Things We’ve Done

Excavating and reshaping shorelines, increasing stream complexity with natural structures, and installing native plants earned this turf-grass-to-natural-area transformation the Conservation and Native Landscaping Award from Chicago Wilderness.

Former Meigs Airfield was a promising site to transform 40+ acres of land into a series of sandy, savannah-covered hills using sand from the existing land. We accomplished this over our five year project, planting hundreds of thousands of native plants and trees and providing an important habitat for migratory birds and other native wildlife.

A utility line right-of-way had damaged the native landscape and allowed nonnative species to move in to this cozy pathway. Unable to replant the native trees due to the power lines, we opted for prairie and wet meadow areas. Our 3D models were accepted, making the district, ComEd, and stakeholders happy in the end and allowing us to restore this important resource.

Restricted site access due to existing development proved to be a challenge we had to overcome to solve erosion issues and stabilize the shores of this creek channel. It is currently developing a thriving native habitat which we will continue monitoring for several years.

To combat erosion and nutrient loading and restore the riverbank, we removed and redistributed topsoil and stones, installed native plants, and worked to combat eriosion, improving water quality, soil stabilization and wildlife habitat function along the creek corridor.

Replacing invasive species with native plants and combatting erosion and heavy sedimentation were important steps in increasing resiliency and mitigating flooding issues.

As subcontractors, we refreshed and reconnected a hydrologically disconnected part of the river, improving floodplain function and habitat in this important ecological zone.

Offsetting the impact of a large-scale flood mitigation project proved to be hard work, as pervasive invasive species had overrun the area. We’ve labored to bring back and nurture the local flora in the floodplain and nearby wetland, including species which are considered conservative and even endangered.

Providing wetland delineation and tree inventory service allowed us to clear extensive woody vegetation, redirect flow, and install habitat boxes to replace lost coverage while we solved the creek’s erosion issues and improved the water quality for the fauna who rely on it.

This previously unmanaged tributary of the Rock River had lost its wetland features, being disconnected from the historical floodplain. Reshaping this channel and installing erosion control blankets to hold the native species in place allowed for the growth of an improved ecosystem.

Updating a pond and stormwater infrastructure built in the ‘70s to meet the wishes of a local HOA meant we needed to implement a solution that was both functional and beautiful. The project received an award for Best Natural Landscaping from the Village of Schaumburg in 2022.

Regrading the steep and incised shoreline of this creek allowed for a more natural shape, allowing better flood control in the heavily urbanized Melrose Park neighborhood.