The Community Prairie will be an approximately 45-acre native prairie in the heart of DeKalb, on NIU’s main campus. It will include native short and tall grass prairie habitat, mowed walking trails, and interpretive signage. We welcome everyone to visit, observe and be inspired by the beauty of this historic Illinois landscape.
The Community Prairie will be located on NIU’s ‘North 40’ property, east of campus along the Kishwaukee River bike trail.
Prairie restoration work to begin fall 2026.