By Lonnie Morris
The DuPage Monarch Project is honored to announce that Larry Sheaffer has posthumously received the Jane Foulser Habitat Award in recognition of his enduring legacy of flourishing habitat where butterflies, fireflies, and pollinators continue to thrive.
Larry described himself as an amateur naturalist. For many years, he honored his love of nature by preserving and restoring the prairie landscapes of northeastern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. He also planted new natural areas along the Prairie Path and in Warrenville’s parks, viewing them as educational opportunities rather than self-sustaining ecosystems. As an ecologist, Larry knew it was impossible to create a true prairie. He called the new plantings “gardens without rows or paths.”
In the 1970’s, Larry joined the Illinois Prairie Path and soon after became a board member. It provided him with an opportunity to bring prairie back to the Prairie Path. He began by managing two remnant prairies, one just east of Hill Avenue bordering Hoffman Park in Glen Ellyn, and another just west of President Street in Wheaton. He eventually became the manager for seven areas: Maywood Trail Head; the Hoffman and President St. remnants; Founder’s Park, a garden in Wheaton dedicated to May Watts; Volunteer Park in Wheaton; Prince Crossing in West Chicago; and Army Trail.
It was Larry’s idea to plant a prairie garden at Mile Marker Zero, the geographical center of the Illinois Prairie Path. He supervised site preparation, plant selection and installation then faithfully weeded, watered, pruned and seeded bare spots. This small prairie garden was aptly named Volunteer Park and eventually hosted stunning, colorful displays of more than 100 native flowers and grasses
Larry was a fifth-grade teacher who shared his love of nature with students at Bower Elementary School. He took time while tending the prairie remnants and gardens along the Prairie Path to answer passersby’ questions.
Through his dedication, knowledge and generosity, Larry left a lasting legacy of prairie habitat that continues to inspire people and provide refuge for wildlife and pollinators throughout DuPage County.
The Jane Foulser Habitat Award was presented to Mr. Sheaffer’s wife and family at the Illinois Prairie Path’s annual board meeting on November 1, 2026.
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