Below is a timeline of some of the restoration and early history of the Somme Prairie Grove. Please contact us if you have events you feel should be reflected.

• 1997: The North Branch Prairie Project changes their name to the North Branch Restoration Project to reflect the wider scope of their work.
• 1981: The first restoration efforts begin at Somme Prairie Grove.
• 1977: The North Branch Prairie Project volunteer group is formed to work with the Cook County Forest Preserve in restoring sites along the North Branch of the Chicago river.
• ~1926: The areas encompassed by Somme Prairie Grove, Somme Woods, and Somme Prairie Preserve are acquired by the Cook County Forest Preserve
• 1916: The Battle of the Somme for which Somme Woods is named is fought. There are over one million casualties — it is one of the largest battles of the First World War.
• 1915: The Cook County Forest Preserve district is established.
• 1913: The Forest Preserve District Act of 1913 is passed granting Cook County the power to "acquire lands containing forests and land connecting such forests and to maintain, preserve, restore and restock such lands together with their flora, fauna and scenic beauties in their natural condition as nearly as may be for the education, recreation and enjoyment of the people."
• 1909: Daniel Burnham publishes his Plan of Chicago which includes the concept of a Forest Preserve system.
• 1899: The Municipal Science Club (including Jens Jensen and Dwight H. Perkins) recommends that natural areas in Chicago and surrounding areas be preserved.
• ~1853: John Frederick Werhane buys John Kinzie Clark's property for farming.
• 1841: John Kinzie Clark purchases a portion of the land.
• 1839: The United States Government Land Office surveys areas encompassing Somme Prairie Grove.