a collaborative model involving 20+ organizations working across state lines. This self-organized alliance includes core landowning partners like the Lake County Forest Preserve District, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, Chiwaukee Prairie Preservation Fund, and local municipalities, including the City of Waukegan and Village of Pleasant Prairie.

    Since 2006, this collaborative approach has secured $17.5+ million in federal, state, and private foundation funding for conservation efforts. Rather than single-agency management, the Lake Plain demonstrates how multiple organizations can work together to protect ecosystems that naturally span political boundaries.

  • Invasive species management is a coordinated effort across all Lake Plain preserves, using integrated approaches that protect the rare native species while controlling non-native plants that threaten ecosystem balance. The Coalition partners employ:

    Targeted Removal: Carefully timed removal of invasive plants during seasons when native species are dormant or less vulnerable.

    Prescribed Burns: Controlled burns that favor native species and communities while reducing invasive species cover and abundance.

    Restoration Planting: Reestablishing native plant communities that can naturally compete with invasives.

    Monitoring and Early Detection: Regular surveys to catch new invasions before they become established.

    Collaborative Coordination: Sharing techniques and timing efforts across all preserve areas to prevent reintroduction from neighboring sites.

    This work requires ongoing commitment and community stewardship—volunteers are a crucial part of this effort.

Wildlife & Plants

  • The Lake Plain supports a remarkable diversity of wildlife:

    Birds (310+ species actively using the area):

    • Migratory species traveling continental flyways

    • Piping plovers returning to nest after decades away

    • Over 310 migratory bird species documented during peak seasons

    Rare and Protected Species:

    • 63 state-protected species call this ecosystem home

    • 50+ lichen species indicating exceptional air quality

    Surprising Native Species:

    • Prickly pear cactus (yes, in Illinois!)

    • Many native wildflower species

    • Arctic bearberries growing alongside southern relic plants

    • Rusty patch bumblebees in restored habitat areas

    This incredible biodiversity exists because the ecosystem's 14 different community types create multiple habitat niches, from wetlands to dry prairies to forested ridges.

  • Wildlife viewing varies by season, but spring and fall migrations offer the most spectacular opportunities. Even winter offers unique discoveries, as the varied habitats provide shelter for year-round residents and overwintering species.

Conservation & Community

  • The Lake Plain provides essential services—clean water, flood protection, climate resilience—and in return, we offer our care, advocacy, and commitment. Opportunities include:

    • Volunteer stewardship activities like invasive species removal and native seed collection

    • Educational programs that build understanding of ecosystem functions

    • Community advocacy for continued protection and funding

    • Supporting the economic development that values this ecosystem (like responsible birding tourism)

    Since 2006, this collaborative approach has secured $17.5+ million in federal, state, and private foundation funding for conservation efforts. Rather than single-agency management, the Lake Plain demonstrates how multiple organizations can work together to protect ecosystems that naturally span political boundaries.

  • Beyond its global ecological significance, the Lake Plain provides direct benefits to surrounding communities. It protects drinking water quality, provides natural flood control, and offers economic opportunities through eco-tourism. Birding tourism alone generates $80+ billion annually nationwide, and the Lake Plain's designation as an Audubon Important Bird Conservation Area creates significant potential for local economic development that values rather than destroys this rare ecosystem.

    The Lake Plain also represents a powerful story of recovery and resilience—proof that nature and communities can coexist.

  • No. Prescribed burns require the knowledge and participation of your local conservation group, governing body, and fire department. Learn more about how to navigate invasive species in southeastern Wisconsin and northeastern Illinois.

Scientific & Technical

  • "Dune and swale" refers to the distinctive topography created by Lake Michigan's changing shoreline over thousands of years. As lake levels fluctuated, waves built up sandy ridges (dunes) parallel to the shore, with low wet areas (swales) between them. This creates a "washboard" landscape of alternating high and low areas that support completely different plant communities—from wet meadows in the swales to dry prairie on the ridges. This habitat diversity is what allows the Lake Plain to support such extraordinary biodiversity in a relatively small area.

  • The Lake Plain functions as a natural water filtration system. Five major tributaries flow through these wetlands and prairies before entering Lake Michigan, where millions of people draw their drinking water. The diverse plant communities, wetland soils, and natural water retention areas filter pollutants, slow runoff, and improve water quality before it reaches the lake. This natural infrastructure provides a service that would cost millions to replicate with built systems.


    The Lake Plain also represents a powerful story of recovery and resilience—proof that nature and communities can coexist, and that collaborative stewardship can restore what seemed lost forever.

  • The Ramsar Convention designation as a "Wetland of International Importance" puts the Lake Plain in the same category as globally significant wetlands like the Everglades. This recognition acknowledges that these wetlands provide critical habitat for migratory birds, support globally rare species, and provide essential ecosystem services. The designation also brings international attention to conservation needs and helps secure funding for protection efforts.