A Prairie Promise: Garden Club Makes a Difference for Nature in Bull Valley

“To plant a garden is to dream of tomorrow.” — Audrey Hepburn

In 2022, The Land Conservancy of McHenry County (TLC) worked with residents to preserve a 323-acre farm at the intersection of Thompson Road, Rt. 120, and Fleming Roads, in Bull Valley. Soon after, the property was named Thompson Road Preserve.

When members of the Bull Valley Garden Club were introduced to the preserve last year, they wanted to become involved.

Claudia Edwards of the Bull Valley Garden Club, felt inspired after a visit to the site, saying, “I was so impressed with the foresight and determination of a group of people to protect this property. It’s a project that will develop over time and has the potential to attract and involve the community in its development and enjoyment.”

The site incorporates permanent trail easements for equestrian and other public recreational uses, as the property contains over five miles of interconnected trails. Public uses under consideration include horseback riding, hiking and walking trails, 5k trail runs, birding, snowshoeing and educational outreach events.

Emily Berendt, Village President of Bull Valley comments, “Restoration of these ecologically significant wetlands, oak woodlands and prairies, will allow all of us, including future generations, the opportunity to enjoy the diverse native plant and animal species that will flourish. The contributions of groups like the Bull Valley Garden Club are invaluable in making the Thompson Road Preserve a community resource.”

A public viewing area will be created on Thompson Road for observation of the many wetland species of plants and animals, including the seasonally resident sand-hill cranes. The farm features scenic, rolling terrain and provides unimpeded natural views from almost every area of the property.

Edwards says, “There are many uses for the property, and the possibilities for education are limitless. It can be a place to walk, a place to contemplate, a place to detox, a place to run, ride a horse, see a bird species and learn about a restored area of native plants. It is absolutely imperative that space be preserved for respite from our frenetic society.”

Maggie Bailey, a 37-year resident of Bull Valley, commented, “There are very few sites like this in such close proximity to towns, schools and neighborhoods. There will be an infinite number of opportunities for all ages to experience the wonder of the Thompson Road Preserve.”

The Bull Valley Garden Club applied for and received a Plant America grant from Garden Clubs of America to create a native pollinator garden to be planted at the entrance to the preserve May 30 and 31. They were only two awardees in Illinois and the grant will cover the cost of the plant materials. The project they named “A Prairie Promise” will beautify the entrance, encourage pollinators and enhance the visitor experience at the site.

Why “A Prairie Promise”? Edwards says, “We promise our time and talents to make this area a lasting testament to what a small community can do if we all work together.”

Barbara Marrs, Bull Valley Garden Club President, says, “Planting a pollinator garden is a concrete, hands-on way to fight the effects of climate change. Volunteers should be proud of this.”

Edwards adds that the project has the potential to attract volunteers from all areas of the community. “We hope scout groups, members of the Audubon Society, horseback riding groups, bird watchers, insect collectors, other garden clubs, walkers, runners and educators will come and be a part of a team to plant. Any person or group that plans to enjoy this natural area can be included in this project.”

“From scouts to bird enthusiasts to nature lovers, we will have people of all ages volunteering,” she says. She adds that a 92-year-old longtime resident at the garden club’s hospitality tent will greet helpers.

The Bull Valley Garden Club is also providing materials for Woodstock North High School students to build three wooden benches to be placed on the trails on the property, providing special places to rest during a casual hike or a walk to see the flora and fauna.

Club members have also been gathering cardboard to cover the 4,360 sq. ft. garden (about 1/10 acre), which will help with weed control and water retention. The City of Woodstock will provide mulch for the project. They also are seeking loaned wheelbarrows and volunteers to spread the mulch for the completed project.

Future plans include a kiosk with information about the site, along with directional signage and markers that identify the native plants that will be planted. The Bull Valley Garden Club plans to have Pollinator Walks and Talks near the planting area, and they plan to label the plants in the developed area.

They project that over 100 volunteers will have been involved in the project from beginning to end. And this could be the beginning of many projects at Thompson Road Preserve.

Observers are also welcome to bring a chair and watch the action, especially if they would like to donate the use of a wheelbarrow or utility cart for the day. There will be some shade by the tents and a portable restroom.

Says Edwards, “When we come together, anything is possible, especially in a place that will serve and provide enjoyment to so many people.”

In 2026 the Bull Valley Garden Club will celebrate 80 years of civic service to the community. They are planning a yearlong celebration of service to the community, and they welcome new members who would like to make a difference to join them. For more information, please contact Claudia Edwards at francesce45@yahoo.com.

Bull Valley Garden Club member Helen Loconte and her grandson Enzo Fry drill holes with a cardboard template for planting.