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MARSH RESTORATIONat the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area
© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPTABLE OF CONTENTSPROJECT OVERVIEW………………………………...………... 3APPENDIX …….………………………………………………….10TFCA STATEMENT …………………………….…………..……15MARSHRESTORATIONat the Heritage Quarries Recreation AreaPUBLISHED MAY 20242
PROJECT OVERVIEWMarsh Restoration at theHeritage Quarries Recreation Area3© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFP
PROJECT OVERVIEWMORE THAN WHAT MEETS THE EYEMarshes are a form of wetland similar to wet meadows, though they typically contain standing water for longer periods of time. Soil pH is usually neutral. Vegetation adapted to this hydrology (such as cattails) is typically found in these ecosystems. Woody vegetation accounts for less than 30% of total vegetation; most marsh plants are herbaceous. These ecosystems are often part of a wider wetland community, encompassing a critical part of the natural watershed. Plants filter water, absorb toxins, provide oxygen, protect against erosion, and provide habitat and food for animals. Marshes are highly productive habitats and support hundreds of species of animals, such as frogs, toads, salamanders, turtles, muskrats, swallows, ducks, herons and fishes.v Swampv Forested wetland*v Wet meadowv Intermittent streamv Lower perennial streamv Pond*v Marsh*v Bogv Scrub-shrubv Open lake*v Fen*v Lake shorev Upper perennial streamWHAT WETLAND HABITATS CAN BE FOUND IN ILLINOIS?4© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPCommon gallinule – Illinois state endangered species*Found at HQRAPROJECT OVERVIEW
WHERE IN THE HQRAMarshes can be found across the world bordering ponds, lakes, and rivers, and within floodplains. The marshes at the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area (HQRA) border quarry lakes and ponds with the primary area encompassing the southeastern flood plain along with forested wetlands.PROJECT OVERVIEW5© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFP
WHY SAVE THE MARSHESToda y, a substantial amount of marsh habitat has been destroyed by human activities. Illinois once had an approximate 8.2 million acres of wetland (including marshes); today the number has been reduced to 870,000 acres with an estimated 3-5,000 acres lost per year. This is nearly a 90% loss since 1818. Marshes are frequently destroyed intentionally (by direct bulldozing and filling of the land), but in other cases they are gradually destroyed by the development of surrounding land. The construction of roads and other infrastructure in an area reduces biodiversity and increases soil runoff. This results in a buildup of additional sediment, changes in soil chemistry, and further loss of biodiversity. Eventually, the marsh (or other wetland) dies off as human use suffocates its landscape.Marshes provide immense benefits to water quality, local biodiversity, and landscape sustainability (in the form of erosion and flooding control).Industrial sites exist on the eastern edge of the HQRA. Flooding of their land is not beneficial to anyone and carries a substantial risk of industrial contamination at the HQRA. Main Street, Lemont is also affected by flooding. A healthy marsh will alleviate this. Restoring the marshes also benefit future conservation efforts. The dolomite prairie units 2 and 3 border marsh and are at heightened risk due to invasive spread from the marshes. Woodland and other habitats border other portions of the marsh and will experience similar benefits. General biodiversity increase will benefit wildlife and visitor experiences at the HQRA.WHAT DOES RESTORING OUR MARSHES DO?PROJECT OVERVIEW6© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPAmerican lotus
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 grassy plants without killing rootsv Stimulates local ecosystem by recycling nutrients and maintaining ground ‘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 marsh restoration. Work will consist of herbaceous invasive control, native seeding, prescribed fire, and stewardship. Cost estimates were provided by our environmental consultant, Stantec, and do not include administration or operating expenses. An additional timeline is provided in the appendix (page 12).Task Task Frequency Est 10-year Cost DescriptionHerbaceous Invasive Control1 / year * 5(Spring / Fall)$105,000Removal of herbaceous invasive species (non-native cattails, phragmites, reed canary grass, and other identified species).Native Seeding1 / year * 1(Spring year 3)$5,000Seeding of native plants to establish restored native ecosystem. Requires ample removal of invasive species prior to seeding.Prescribed Fire1 / year * 2(Fall years 2, 5)$15,000Controlled burning of area to remove dead grasses, brush, and other detritus and open the landscape. Added benefit of returning nutrients to soil.Stewardship (years 5-10)1 / year * 5(Varies, year 5+)$70,000Long term stewardship to maintain and support restored ecosystem via weeding, further invasive plant control, pruning, and other upkeep.TOTAL: 10 years $195,000
Illinois state threatened species: least bittern (Ixobrychus exilis)© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFP9
APPENDIX10© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPTitle photo: Blunt Spikerush (Eleocharis obtuse)
11© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPCURRENT STATUSMarshDescription (Stantec):Dangers:North* Less potential for passive revegetation following invasive vegetation control (compared to SE unit); likely requires direct management.* Largely dominated by common reed with low coverage of native vegetation. Invasive species pose the threat of spreading.* Reseeding of native grasses, sedges, and forbs should be conducted after the control of invasive species. It is anticipated that two growing seasons will be required to adequately control invasive species in preparation for this seeding. (8.9 acres)Common reed, general invasive speciesSoutheast* Borders dolomite prairie and forested wetland ecosystems.* Has unique hydrologic influence from groundwater.* Appears to have been a historically rich area in terms of floristic quality and inhabitant species; now dominated by cattails.* Fen or sedge meadow species not observed - additional meandering and surveying is highly recommended. (19.5 acres)Non-native cattails, general invasive speciesSouthwest* Similar to above (SE) (0.4 acres)Non-native cattails, general invasive speciesAll 28.8 acres of marsh require extensive invasive species removal. Lack of management has led to non-native cattails, phragmites, and common reeds dominating the landscape. As a result, populations of native vegetation are minimal, and face constant threat of being outcompeted. This pressure is also placed on neighboring ecosystems. Management of the marsh is essential to achieve successful management of other nearby ecosystems (such as the incredibly fragile dolomite prairie).Hybrid cattail APPENDIX
The marshes will be deemed as ‘successfully restored’ once invasive plant populations have been removed and controlled, and native plant species have been reintroduced and reestablished in the ecosystem. True success will be achieved when other wildlife (such as birds, fish, and amphibians) returns to the area. Long-term stewardship (years 5-10+) will be provided by TFCA and partners.APPENDIX12© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPRESTORATION TIMELINENarrow-leaved cattailInvasive phragmitesInvasive reed canary grass
APPENDIX13© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPPLANTS LIST – TO BE RESEEDEDInvasive reed canary grassRecommendations provided by Stantec.Bur reed Sweet flagJoe Pye weedBlue vervain
© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFP14Illinois state endangered species: yellow-headed blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)
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
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