Chicago Aviation Commissioner Tours Openlands Restoration Sites

On Tuesday, June 21, Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino and Cook County Forest Preserve Superintendent Arnold Randall joined representatives of Openlands during site inspections of two wetland mitigation areas associated with the O'Hare Modernization Program (OMP).

The overall intent of the OMP wetland mitigation program is to greatly improve the quality of the resource and benefits to wildlife, while offering additional value to the public by providing access that was not possible while the resources were at the Airport. The City of Chicago is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Cook and Will County Forest Preserves, and Openlands to restore nearly 450 acres of wetlands and associated nature areas as mitigation for the impacts associated with the development of the OMP.

The wetland mitigation program for the OMP is providing quality wetlands in replacement of wetlands impacted at O'Hare International Airport as a result of the OMP. Commissioner Andolino thanked everyone for their participation in the site visit and their tremendous commitment and efforts to provide natural habitat, recreation areas, and educational opportunities for generations to come. "We are excited about this new partnership and coordination with Cook County and Openlands, and we look forward to providing an educational opportunity to the public," said Commissioner Andolino. "All of these benefits are being provided at no cost to taxpayers, as a result of the OMP wetland mitigation program."

During the second site visit, the group inspected the Tinley Creek Preserve Wetlands Habitat Improvement Project, located within the Cook County Forest Preserve. This site also offers the added benefit of expanding the existing adjacent high-quality grassland bird habitat at Bartel Grassland, which is designated as an Illinois Land and Water Reserve.

"I want to thank the City of Chicago, Aviation Commissioner Andolino, the Army Corps, Openlands, many volunteers, and all those involved in this incredible effort to restore and preserve natural wetland areas at Tinley Creek, not only for the vital environmental benefits and floodwater storage capabilities, but also for the return of diverse plant cultures and wildlife for the enjoyment of our visitors and the residents of Cook County," said Superintendent Randall.

The group also visited the Hadley Valley Preserve Stream and Wetland Restoration Project located in the Will County Forest Preserve, where Openlands President and CEO Gerald W. Adelmann pointed out improvement efforts, including development and restoration of wetlands, stream restoration and re-meander, enhancement of wildlife habitat, removal of invasive species, and restoration of native plant life. In addition, numerous pathways and interpretive signs were installed to provide an educational opportunity for the general public. "We are also in the process of providing social media and interactive educational opportunities for the 'digitally-connected,' describing the many benefits to both humans and the environment," said Adelmann.

The creation of new wetlands is occurring at many sites in northeastern Illinois, including Hyde Lake, in Chicago; Tinley Creek Forest Preserve, in Cook County; West Branch Forest Preserve, in Bartlett; Hadley Valley Preserve, in Joliet; Messenger Woods Nature Preserve, in Homer Township; Lily Cache Wetland Bank, in Bloomingdale; Deer Grove East Forest Preserve, in Palatine; and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, in Wilmington.

(This article is reprinted with permission from a recent e-newsletter of the Chicago Department of Aviation, Rosmarie S. Andolino, Commissioner)