Story posted Thursday, January 28, 2010
Restoring Deer Grove Enters Phase 3
By RICHARD MAYER Assistant Managing Editor
Openlands, an ecosystem restoration company, started phase three of a five-year, $4.5 million improvement project at the 2,000-acre Deer Grove Forest Preserve in Palatine last week.
Restoration work, spanning approximately 161 acres on the east side of the forest preserve north of Dundee Road, between Quentin and Hicks roads, includes removal of invasive trees and shrubs and reintroduction of native plants and wildflowers.
Restoration is taking place in conjunction with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC), owner Deer Grove, the first dedicated forest preserve in Illinois.
The most notable improvement of the third phase of restoration, which will be completed by the end of this spring, will be the removal of invasive trees that have choked native oak, hickory, and walnut trees and prevented sunlight from reaching ground-level native plants and wildflowers.
According to Openlands, colorful and varied native flora that haven't been present at the preserve for a long time, including little bluestem, blazing star, and cardinal flower, will be reintroduced.
"We want to restore and regenerate native plant communities along with more wildlife and flowers, color, and texture," said Project Manager Joe Roth.
The fourth phase will include introducing native plant species and planting native species by seed and plug, which will take 2-3 years to complete, depending on how the plants respond. Once planting is completed, long-term maintenance will be needed to ensure successful restoration.
The land that is now Deer Grove was once made up of extensive wetlands, woodlands, native Illinois prairie, and oak savannas.
According to Roth, in the mid-1800s, the land was artificially drained for farming, and invasive plant species flourished in the altered environment, crowding out indigenous plants. Additionally, grazing eliminated cover and food for wildlife, and the number of deer, ducks, heron, and turtles diminished.
"The work at Deer Grove will restore expansive views that haven't been seen in decades," said Openlands Restoration Specialist Linda Masters. "Other benefits include improved water quality, increased biodiversity and habitat for wildlife, and more outdoor education and recreation opportunities for visitors of all ages, which are assets not just to people in Palatine but throughout the region."
"We want to get this forest preserve close to a self sustaining eco-system as we can," said Charles Mutscheller, communications director.
Deer Grove is also a destination for northeastern Illinois' outdoor enthusiasts, including birders, cross-country skiers, cyclists, hikers, and runners.
The majority of the main multi-use trail will remain open during restoration. Trails in the west wooded area of Deer Grove will close temporarily—for safety concerns—and reopen this spring.
"This is a fairly significant grove in Illinois and a great site," said Roth. "By keeping the trails open, we can show people what we are doing."
Openlands worked closely with ecologists from FPDCC, the Army Corps of Engineers, and other partner agencies to carefully study Deer Grove.
Phase one of the Deer Grove improvement began in 2006 and included hydrological monitoring, wetland studies, plant inventories, and the development of a master restoration plan.
Phase two of the project involved the removal of detrimental drainage tiles and the reestablishment of the area's natural hydrology, which was completed in late 2009. The entire restoration project, including an innovative self-guided interpretive plan, is expected to be completed by 2014.
Speak Out!
Comments are edited first by Journal staff before running in print and appearing online.