Building upon previous restoration efforts, the Forest Preserve District will continue to improve habitat, specifically in 144 acres in Hinterlong Woods and Pond Woods at Greene Valley Forest Preserve. This restoration project will create a larger restored landscape and increase the quality of the site, resulting in healthier and more sustainable habitat.

The District will mow and remove invasive brush and trees not historically found in the area and conduct controlled burns to bolster the ecosystem. Desirable native trees and shrubs will remain to flourish, and native plant seeds will be sown. By removing these invasive plants, the District will return an ecosystem that not only supports more wildlife but also provides visitors with springtime wildflowers and impressive views of prairies, wetlands and woodlands. Workers will use chainsaws and landscape construction equipment to remove and mow the invasive brush, and chipper trucks and burn piles for disposal. Temporary trail closures may be necessary at certain times during the project.
 

Status

Work is scheduled to continue through winter 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Funding

The District received a $40,000 matching grant from the U.S. Forest Service as part of a 9-agency collaborative effort under the Oak Ecosystems Recovery Project, spearheaded by the Chicago Region Trees Initiative.

Partners include The Morton Arboretum, Lake County Forest Preserve District, Kendall County Forest Preserve District, McHenry Conservation District, The Conservation Foundation and Openlands. 

History

Over the past 35 years, the District has made progress to improve habitat at one of the Forest Preserve District’s highest quality woodland complexes. Most recently, the District has removed invasive woody brush, planted native species and used prescribed fire for maintenance. This work will only serve to make the ecosystem higher quality and more resilient.