Swift Prairie is a mosaic of marshes, wet prairie, meadow, re-created prairie, immature upland forest, ponds and a creek. It is home to several rare plants, such as cream wild indigo, prairie thistle and Illinois sensitive plant.
Dozens of rare birds forage at the preserve, including the state-endangered American bittern and black-crowned night heron and the state-threatened least bittern. Many breed here as well. Other wildlife species found here include the northern leopard frog, green frog, white-footed mouse, masked shrew, garter snake, midland brown snake and midland painted turtle. Additionally, ecologists have identified over 60 types of butterflies, moths, dragonflies and damselflies at the preserve, including the great spangled fritillary, hummingbird clearwing moth, meadowhawk dragonfly and bluet damselfly.
The Illinois Nature Preserves Commission gave the forest preserve an extra level of protection by designating it as the Swift Prairie Nature Preserve.
Driving Directions
Swift Prairie is off Walter Drive, north of Army Trail Road between Glen Ellyn and Swift roads. It does not have a parking lot.
