ILLINOIS—In a year of record-breaking visitation and increased demand for visitor information, the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie‘s “National Forest and Grassland Explorer App” won the annual Technology and Research award from the National Grasslands Council. Entries are judged on innovation of research or technology transfer, quality of partnerships with grassland managers and ability to document successes of their efforts on the grasslands. The prairie launched its app in 2014, which features self-guided tours, directions to trailheads, maps, safety information, and much more.

Midewin staff and volunteers curate the app’s content to make sure there is something for all visitors. History buff? Pick the “Prairie Farmer Tour,” which features audio recordings from the inhabitants of the farm, with stories about farm life, and adventures travelling the wild 1840 Illinois prairie. Nature-loving visitors can choose the “Walk the Iron Bridge Trailhead Tour” to learn about prairie restoration, the bison herd, prescribed burns and geology. Plant enthusiasts can follow the “River Road Seedbed Tour,” showcasing 120 native plant species propagated for prairie restoration. The Spring Blossom Tour has an interactive tool to help you identify spring ephemeral woodland plants.

In 2020, Midewin’s app views jumped from 7,000 to 44,000 as COVID-weary visitors sought the refuge and relaxation of virtual and in-person visits. “With the increase in visitation at Midewin NTP, the National Forest and Grasslands Explorer App allows for individuals to explore and discover the prairie and grassland, giving the visitor useful information on what they are seeing while on their adventure,” said Wade Spang, prairie supervisor.

The Midewin’s app is part of the overall National Forest and Grasslands Explorer App, which can be downloaded at no cost from the iTunes and Google Play stores. About half of the Forest Service units have launched an app for their site, and new forests and grasslands are added to the app every month. For each forest and grassland, content is selected by local Forest Service staff, who share the must-see sites, and how to prepare for a safe and enjoyable visit. Download it before your next visit to a national forest or grassland!