Destruction plans have been looming over Bell Bowl prairie, a Rockford landmark filled with a rich historical background and irreplaceable biodiversity, since October of 2021. Although small parts of it had already been obstructed, it was initially set to be completely bulldozed on November 1, 2021. The Chicago-Rockford International airport plans to expand across it in order to generate more job opportunities, regardless of what damage they will do to part of the 0.01% of prairie remaining in Illinois. 

   Bell Bowl Prairie is home to numerous endangered species, but perhaps the most important is the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee. This type of bee is currently one of the rarest species of bees, having decreased 87% in the last 20 years, although it used to be one of the most common species.

   “Bees being one of our most important pollinators, don’t just help that area but also help our whole agriculture system,” said Mrs. Deanna Ballard, science teacher. “We have the technology to artificially pollinate our produce and crops, but the cost would be huge. Most consumers don’t have the budget to pay double for fresh produce and grains.”   

   Bees worldwide are already threatened by habitat loss. If we were to lose the Rusty Patched Bumble Bees, and habitats like Bell Bowl, the damages would be irreversible. 

   Although construction has been halted until March, stopping the destruction of the prairie has not been finalized. Contrary to what most people believe, the possibility of a compromise is realistic, and this can be achieved through letters and suggestions to legislators. 

   “We are reconfiguring the message that we want people to reach out now to their legislators and to the Airport Board of Commissions to encourage them to have the conversation with Natural Land Institute and the planners that have developed this plan to be able to expand the airport and destroy the prairie,” said Bell Bowl Prairie Conservation volunteer Jennifer Kuroda. “There are ways to have both, and we want to make sure that we can have both because it’s important to not only preserve a 10,000-year-old property that’s never been disturbed, but to also bring us a source of revenue to our community.”

    The call for action and change has never been greater than what is now, and many are optimistic for the future of Bell Bowl Prairie. A simple way to begin to help is by simply learning more and educating yourself and others about the importance of the resources and the species that reside in the prairie. 

   “One of the best ways to change it is just by raising awareness to gain support for positive change,” said Mrs. Ballard. “It helps the average person understand why this is necessary and why we need to protect this area.”

   To learn more and help the cause, visit www.savebellbowlprairie.org to email your legislators and take the crucial steps needed to preserve this prairie.