Major Improvements Coming to Popular Palatine Preserve

Chicago—This week Openlands, a leader in ecosystem restoration, starts phase three of a five-year $4.5 million improvement project at the nearly 2,000-acre Deer Grove (Jens Jensen) Forest Preserve, in Palatine. The restoration work includes removal of invasive trees and shrubs and reintroduction of native plants and wildflowers.

For 15 years, Openlands has acquired or restored thousands of acres of wetlands, woodlands, and prairies throughout northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region, resulting in more and better quality parks, preserves, and other green open spaces and natural areas for public enjoyment. Restoration is taking place in conjunction with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC), which owns Deer Grove, significant for being the first dedicated forest preserve in Illinois.

“We’ve been carefully assessing the restoration needs at Deer Grove for years. It’s a wonderful area, but it needs significant work to protect the natural qualities that are enjoyed by visitors year round,” explained Openlands President & CEO Jerry Adelmann.

The most notable improvement of the third phase of restoration will be the removal of invasive trees that have choked native oak, hickory, and walnut trees and prevented sunlight from reaching ground-level native plants and wildflowers. Colorful and varied native flora that haven’t been present at the preserve for a very long time, including little bluestem, blazing star, and cardinal flower, will be reintroduced. The work will also include controlled burns of hand-cleared brush piles.

The land that is now Deer Grove was once made up of extensive wetlands, woodlands, native Illinois prairie, and oak savannas. According to Wayne Vanderploeg, chief ecologist at FPDCC, “Deer Grove is not only the first forest preserve in the state, it’s also one of the richest. Its unique assemblage of high quality upland wetlands and woodlands are unsurpassed.”

In the mid-1800s, however, the land was artificially drained for farming, and invasive plant species flourished in the altered environment, crowding out indigenous plants. Additionally, grazing eliminated cover and food for wildlife, and the number of deer, ducks, heron, and turtles diminished.

“The work at Deer Grove will restore expansive views that haven’t been seen in decades,” said Openlands restoration specialist Linda Masters. “Other benefits include improved water quality, increased biodiversity and habitat for wildlife, and more outdoor education and recreation opportunities for visitors of all ages, which are assets not just to people in Palatine but throughout the region.”

Deer Grove also ranks high as a destination for northeastern Illinois’ vast population of outdoor enthusiasts, including birders, cross-country skiers, cyclists, hikers, and runners. The majority of the main multi-use trail will remain open during restoration. Trails in the west wooded area of Deer Grove will close temporarily—for safety concerns—and reopen this spring.

“Deer Grove provides a unique educational opportunity,” said volunteer site steward Pete Jackson. “From the paved main trail, visitors will have an unobstructed view of the large-scale restoration effort that benefits not just them but also the plants and animals that create this natural oasis in our metropolitan region.”

While heavy machinery is operating at Deer Grove, visitors can find additional recreational opportunities at a number of nearby parks and preserves, including Buffalo Creek, Cuba Marsh, and Heron Creek preserves (to the north) and Baker’s Lake and Spring Lake preserves (to the west).

Openlands worked closely with ecologists from FPDCC, the Army Corps of Engineers, and other partner agencies to carefully study Deer Grove. Phase one of the Deer Grove improvement began in 2008 and included hydrological monitoring, wetland studies, plant inventories, and the development of a master restoration plan, which was independently reviewed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Phase two of the project, involving the removal of detrimental drainage tiles and the reestablishment of the area’s natural hydrology, was completed in late 2009. The entire restoration project, including an innovative self-guided interpretive plan, is expected to be completed by 2014.

Founded in 1963, Openlands protects the natural and open spaces of northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region to ensure cleaner air and water, protect natural habitats and wildlife, and help balance and enrich our lives.
 

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