The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Chicago District received funding to restore native habitats and improve ecosystem services in the Upper Des Plaines River Watershed. The Lake County Forest Preserves is a partner in this project, which will take place at Raven Glen Forest Preserve in Antioch.

Sen. Dick Durbin announced earlier this week that $11 million in earmark funding will address ecosystem restoration and mitigate flooding along 67 miles of the river in Lake and Cook counties. Durbin secured funds in the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus appropriations bill.

“We are thrilled to work with the Army Corps of Engineers at Raven Glen Forest Preserve and grateful to Senator Durbin for securing this funding,” said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. “Lake County is stronger, healthier and more resilient because of partnerships like these. Together, we can transform degraded lands into acres of high-quality wetland, prairie and woodland, functioning at their highest ecological level.” 

This funding will allow the Corps, in coordination with the Lake County Forest Preserves, to restore Pollack Lake, also known as Timber Lake, and Hastings Creek wetlands. The 421-acre site was modified to support decades of agricultural use. This project will restore the site's natural hydrology, which will have local and down-stream benefits.

To accomplish the restoration, the Corps will improve the stream channel and surrounding floodplain by disabling drain tiles, regrading the landscape, removing invasive species and planting native species. The improvements will mitigate flooding, provide habitat for federal- and state-listed plant and animal species, restore ecological connections to surrounding natural lands, improve water quality and enhance recreational opportunities.

“We look forward to our continuing partnerships with not only Lake County Forest Preserves but all our federal, state and local partners on these important projects, said Lt. Col. Matthew A. Broderick, commander of the Chicago District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “Doing this work increases the availability of critical habitat in this highly urbanized region and ensures its available for future generations to enjoy.”

As we continue to see the local impacts of climate change, precipitation in our region is predicted to increase, according to Pati Vitt, director of natural resources for the Lake County Forest Preserves. This increases the potential for more frequent and damaging flood events. “This project is just one across the Upper Des Plaines River Watershed that seeks to improve the land's capacity to capture stormwater and increase the soil's capacity to hold water by planting native species."

Back