DOLOMITE PRAIRIE RESTORATIONat the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area
© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPTABLE OF CONTENTSPROJECT OVERVIEW………………………………...………... 3APPENDIX …….………………………………………………….10TFCA STATEMENT …………………………….…………..……15DOLOMITE PRAIRIE RESTORATIONat the Heritage Quarries Recreation AreaPUBLISHED MAY 20242
PROJECT OVERVIEW3.6% of total project area; #1 ecological quality ranking3© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFP
PROJECT OVERVIEWRARE AND CRITICALLY ENDANGEREDDolomite prairies are unique grassland habitats that occur where the glacial debris is thin, and the dolomite bedrock is at or near the surface of the soil. These areas have a high magnesium content in the soil due to the weathering of the exposed dolomite bedrock. The extra magnesium favors a unique plant community, many of which grow nowhere else. Plants generally consist of grasses, sedges, and forbs. Examples include plants like side-oats grama, prairie dropseed, Riddell's goldenrod, hairy beardstongue, pagoda plant, and round-fruited St. John’s-wort. Animals and other organisms are typical of those found at other Illinois prairie locations.v Lakeside daisy (Hymenoxys herbacea)v Leafy prairie clover (Dalea foliosa)v Hispid false mallow (Malvastrum hispidum)v Crawe’s sedge (Carex crawei)v Hairy marsh yellow cress (Rorippa islandica var. hispida)v Slender sandwort (Arenaria patula)v Butler’s quillwort (Isoëtes butleri)v Hine’s emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana)WHAT ARE SOME SPECIES THAT SHOULD BE FOUND HERE?4© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPHine’s emerald dragonfly – state and federally endangeredCrawe’s sedge – state endangered (ME, CT)
WHERE IN THE HQRADolomite prairies may be found along the upper Illinois River in northeastern Illinois, and in a few other locations in northern Illinois. They are no longer as common as they once were.The dolomite prairies at the HQRA are predominantly found south of the I&M Canal in two areas. The first is near the south pavilion and parking lots at the south entrance to the HQRA. The second is in the eastern section of the HQRA and is directly bordered by Westside Machine, Intoxalock, and A&D Automotive Inc.PROJECT OVERVIEW5© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFP
WHY SAVE THE DOLOMITE PRAIRIEDolomite prairie is a critically endangered ecosystem in the state of Illinois due to natural scarcity combined with human land development. Only 140 acres of dolomite prairie are said to remain in the entire state of Illinois. The complete loss of dolomite prairie is a severe blow to Illinois biodiversity. Certain plants can only survive in the unique soil conditions presented by dolomite limestone. Protecting these endangered species is a high priority. Prairies provide additional benefits in the form of erosion and stormwater management. Prairie grasses have deep, dense root systems that provide immense benefits to soil stability and water absorption. This reduces runoff, flooding, and nutrient loss. Additionally, these grasses provide valuable habitat and food for wildlife. Birds, mammals, insects, and other wildlife call prairies their home.Prairies are in substantial decline. Illinois had an approximate 22 million acres of prairie in 1820; this number was down to less than 2,300 acres of quality prairie by 1978 (IDNR). That is an irreversible 99.9895% loss. Prairie habitats are essential for wildlife and are rich ecosystems teeming with life. Countless species ranging from monarch butterflies (the Illinois state insect) to sedge wrens to bison rely on these ecosystems to survive. All these species are in decline due to habitat loss and human hunting. Pollinator loss is particularly worrying - plants need pollinators to reproduce. Without pollinators, most plants will be unable to survive. Human and wildlife food systems alike will collapse.WHAT ABOUT OTHER PRAIRIES?PROJECT OVERVIEW6© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFP
7© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPPROJECT OVERVIEWINVASIVE PLANT CONTROLRESEED AND PLUG PLANTPRESCRIBED BURNSSTEWARDSHIPv Opens space for the planting and propagation of beneficial plantsv Decreases competition over valuable water and nutrients v Reduces likelihood of invasive plant spread to other areasv Provides a healthy and beautiful natural environment the community will appreciate and supportv Supports the local ecosystem as native plant populations recoverv Matured plants provide food and shelter for various wildlifev Clears dead stems and leaves of prairie plants without killing rootsv Stimulates grassland ecosystem by recycling nutrients and maintaining prairie ‘openness’v Provides needed support for the developing ecosystemv Helps immature plants compete with invasive plants and weedsv Demonstrates a community example that will inspire future stewardsWHAT DO WE NEED?
8© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPPROJECT OVERVIEW10-YEAR BUDGETTFCA will hire and oversee licensed contractor to complete all dolomite prairie restoration. Work will consist of invasive woody removal, woody re-sprout control, herbaceous invasive control, prescribed fire, enhancement seeding, and stewardship. Cost estimates were provided by our environmental consultant, Stantec, and do not include administrative or operational costs. An additional timeline is provided in the appendix (page 12).Task Task Frequency Est 10-year Cost DescriptionInvasive Woody Removal1 / year * 2(Winter)$26,000Removal of invasive woody species (buckthorn, honeysuckle, tree-of-heaven, and multiflora rose are prime candidates). Requires cutting and herbicide treatment.Woody Re-sprout Control1 / year * 5(Spring / Summer)$22,500Follow up treatment of removed woody plants. Required to manage invasive resprouts and root suckers.Herbaceous Invasive Control1 / year * 5(Spring / Summer)$18,500Removal of herbaceous invasive species (garlic mustard, burdock, other plants as identified).Prescribed Fire1 / year * 2(Fall years 1, 3, 5)$18,000Controlled burning of area to remove dead grasses, brush, and other detritus and open the landscape. Added benefit of returning nutrients to soil.Enhancement seeding1 / year * 1(Winter year 3)$5,000Seeding of native plants to further establish restored native ecosystem. Requires ample removal of invasive species prior to introduction.Stewardship (years 5-10)1 / year * 5(Varies, year 5+)$18,000Long term stewardship to maintain and support restored ecosystem via weeding, further invasive plant control, pruning, and other upkeep.TOTAL: 10 years$108,000
Federally endangered species: lakeside daisy (Hymenoxys herbacea) © The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFP9
APPENDIX10© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPTitle photo: Leafy prairie clover (Dalea foliosa)
11© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPCURRENT STATUSUnitDescription:Plant Associates:Primary Dangers:1*Most intact and high-quality dolomite prairie. *Wet; shallow groundwater. (1.5 acres)*Mead’s Stiff Sedge (Carex meadii) *Riddell’s Goldenrod (Oligoneuron ridellii)*Woody -> North/South*Cattails -> East/South2*Moderate buckthorn coverage reduces viability of native vegetation. (4 acres)*Nodding Onion (Allium cernuum) *Pale Beard Tongue (Penstemon pallidus)*Hairy Beard Tongue (Penstemon hirsutus)*Buckthorn*Honeysuckle3*Two small areas near southwestern parking lots. (2.2 acres)*Tufted Hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa)*False Pennyroyal (Isanthus brachiatus)*Red-rooted Spikerush (Eleocharis compressa)*Common teasel*Reed canary grass *Common reedInvasive common teaselAPPENDIX
The HQRA dolomite prairies will be considered ‘successfully restored’ once invasive plant species have been fully removed from the area, and native plants have been reseeded and established. The ecosystem needs to be positioned to thrive; invasive species cannot be present, and introduced plants need to be stable and matured such that they can propagate themselves. Additional maintenance and stewardship will be provided through the entirety of the restoration process.Prescribed fire is essential for the success of the dolomite prairie ecosystem. Natural prairie ecosystems regularly experience wildfires that help to recycle prairie nutrients and maintain openness. Native plants have evolved to survive under these conditions and are not killed by fire. Their roots survive, and the visible plant regrows stronger than before. Exotic plants, trees, and shrubs cannot survive these conditions and die off naturally, especially once a healthy native root base has been established. Nachusa Grasslands performs annual burns and has had excellent results restoring and maintaining their prairies.APPENDIX12© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPRESTORATION TIMELINEInvasive buckthornInvasive honeysuckleInvasive reed canary grass
13© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPPLANTS TO BE INTRODUCEDInvasive buckthornInvasive honeysuckleInvasive reed canary grassPrairie petuniaLimestone meadow sedgeHoary vervainAPPENDIX
© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFP14Illinois state endangered species: Hispid false mallow (Malvastrum hispidum)
OUR VALUESThe Outdoors MatterWe believe the outdoors is an integral part of the human experience that enriches and enlivens us. Our commitment to protecting the natural landscape is uncompromising, and we are committed to enhancing, preserving, and sharing naturally beautiful outdoor experiences with our neighbors for generations to come.Well-being is a Lifestyle to be Enjoyed by EveryoneWell-being is not just a jog around the block. Well-being is a mental and physical journey that fluctuates and changes daily. We are dedicated to crafting spaces that enable this life-long mental and physical journey. Moreover, we are committed to providing access and opportunity to enjoy nature to people of all ages and abilities.Conservation Goes Beyond the LandWe are committed to preserving history and restoring the natural landscape of the locations we choose to support for generations to come. This promise fuels our operating strategy and is fundamental to our mission.The Forge Charitable Adventures exists to help IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF COMMUNITIES by RESTORING and PRESERVING NATURE, PROMOTING ACTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP, and PROVIDING ACCESS TO OUTDOOR EDUCATION AND RECREATION to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.15© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPEstablished in 2019 by Jeremie Bacon, Chris Gladwin, Bart Loethen, and Jeanette Virgilio, The Forge Charitable Adventures (TFCA) is a unique environment-focused non-profit serving a dual mission to: 1) protect, restore, and re-invigorate natural ecosystems that have been degraded by overuse and under investment, while 2) partnering with local governments, stakeholders, and companies to develop outdoor education and recreation resources that can be enjoyed and maintained in cooperation with their residents.As a long-term focused, conservation-minded organization, we seek to produce and promote impactful programs that help TFCA achieve:v Significant impact by engaging our local communities in conservation and personal health & wellness effortsv A respected presence as a devoted caretaker in the places we servev Long-lasting partnerships with communities, companies, and individualsv Enlightened communities where conservation, restoration, and wellness are cherished as core valuesOur vision is a future where people of all ages, abilities, and economic circumstances can freely enjoy authentic outdoor experiences while learning to respect the diversity of life and developing an appreciation for conserving the scarce resources and fragile ecosystems required to support it.We accomplish our mission by identifying projects and raising funds from private and public sources to execute them. We consider ourselves successful when we are able to:v Restore and protect natural areas that jointly serve as wildlife habitats and places where people can enjoy nature foreverv Establish and nurture public and private partnerships that accelerate the pace of land preservation for the enrichment of allv Deliver social benefits in the form of clean and healthy forests, streams, wetlands and lakesv Provide people with opportunities to understand and embrace conservation, and act to preserve the environment
16www.theforge.gives