Project Update
Spring Brook Meander Project
at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve (2/15/07)
Project History
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has targeted Spring Brook, a tributary of the DuPage River, at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville for a second waterway restoration project.
Before Springbrook Prairie was acquired by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, for many decades, the parcel's rich soil was planted by DuPage County farmers. An aerial view of the preserve's Spring Brook suggests that two distinct segments of the stream exist. One portion of the waterway is notched with twists and turns. However, another section of the stream flows straight - evidence that this section was "channelized" by farmers to keep water in a controlled area to prevent the flooding of their crops. This straightened, deep channel contained the brook but caused its water to continually churn away at its sides, contaminating the water downstream with sediment that coated and suffocated fish, mollusks and microinvertebrates.
To improve the creek's water quality and habitat, the District is undertaking a 1.2-mile stream-restoration project that will create a meandering stream channel that is connected with a historic flood plain. In addition, a row of nonnative, invasive trees will be removed along the stream to create an open grassland habitat.
Project Funding
In January, the District's Board of Commissioners approved $2.15 million in funding to restore Spring Brook at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve.
Current Status
This February, construction and habitat restoration will begin on a portion of Spring Brook, leading from the preserve's wetlands located near 75th Street towards the intersection of Book Road and 83rd Street. The major construction and disturbance is scheduled to be complete by June to minimize the impact on the forest preserve's nesting grassland birds. The project is expected to be completed this fall, weather permitting.
Project Overview
Spring Brook currently suffers from bank erosion and heavy sediment pollution, although portions of it are the most biologically diverse in DuPage County. Studies indicate that much of the sediment that pollutes its waters occurs during high-flow events.
To manage floodwaters and reduce erosion in the brook, a new channel will be constructed with the use of natural materials. By returning the twists and turns and making a wider, shallower bank, the District will improve the stream's water quality by helping to slow the flow in the stream. The brook will also easily pour over its banks and into the forest preserve during heavy rains, improving floodwater-control features.
New areas will be stabilized with native plant species to support improved fish, mollusk and macro-invertebrate habitat. Species such as Johnny darter, redfin shiner and slippershell mussel - all recorded downstream from the restoration site during previous studies - may return to the habitat as a result of the project. Even more, the improved riparian wetlands will support other wildlife, too, including wetland birds like the King and black rails.
During the restoration process, much of the surrounding soils will be moved to change the course and level of the brook. Many European black alder trees - an introduced, invasive species that lines the stream - will be removed. Their removal, and that of other trees, will join two large, open grasslands and create one open habitat for rare grassland birds. Birds displaced during the construction may find that suitable habitat is plentiful in the preserve at other areas. In addition, a natural structure will replace the corrugated metal dam located at the preserve's wetlands near 75th Street.
Project Photo
View fullsize project photo (600x900, 153 KB)
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5000, Wheaton, IL 60189-5000
email: forest@dupageforest.com (630) 933-7200 Fax: (630) 933-7204 TTY: (800) 526-0857