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Exhibits and Visitor Centers
Lake County Forest Preserves
Ryerson Woods Welcome Center
Native landscaping is a key component of the Ryerson Woods Welcome Center.
The project includes 2 rain gardens, native plant beds and 4 vegetated
bioswales in the porous asphalt parking lot. The building and
landscaping is used as a teaching tool.
Stormwater management is an integral component of this project. Much
of the rainwater from the building roof is harvested and stored, ready to be
used in the building's fire sprinkler system. Two rain gardens collect
the remaining stormwater from the roof.
The parking lot is made of porous asphalt, which allows rain water to flow
through the asphalt. The water is stored in a layer of rock under the
asphalt where it can infiltrate into the groundwater. There are 4
vegetated bioswales in the parking lot to help with the heaviest rains. To
date, there is no indication that bioswales have been used for that purpose.
Museum of Science and Industry
Native landscaping at the Smart Home: Green + Wired Exhibit
The Museum of Science and Industry collaborated with many partners to
design and install the native landscape at the Smart Home Exhibit:
These partners include: Jacobs/Ryan Associates, Christy Webber Landscapes,
and Openlands Native Habitats Program, a Clean Air Counts partner, Master
Gardeners, and Chicago Department of the Enviroment’s Greencorps.
The area surrounding the Smart Home is configured as a bioswale. The
intention is to demonstrate how native plants promote onsite management of
stormwater.
This project is arguably the most visible native plant installation in
Chicago. Every single visitor to the Smart Home (approximately 140 per day)
sees the bioswale and the berms. The exhibit materials explain the benefits
of native plants and the facilitators (tour guides) have been provided with
education so that they can explain their importance and
answer questions.
Parks/Prairies/Woodlands
Chicago Park District
West Pullman Park
The West Pullman Park is on Chicago's south side. The park is home to a
basketball court, a children's playground, a recreation center and the ONLY
remnant grove of black oaks in the City of Chicago.
In 2001, the Chicago Park District began a project to convert a portion of
the site to a natural habitat. The West Pullman Savanna project was
completed in summer 2002 and involved converting 1.5 acres of turf grass
into a diverse oak savanna. Thousands of wildflowers, grasses and sedges,
numbering over 50 native species, were seeded and planted in the understory.
Since 2002, the site has received supplemental seed and is regularly
maintained to control invasive species. The site also has educational
signage about the significance of this site and its history.
Community groups and neighborhood schools volunteer at the site to plant
native plants and learn about restoration and invasive management practices.
Nicor
Elgin Prairie
Nicor Gas restored approximately seven acres of vacant land from turf grass
to native landscaping (prairies) at a Nicor Gas Reporting Center where
regional employees report to work on a daily basis. For years, the vacant
had been planted with turf grass and it was mowed every two weeks. Nicor
Gas restored the area with a broad array of native prairie species.
Nicor estimates that they save over $5,000 per year on mowing.
Keson Industries Corporate Campus
Aurora, IL
Keson Industries wanted to reduce the amount of turf grass at their complex
in Aurora, IL and conducted a turf-to-prairie conversion on 5 acres.
Restoration began in 2006.
Prior to restoration, this 5 acre plot was maintained as high-quality
turfgrass. It received regular fertilizer and pesticide applications along
with regular mowing.
As part of the long-term stewardship plan invasive species control is the
main management activity that occurs on-site. Techniques employed for
invasive species control include brush cutting, hand pulling, selective
herbicide treatments, and prescribed fire. Mowing has been eliminated
in the areas converted to native plants.
Ball Horticultural Corporate Campus
West Chicago, IL
Ball Horticultural Company wanted to set an example for other corporations
by restoring areas on their corporate headquarters in West Chicago to an
ecologically stable landscape.
This included improving erosion control, wildlife habitat, diversity,
aesthetics, and air and water quality. In planning the project, the
property was divided into a wetland mitigation area, south woods, west
woods, Oak savanna, existing lawn, tall-grass prairie, and an old field.
To gain acceptance within the community the company began restoration of the
tall-grass prairie in 2003. This area needed the least amount of invasive
plant removal and gave the quickest results with flowers blooming the
following spring. To connect the prairie to the wetland, the west woods and
old-field were restored next. With the opening of the canopy in the west
woods, more sunlight reached the ground stimulating the growth of native
trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses. Seed and woody plants were
installed within the woods to enhance the remnant populations.
The wetland mitigation area was vegetated in 2004, and required a DuPage
County Stormwater permit. A new detention basin and the existing lawn were
seeded with native species, while clearing and seeding began in the South
woods as well.
After installation was complete, interpretive signs were installed as well
as houses for Blue Birds, Wood Ducks, and Tree Swallows.
Village of Sandwich
Harvey Creek Conservation Area
Harvey Creek Conservation Area is the newest park in the Sandwich Park
District.
The site was almost entirely in agricultural row-crop use prior to
development. Two wetlands were delineated on site; otherwise there was
little "natural" area to protect. Much of the site discharge flows to an
unnamed tributary of Little Rock Creek commonly called Harvey Creek, which
flows to Big Rock Creek then into the Fox River.
Now it is the largest parcel of land in the parks system consisting of 30
acres of wetlands and restored prairie. A walking path skirts the boundaries
of the park to provide recreational and educational opportunities. An
open-air shelter provides picnic tables for park guests. Interpretative
signs are located nearby to provide information on native plants and
wildlife located in the wetland. A 12 foot bridge spans an inlet to Harvey
Creek to complete the circular path of the Tim Rediger Memorial Trail. The
park is handicapped accessible to accommodate all users.
Town of Linn, WI
Town of Linn Nature Park
The Town of Linn Nature Park is a 160-acre community park that consists of
154 acres of tallgrass prairies, old field grasses, wetlands, and oak
savannas. The savannas are remnant savannas and consists of 150+year old Bur
and White oaks. The Park is in the FoxRiver-Illinois River Basin with a
tributary of Nippersink Creek running through it. The park's restored
wetlands enhance water quality through biofiltration and serves as
groundwater recharge for the area. The reintroduction of deep rooted native
prairie species do a better job of absorbing rainfall than the non-native
old field grasses that currently occupies most of the site. In addition, the
removal of woody invasive species along the creek allow the native
herbaceous species to recolonize on the steep banks to decrease runoff and
soil erosion into Geneva Lake.
The Park is protected by a conservation easement with the Geneva Lake
Conservancy in Fontana, WI. The Park is home to the state endangered
Henslow's sparrow and many other important grassland birds. The open
grasslands and oak savanna are ecologically important to the Town of Linn,
Walworth County, and to the state of Wisconsin.
Naturalized Detention
Danada Woods Townhome Assoc.
Naperville, IL
The stormwater system for the Danada Woods community was previously a
standard turf bottom detention basin that had hydrological problems. The
choice to plant natives and create habitat was a bold step for the home
owners association. This decision has paid off in the aesthetic value
to the community, improved protection of water quality, and excellent
habitat for birds, butterflies, and other species. The native plants
along the shoreline and in the water stabilize the soils, trap pollutants,
allow for infiltration of stormwater. Overall the site now has a lower
carbon foot print.
Highland Lakes Homeowners Assoc.
Highland Park, IL
There are two basins at the Highland Lakes community that help manage
stormwater and help reduce discharges to the Skokie River. In 2001 -
2003 it was evident the basins were experiencing various degrees of erosion
particularly where turf grass was the primary vegetation cover. In
some areas the ground began to slough off and slide into the ponds, adding
to sediment loads to the River. Water quality was poor and was
chemically treated several times throughout the spring and summer. Invasive
plant/animal species were present, including in particular Reed Canary Grass
and Purple Loosestrife. The shorelines of the basins were restored
beginning in 2004. There is now a minimum 6-foot native vegetative
buffer along all the shorelines. The native plants are thriving and
Invasive species have been controlled. Maintenance costs are reduced
as mowing has been eliminated in the areas converted to native plants.
Village of Algonquin, IL
Lake Drive South Naturalized Detention Basin
The Village naturalized the Lake Drive South stormwater basin beginning in
2006. The slopes were stabilized and planted with native plant species.
Mesic prairie plants grow on the upper parts of the slopes, including Wild
Bergamot, Black Eyed Susan, Gray Headed Cone Flower, Purple Cone
Flower, Purple Prairie Clover, Blue Vervain and False Sunflower.
Wetland/aquatic plants grow below the water line. The ecosystem now
thrives with these plants and is providing outstanding habitat for birds,
butterflies, and other species. The plants in the naturalized
detention basin filter stormwater, reducing pollution to downstream water
bodies and allow for groundwater infiltration.
Nantucket Cove Homeowners Assoc.
Schaumburg, IL
The Nantucket Cove Homeowners Association retrofitted the community's
stormwater basin beginning in 2004. Shoreline erosion was prevalent,
in some places there was as much as a six foot vertical drop off the
shoreline. Invasive species were widespread, including Cattails, Cottonwoods
and Silver Maples. There was much potential to improve habitat. The
pond has depths to 15-20 feet and had small populations of mollusks,
reptiles, amphibians as well as waterfowl and shorebirds. The shoreline
areas were replanted with 65 pounds of native seed along with 35,000 native
plant plugs. Habitat was further enhanced with Bluebird, Wood Duck and
Bat Nesting Boxes. The site has had stewardship since installation with a
constant program of activities designed to manage for the invasive species
and continually enhance the native plantings. The deep-rooted native
plants surrounding the basin are restructuring the soil to allow for more
infiltration. The plants also filter nutrients and are helping keep
Canada Geese away, which also helps protect water quality.
Village of Bradley, IL
Pheasant Run Naturalized Detention Basin
The Village of Bradley has been very progressive in fostering naturalized
detention as a preferred means for handling stormwater runoff. The
Village has adopted a Native Landscape Ordinance, and has naturalized a
number of the basins it owns and operates. One of the restored basins
manages stormwater from the Pheasant Run community. The shorelines
were regarded and planted with native species. Maintenance is
regularly conducted to ensure the health of the native species and to
prevent the reintroduction of invasive species. The basin now is now a
flourishing native plant-based ecosystem, helping to protect water quality
and providing valuable habitat.
Village of South Holland, IL
Naturalized Stormwater Basin, Veterans Memorial Park
Veteran’s Memorial Park in South Holland, Illinois, is a beautiful 21 acre
park, located along the south bank of the Little Calumet River. It is the
oldest and most active park in the community, and most major community
events are held there. A wetland basin was constructed as part of the park,
to provide an amenity for visitors, to help protect water quality, and to
help mitigate flooding issues. The design included approximately 3,000
square yards of native seeding, 9,000 native shoreline and wetland plugs,
granite boulders and oak stumps for accent materials.
Sustainable Stormwater Management
Centex Homes
Crossings at Wolf Creek Community, Plainfield, IL
Sustainable stormwater management features were planned and implemented as
the Crossings at Wolf Creek community was developed. There are broad
areas of green open space which slow the movement of stormwater toward Wolf
Creek and which allow of some of the water to be absorbed into the ground.
The Creek was widened and the slopes were made less steep to accommodate
fluctuations in flow due to stormwater runoff. The shoreline areas,
above and below the water lines, were planted with native species. The
planting have stabilized the shoreline, help trap pollutants, and provide
wonderful habitat for amphibians, birds, butterflies, and other species.
College of DuPage
Roadway, Parking Lot and Associated Landscape Improvements
There are several valuate natural areas at the College of DuPage campus in
Glen Ellyn, including the Russell R. Kirk Prairie, and the B.J. Hoddinott
Wildlife Sanctuary. In planning improvements to the roads, driveways,
and parking areas, the College made the decision to extend the prairie theme
across the campus and to build in sustainable stormwater features to reduce
runoff volumes and reduce pollutant loadings. Vegetated swales,
planted with native species, are incorporated throughout the parking areas.
In addition to dramatically helping reduce problems associated with
stormwater runoff, the swales reduce "urban heat island" effects in the
parking area in the summer, and provide habitat.
Geneva School District
Geneva Middle School North
The Geneva Middle Schools are located just east of Peck Farm Park, and
important natural areas and valuable water resources. In planning the
construction of Geneva Middle School North, the School District made the
decision to incorporate significant native landscaping elements and
sustainable stormwater management systems. The native landscape design
included naturalized stormwater management facilities, sedimentation basins,
and bioswales. Vegetation community types included aquatic, deep
emergent, shallow emergent, wet meadow, shoreline, and prairie. The
stormwater system does an excellent job of reducing runoff volumes and
pollutant loads, adds aesthetic value to the campus, provides habitat, and
provides an outdoor learning area for students.
Wetland /Stream Corridor Restorations
Argonne National Laboratory Wetland Restoration
Argonne National Laboratory
US Department of Energy
This wetland is a mitigation site, originally constructed to replace
wetlands that were destroyed from a construction project.
In 1999 the wetland was mostly cattails surrounded by clay construction
soil debris.
The restoration included the establishment of a prairie around the wetland
to create a buffer, adding a water control structure and native plantings in
the wetland water collection system. Management activities included
the removal of part of parking lot to divert poor quality water away from
the wetland and prescribed burns, herbicide, plantings, and brush clearing.
This wetland is now a part of a larger restoration area with a prairie and
savanna which managed as a single unit.
Fermilab
Nepese Marsh Restoration
Nepese Marsh is a restored 5 acres hemi-marsh wetland created from an
abandoned wastewater lagoon. This site is part of a large complex of
open water, wetlands, upland forests and prairie, all of which is over 6000
acres.
The pond was an abandoned oxidation pond that was used by the village of
Weston prior to the lab's existence. It was being aerated to keep it from
becoming septic, and it was essentially dead, with low D.O. and very high
organic load.
Extensive re-seeding and some plug plantings have been done each year for
the last six years. The site is routinely surveyed (qualitatively) by
birdwatchers, and the first plant surveys were done in 2008. The water
level is occasionally adjusted by pumping to obtain optimal water level.
The previous pond was a pass through, but the new wetland provides all the
de-toxing function of wetlands, removing pollutants from stormwater.
This project enabled the lab to discontinue the aeration at a cost savings of approximately $3500 per year.
Erickson Retirement Communities
Monarch Landing
Construction of this retirement facility resulted in the impact of 2.95
acres of low-quality wetland.
On-site compensatory mitigation activities included the following,
3.28 acres of wetland creation consisting of sedge meadow, emergent, creek
and aquatic vegetation,
1.91 acres of wetland enhanced through supplemental seeding or planting and
vegetative management,
3.90 acres of buffer creation, consisting of prairie vegetation and oak
groves, on the surrounding slopes of the created wetlands and creek, and
1.32 acres of buffer enhanced by means of nuisance species control and
supplemental planting and seeding.
Additionally, a detention basin was constructed and naturalized to address
pretreatment of stormwater runoff.
The project design and construction involved the natural reconfiguration of
the tributary and enhancement of the associated wetland corridor. In
addition, reestablishment of a natural stream condition provided opportunity
to create wetlands in a series of backwater “pools” along the stream channel
and also the creation of more subtle upland buffer slopes.
The project has enhanced the creek corridor by creating a more natural
stream system that provides significant water quality and wildlife habitat
benefits. In addition, an on-site critical wetland was preserved.
Enhancement through prescribed burning and seeding has restored the quality
of the habitat.
The management of Monarch Landing supports the objective to restore a
natural community to ecological health by restoring the landscape to its
pre-settlement conditions.
Chicago Premium Outlets
Stream Corridor, Wetland, Prairie Restoration
The project involved the construction of a retail outlet mall, associated
infrastructure, stormwater management facilities, and the creation of an
82.52-acre complex of wetland, buffer and stream channel within the Indian
Creek floodplain.
Prior to development the majority of the property was used for agricultural
production. A small oak woodland, scrub-shrub and marsh communities were
also present. Indian Creek which flows from north to south through the
site, was channelized and had a relatively straight flow path.
This site was specifically identified by the City of Aurora and Kane County
Environmental Management Department to be critical in providing additional
flood control for the Indian Creek watershed. Prior to construction of the
project frequent flooding of Indian Creek and economic damage to downstream
properties were common.
Construction of the mall and compensatory storage resulted in the impact to
20.87 acres of wetland and waters of the U.S. Mitigation for the project
has been provided at a ratio of 3.1:1 through the creation of a
wetland/buffer/creek complex.
A total of 3.70 acres, or 3400 linear feet, of Indian Creek were
reconstructed to create a more natural meandering stream shape. The stream
channel alterations included creation of meanders and riffle/pool structures
in association with the wetland/buffer complex within the floodplain.
This project provided significant compensatory floodplain storage in the
Indian Creek watershed that has resulted in significant downstream flood
control benefits, providing approximately 100 acre-feet of additional
storage.
Ongoing management has included invasive species removal through hand
pulling, mowing, and herbicide application; controlled burning; and
monitoring of plant communities.
In 2007, the site contained 136 native species with a Floristic Quality
Index of 51.7. The project has resulted in the establishment of 82.52 acres
of high quality emergent, sedge meadow, aquatic, riparian, and prairie
habitat along Indian Creek. Based on floristic quality data, the complex
has natural area quality. The 82.52-acre complex will be donated to the
Kane County Forest Preserve District to provide recreational opportunities
and ensure long-term management.
The location of the open space complex at the entrance of a highly used
regional mall will help to develop awareness and understanding of local
biodiversity and help foster a sustainable relationship between society and
nature in the region.