Converting Pasture to Native Plant Sanctuary

A Conservation@Home Story

By Mark Luthin, NLI President
August, 2026

About 30 years ago, Josh and Mollie Krecklow decided to build a home on a 5-acre parcel of land located between Byron and Leaf River. Their “yard” consisted of a former pasture, with all of the usual suspects such as brome grass that one typically finds in a grazed field. Starting in 1999 and working with the IDNR (Illinois Department of Natural Resources) and the Conservation 2000 program, the Krecklows turned that pasture into a native plant sanctuary for over 72 bird species and a wide variety of other wildlife. Even this late in the season, the bees were quite active on the rosinweed, cup plant and false sunflower, happily flitting from flower to flower. Although no monarch caterpillars were discovered, there was a tremendous amount of evidence that they had been there, filling their bellies with milkweed leaves.

Josh was amazed at the annual change that he sees in the prairie, even though it’s been established for 27 years. The early Black-eyed Susans were gradually replaced by plants such as Indian plantain, cup plants, Joe-pye weed and goldenrods. Asters, although not blooming yet, were also in evidence. A third Silphium, compass plant, was also observed and no doubt will spread where it’s able. Early blooms include wild ginger, wild geranium and Solomon’s Seal with its purple berries still clinging to the main stalk.

A huge number of oaks are on the property, with one stately old bur oak being a likely shade spot for the cattle. A number of younger bur oaks were also spotted, some saplings, some already producing acorns. Another mature bur oak recently was broken in a storm. Even in death, that oak still provides excellent habitat for a variety of birds and mammals. Red oaks and Swamp White Oaks were also seen, as was a large contingent of walnuts. A Dutch Elm resistant elm was also planted, having been cloned from a survivor of the Dutch Elm disease infestation that killed most of the midwestern elms.

Wafer-ash, hazelnut, Pagoda dogwoods, grey dogwoods and Virburnum are some of the shrubs that can be found at the Krecklow homestead. All of which provide food for a variety of insects and birds, as well as excellent habitat.

More habitat is provided in the form of bee and bird houses. A bat house is being planned, too. A lovely little pond provides water for thirsty friends.

Josh and Mollie, with help from Mollie’s dad Bob Beebe, have done a magnificent job naturalizing a former pasture. Lang, their newly adopted Great Dane, is an excellent tour guide as well. What fun it must be to sit on their porch and watch all of the activity and beauty that nature brings to them.