Prairie phun: Prairie restoration research in Chicagoland public gardens

The midwestern tallgrass prairie is an endangered ecosystem, and few remnant prairies remain. Public gardens play an important role in the research and practice of tallgrass prairie restoration. For example, scientists from Chicago Botanic Garden and Morton Arboretum research the roles of phylogenetic and functional diversity in prairie restoration. In addition to staff researchers at both gardens, the project engages K-12 students and their teachers, undergraduate interns, volunteers, land managers, and others in research, management, outreach, and education related to prairie restoration.