Home / Environment / Giant Wetland Sponge to Restore Illinois River Valley
Giant Wetland Sponge to Restore Illinois River Valley
6 Sep
Summary
- Restoration project aims to manage stormwater and improve watershed health.
- Project will restore 421 acres of wetlands, prairies, and woodlands.
- Work is part of a larger initiative to restore ecosystems along the Des Plaines River.
Raven Glen Forest Preserve in Antioch, Illinois, is undergoing a significant five-year restoration project. The initiative aims to transform 421 acres of wetlands, prairies, and woodlands into a natural system capable of managing stormwater and enhancing ecological health.
Spearheaded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in partnership with Lake County Forest Preserves, the project is designed to restore natural water flow by disabling agricultural drainage tiles and reconnecting Hastings Creek with its floodplain. This will improve water quality and reduce flood pressure in the Upper Des Plaines River Watershed.
The restoration will reintroduce native vegetation and rebuild diverse habitats. This effort is part of a broader federal initiative focused on improving ecosystem resilience and reducing flooding along 67 miles of the Des Plaines River, backed by $11 million in funding.
Visitors can still access Raven Glen during construction, with trails expected to remain open. The project seeks to make the preserve more resilient for both people and wildlife.
