Evan, thanks for the communication.  Unfortunately, I'm not sure your interest in prairies on the NIKE site is feasible.  The plan is very close to engineering and has been negotiated and approved by the parties who received property from the various federal agencies.  As you know, the site is shared by Stevenson and Vernon Hills High Schools, Lincolnshire Prairie View Dist. 103 and the Village of Vernon Hills.  The entire site has been planned for athletic and recreational uses and funding has been received and allocated on that basis.  The project has received a lot of attention as a model for intergovernmental cooperation and until your email, I haven't heard any objections to the planned use.

I do agree with you, however, that we do need to pay attention to the need for prairie habitats and I have asked the Village and County officials to consider how the Kelly's Day Camp property could be acquired and maintained as open space.  We are in the midst of a corridor study along Rt. 45 and there has been discussion of the need to maintain the landscaping and natural areas in the corridor.  I see great potential for the Day Camp site both for environmental reasons and to preclude solid development in that area.

The next meeting of the corridor study is scheduled for Thurs. 10/26 (announced at last night's board meeting).  I am scheduled to be out of town that evening but I will communicate my concerns and then watch the tape of the meeting.  I believe this is the opportunity to discuss some "visioning" of the corridor so it may be a good time for members from Sierra to add their input.

I hope this is helpful and as always, thanks for keeping me informed!

Kathy