ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT

Prairie Crossing's land was purchased to safeguard its open spaces. 350 of its 670 acres are legally protected from development. Prairie Crossing is part of the Liberty Prairie Reserve, over 5,000 acres of publicly and privately held land including nature and forest preserves, farms and trails. At Prairie Crossing itself, greenways have been constructed and houses placed to protect the environment, native vegetation and wildlife of the Midwest.

A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

More than ten miles of trails, a lake with beach and dock, playgrounds and open space provide opportunities for healthy outdoor exercise. The farm supplies fresh organic vegetables, flowers, fruits and eggs to the community. Individual garden plots are available at a small cost. Lake Forest Hospital has a facility adjacent to Prairie Crossing.

A SENSE OF PLACE

Prairie Crossing is squarely rooted in its central Lake County location. Landscape and architecture are inspired by the prairies, marshes, and farms of the area. Streets are named after prairie plants, Indigenous peoples and early settlers who frequented the site. A palette of rich house colors derives from the warm tones of the native landscape. The historic buildings that are part of the Prairie Crossing Charter School and the farmhouse remind us that others have lived on this land before, and that others, to whom we have responsibility, will live here after us

A SENSE OF COMMUNITY

In the belief that community and conservation can go hand in hand, the trails and gardens of Prairie Crossing are designed so people can meet to enjoy and care for the land. The Homeowners Association actively manages and supports the community amenities, design review, and other aspects of community life at Prairie Crossing. Environmental stewardship activities are spearheaded by resident volunteers. The Prairie Crossing community works collaboratively with its neighbors, businesses, the Village of Grayslake, Lake County, and other entities for common benefits.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Prairie Crossing welcomes residents from all cultural and economic backgrounds. As a community, we value and welcome diversity. We recognize that diversity is essential to the vitality of the community and the future of our society.

CONVENIENT AND EFFICIENT TRANSPORTATION

Prairie Crossing is approximately an hour from Chicago by train or car. Rail service to Chicago and O’Hare Airport exists from two stations adjoining the site. Prairie Crossing lies within a triangle of three major roads: Routes 45, 137 and 120. Trails provide opportunities to walk and bicycle for recreation and as alternate forms of transportation to local destinations. They are vital regional links between Mundelein and Grayslake and east to the Des Plaines River Trail.

ENERGY CONSERVATION

Homes at Prairie Crossing were constructed with techniques that reduce energy consumption by about 50% in comparison to new homes in the area (as of 1990). Prairie Crossing supports the Village of Grayslake recycling and compost collection programs. The Homeowner Association supports the growth of solar photovoltaic systems installations by residents. The Prairie Crossing Charter School has a wind turbine and a geothermal installation. Its newer buildings are designed to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) specifications.

LIFELONG LEARNING AND EDUCATION

Prairie Crossing Charter School offers kindergarten and elementary education based on an environmental curriculum to more than 300 children. Other educational opportunities are offered on site or within a mile at the College of Lake County. Deliberate and informal learning of many kinds takes place through cooperative activities among the Liberty Prairie Foundation, the Farm and the school. Activities sponsored by many resident groups and volunteers also provide educational experiences at the Byron Colby Barn and elsewhere.

AESTHETIC DESIGN AND HIGH-QUALITY CONSTRUCTION

Professionals who are highly accomplished in their fields have been responsible for land planning and architecture. High standards of design and execution throughout Prairie Crossing are a priority. Attention to the integrity of the community’s design and appearance is maintained by the residents.

ECONOMIC VIABILITY

The conservation community concept expressed in these Guiding Principles, which was developed and is sustained at Prairie Crossing, adds to property value and the general desirability of living here. It provides a rationale for replication of the concept elsewhere.