Trees not native to the area have been taken away, while earthmovers are contouring the area to reduce the flood risk. This is to prepare the land for the winter planting of wetland seed and native prairie.
The wetland mitigation bank at the Donnelley Prairies and Oaks is the last component of a plan set up nine years ago for this plot, authorized by Libertyville Township.
Openlands is a local conservation group that owns the site through a conservation easement. The company’s director for programs in Lake County, Saray Surroz, commented:
“There’s a lot of heavy equipment doing a lot of work. They are preparing a series of low ridges so when they break the drain tiles, the ridges are holding the water in place.”
Erosion and flooding will be decreased, water quality is set to improve, and certain endangered bird species are set to be reintroduced. The project also includes the relocation of a flood-prone stretch of Casey Trail. Brochure printing could be used to visualize what the final project will look like.
According to Kathleen O'Connor, the Township Supervisor, the enormous restoration effort will improve the environment by developing and restoring savanna, wetlands, and prairie; assisting with stormwater management; and boosting animal habitat.