TFCA HQRA Restoration Vision : simplebooklet.com

To the Residents of Lemont and active users of the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area:Lemont owes much of its existence to the development of the Illinois & Michigan Canal, the Sanitary and Ship Canal, and the dolomite limestone quarry operations that prospered here until the turn of the 20th century. The success of the quarries was a significant driver of the region's economic development, but operations extracted a considerable toll on the local ecosystem.Over time, public agencies like the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, Village of Lemont, and Lemont Township, as well as individuals and private companies like The Forge, acquired neighboring parcels of the land in what is now known as the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area (HQRA). Thanks to the foresight of public and private leaders over the last 100 years, the public has free access to recreational opportunities in the HQRA. We canoe and fish in the lakes and canals, bike, walk, and run along the trails, picnic with family and friends, and enjoy the relief the woods, wetlands, and small prairies give us from the noise of our daily lives.But we need to do more to care for this treasure. After mining in the nineteenth century degraded the natural landscape, almost no effort went into restoring it. Once covered by wildflowers, prairie grasses, wetlands, and oak trees, this area became a mishmash of impenetrable thickets of invasive Honeysuckle, Buckthorn, Tree of Heaven, and other noxious plant species that crowd out natives and limit the livable habitat for hundreds of desirable animal and plant species. For many people, the quarries became a place for recreation and reflection. Sadly, others used them as a private dumping ground.We believe in supporting a shared vision to restore and expand the native ecosystems in the HQRA. We all benefit when we improve woodlands, wetlands, and prairies. Restoration helps clean our water and air, reduce flooding, improve property values, encourage investment in our community and improve the health of nature and people.We want to thank the passionate individuals, civic leaders, and team members from The Forge who worked with us on this vision. We are equally grateful to everyone who will help us to actualize a plan for a beautified and restored HQRA by contributing their labor, capital, insight, and experience.The Forge Charitable Adventures© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFP

Page 4

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 NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS, PROMOTING ACTIVE STEWARDSHIP OF OUR ENVIRONMENT, and PROVIDING ACCESS TO OUTDOOR EDUCATION AND RECREATION opportunities to people of all ages, abilities, and socio-economic circumstances.4© 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 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

Page 5

5© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPMONTHLY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIESv Trail Building & Maintenancev Invasive Species Removalv Litter Collectionv Special Events Volunteers (races, festivals)ANNUAL SERVICE OPPORTUNITIESv Dedicated Trail Building and ongoing Maintenance of a dedicated segment of trailSPECIALIZED YOUTH PROGRAMSv Engaging programs designed to help young people earn badges, complete Eagle Scout and Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, and learn to enjoy the outdoors while preserving nature for future generationsEARTH DAY SUMMITv Connecting like-minded individuals, families, and organizations in a call to action for our shared environmentv Celebrate Earth Day every year by participating in impactful workshops and on-site projects that inspire actionCURRENT PROGRAMMING OFFERED BY THE FORGE CHARITABLE ADVENTURES

Page 6

Page 7

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYSHARED LAND, SHARED FUTUREOver the last several decades, government agencies, civic leaders, and local enthusiasts had the foresight to piece together the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area and begin environmental restoration and preservation work. Now is the time to build on that foundation and enact a decades-long plan to restore and rebuild a healthy and natural habitat.Healthy natural land invites children and adults to discover nature and enjoy high-quality, safe outdoor recreation. It reduces flooding, naturally cleans our air and water, increases adjacent property values, and creates public and private investment opportunities. v A healthy, beautiful, and safe native environment where diverse plants and animals thrivev Educational enrichment for children and research opportunities for students and scientistsv Enhanced opportunities for nature-related jobs and regional tourismv A healthier community thanks to outdoor exercise and activityv Economic gains from increased property valuesv Cleaner air and waterBENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTING A RESTORATION PLAN:7© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFP

Page 8

OUR VISION FOR THE HQRAWorking together, local stakeholders, other nonprofit organizations, and passionate volunteers will transform the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area into a thriving ecosystem with healthy prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and waterways capable of supporting rich and abundant native animal and plant species where people can enjoy outdoor recreation and educational experiencesEXECUTIVE SUMMARYOUR PRIORITIES & GOALSNATUREOnce restored, a native landscape will thrive for many generationsv Invest in restoration and land stewardshipv Mobilize people to nurture the landv Connect the HQRA to other forest preservesv Learn and adapt to our changing climatePEOPLEEveryone should feel welcome to participate in restoration & recreation at the HQRAv Create an inclusive community for visitors from all walks of lifev Provide opportunities for service and engagement to all peoplev Educate visitors about the history of the HQRA and its native stateVALUEOur community will realize economic value by restoring and protecting landv Effectively market the HQRA as a key element in pushing Lemont as a recreation destination for Chicagolandv Build and communicate the economic case for public-private investment in natureSTEWARDSHIPCivic and nonprofit leaders will safeguard and bring additional resources to the HQRAv Maximize public and private resources to achieve our shared visionv Provide enduring, focused conservation leadership and accountabilityv Manage with transparency and sound financial practice8© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFP

Page 9

WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO REALIZE OUR VISION?Our vision calls for transforming the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area into a place that supports the diversity of native plants, animals, and fragile ecosystems while remaining a welcome place for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors. It will require expert conservation leadership and considerable resources to: v Restore ~270-acres of plant and animal life to native ecological health over the next 20 yearsv Assess, improve, and maintain the water quality and living systems in the quarry lakesv Create a permanent crew to train, lead, and support a volunteer workforce of 100+ stewardsv Improve existing public infrastructure and add new facilities to support our goalsv Twenty years from now, all plan participants will feel a sense of pride for successfully restoring hundreds of acres of healthy woodlands, wetlands, lakes, and dolomite prairies filled with thriving native trees, grasses, flowers, birds, and other animalsv Everyone who visits the HQRA to enjoy hiking, biking, bird watching, fishing, picnicking, and otherwise discovering nature will appreciate the monumental effort and investment that went into accomplishing the featv Village leadership, volunteers, and The Forge Charitable Adventures will continue to engage with environmental experts to maintain the thriving preservev Lastly, communities and volunteers from all over Chicagoland will choose to follow our lead and champion restoration activities in their communities to preserve nature as a source of beauty, inspiration, economic vitality, and healthWHAT WILL SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?EXECUTIVE SUMMARY9© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFP

Page 10

10© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPEXECUTIVE SUMMARYNATURE PEOPLEVALUE STEWARDSHIPv Support a rich variety of plant and animal speciesv Restore and create new habitat for rare, threatened, and endangered speciesv Support thriving native landscapes that beautify the regionv Provide a healthy and beautiful natural environment the community will appreciate and supportv Enable outdoor education and recreation for all peoplev Support an active lifestyle and offer hands-on volunteer opportunitiesv Increase property values and economic opportunities in Lemontv Encourage further development of Lemont as Chicagoland’s outdoor recreation destination locationv Extend and improve the quality of life that attracts talented people with an eye toward a clean futurev Demonstrate the viability of a powerful model for ecological restoration in post-industrial settingsv Encourage other communities, organizations, and individuals to embrace open and transparent management of scarce natural resources

Page 11

Page 12

Page 13

In the last ice age, a mile-high glacier developed across the upper part of Lake Michigan, blocking water flow out of the lake. As a result, the water level rose approximately 100 feet, eventually finding a new drainage point flowing southwest through the region, carving a valley deep into the dolomite limestone. When the ice age ended, the glacier across Lake Michigan melted. Water returned to flowing out of the great lake to the north, leaving the deep valley where the HQRA sits, a part of the only location where the vast Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins touch in a way that easily supports water transportation between these two vast regions. For many centuries, Native Americans would canoe up the South Branch of the Chicago River to a wetland later known as "mud lake" and drag or paddle their canoes to the other side of that lake to the Des Plaines River and then on to the Illinois River and ultimately, the mighty Mississippi River. Early Europeans settled along this transportation and trade route and eventually formed Chicago, where the Chicago River meets Lake Michigan, connecting two of the largest basins in North America. During this time, the HQRA was part of a vast wetland with interspersed dolomite prairie and oak savanna in the Des Plaines River valley.In 1848 the 60-foot-wide Illinois & Michigan Canal opened to support and enable the growth of Chicago and the rest of the state. A portion of the canal runs along the south edge of the HQRA, and long, linear piles of limestone excavated to create it mark its banks.13© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPA BRIEF HISTORY OF THE HERITAGE QUARRIES RECREATION AREAWhile digging the I&M canal, workers discovered high-quality dolomite limestone, leading to the creation of stone quarries at the HQRA. These quarries were active from about 1850 to 1900 and provided the stone for landmark buildings and street pavers in Chicago and other parts of Illinois. Rock extracted from the quarries that had no destination was left in numerous large spoil piles near the quarries. After operations ceased, the abandoned quarries filled with groundwater and became the Great Lakes Quarries found on the site today.In 1900, the 200-foot-wide Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal opened and replaced the operations of the I&M Canal. The Ship Canal remains in active use and runs along the north edge of the site. Long piles of limestone rock excavated from its construction are still found along the edge of the canal.Most of the land constituting the western half of the quarries (where The Forge operates its ropes course and ziplines), is agiant spoil pile that is now primarily covered with invasive species and a shallow soil layer over loose rock. The earliest available aerial photography of the site – from the 1930s – is white from the limestone of the spoil piles and inactive quarries. Effectively all vegetation was removed or degraded during that time; no native soils, plants, or animal life persisted around any of the seven quarries within the boundaries of the HQRA.The Northeastern Section of the HQRA (east of the quarries and north of the I&M canal) appears to have been used partially as a farm and pasture in the early 1900s. The soil and seed bank is much less disturbed than in the western half of the area. It is currently a marshy woodland, supporting a variety of older trees, most of which are not desirable in the long term. In addition, invasive species, consisting primarily of honeysuckle, buckthorn, and tree of heaven, dominate much of the undergrowth.The southeastern section of the site (east of the quarries and south of the I&M canal) is a large wetland and appears to have been undeveloped. This area contains a large, exceedingly rare dolomite fen, overtaken by cattails and an increasing amount of invasive phragmites. Outside of the wetlands in this area, the land is primarily woodland, with a rapidly expanding amount of buckthorn and honeysuckle taking over the undergrowth.

Page 14

Located just a half-mile east of downtown Lemont, the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area covers roughly 190 acres and adjoins an additional 100 acres of open space land. These dolomite limestone quarries played a significant role in the history of Chicago. After the great fire, some of the most iconic structures in the city, including Water Tower Place, were built using stone from Lemont. The area now includes seven spring-fed quarry lakes connected by a network of mixed-use biking and walking trails. Residents and visitors can enjoy a day of fishing, walking, running, biking, or paddling along the I&M Canal and historic quarries, all nestled within the borders of the HQRA.Nature is rooted in the quarries, which attract a host of animals, including deer, muskrats, beavers, raccoons, coyotes, cardinals, coots, herons, swallows, ducks, osprey, and seasonally, bald eagles. The seven quarry lakes are home to bluegill, largemouth bass, catfish, walleye, black crappie, plus native and invasive aquatic plant life. The region also contains wetlands and remnants of mesic dolomite prairies, marshes, sedge meadows, springs, fens, and floodplain forest, all situated on shallow soil over limestone bedrock. Tufted hair grass, blue-joint grass, and prairie cordgrass are dominant native species, but are nearly gone. Sadly, the area hosts far more invasive trees than native ones. These invaders continue to spread rapidly, choking out the native plant, grass, flower, and tree species that belong in the area.HISTORY & RESTORATION EFFORTS TO-DATE14© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPA BRIEF HISTORY OF RESTORATION EFFORTS AT THE HERITAGE QUARRIES RECREATION AREAFrom 2014 through 2018, through the CITGO Caring for Our Coast initiative, CITGO Lemont Refinery led several HQRA restoration projects in the quarries. Grants from CITGO coupled with work efforts by volunteers from The Conservation Foundation, Lemont High School, the Village of Lemont, founding members of TFCA, and many other community members enabled the partial restoration of nearly twenty acres of degraded land. Since then, periodic ongoing maintenance of the cleared areas by The Forge Charitable Adventures has helped improve that acreage's ecological condition. However, despite these efforts, more is needed to completely restore the site. Due to budget constraints and underfunding at the local government level, the access roadways, pedestrian bridges, parking facilities, and trail development and restoration projects at the HQRA fell woefully behind.After taking responsibility to act as a steward of the HQRA in 2019, The Forge and TFCA began working in earnest on several projects to redevelop public infrastructure, clear and maintain sections of land, and build new publicly accessible biking, walking, and running trails. The studies performed by TFCA with third-party advisors on behalf of the Village of Lemont identified five high-priority projects for the HQRA with a total cost of approximately $4.25 million.Since then, The Forge, through TFCA, has invested more than $3 million in numerous projects benefitting the HQRA and public. Examples include extending and widening access roads, building new parking facilities, installing lights, security cameras and signage, adding new trails and public spaces, and clearing invasives from many acres of land.

Page 15

When European immigrant settlers first arrived in Illinois, their towns were like islands in a sea of nature. Deer and bison roamed the tallgrass prairies. Bur oaks spread their majestic branches over endless fields of wildflowers. Today, we have the opposite relationship with nature. Natural ecosystems exist as tiny islands in a sea of urban sprawl. Industrial, commercial, and residential development has fragmented and, in many cases, completely devastated natural areas. While many plants, insects, and animal species are irretrievably lost, others slowly return when we revive lost habitats. Ecological restoration returns landscapes to good health using scientific knowledge and recognized techniques to create ecosystems filled with diverse native plants and animals. Land stewards begin the restoration process when they remove harmful or overgrown plants. They collect and distribute seeds of native plants, rejuvenating the carpet of wildflowers and grasses. Prescribed burns by certified specialists simulate natural "spring cleaning" processes by clearing unwanted brush, letting in sunlight, and recycling nutrients to stimulate the growth and germination of native plants.15© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPA significant percentage of Lemont is permanently designated as Open Space & Recreation land. The community needs to devise strategies with local and county agencies to care for all of it in time.WHY RESTORE NATIVE LANDSCAPES?HISTORY & RESTORATION EFFORTS TO-DATE

Page 16

The mission of the Cook County Forest Preserves a century ago and today is to "restore, restock, protect and preserve flora and fauna." The Forge Charitable Adventures shares that mission. The HQRA and surrounding ecosystems have been dramatically altered by 150+ years of heavy human use and development. Ecological restoration is an evolving science, but it is a critical responsibility of public and private landowners to mitigate the damage our collective lifestyle has caused to nature.Today, the prairies, woodlands, and wetlands of the HQRA are overwhelmed by aggressive plants that need to be kept in check. Decades of neglect have allowed our diverse woodlands and grasslands to lose their wildflowers and become impenetrable thorn thickets. Native plants and animals are continually threatened. The loss of natural ecosystems leads to the loss of public benefits. Without a healthy, restored landscape, the HQRA will be increasingly inhospitable to native plants and animals. It will also have a negative impact on the rest of the open spaces around it by acting as a source for rapidly spreading invasives.16© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPSHOULDN’T WE JUST LEAVE NATURE ALONE?The oak savanna is one of the most significant native landscapes in Illinois. In an overgrown, brush-filled forest, such as what is present at the HQRA (right), native oak seedlings cannot get the sunlight they need to survive. Native grasses and flowers are also severely impacted. The result is an unhealthy, dying ecosystem.In a restored savanna, such as the one pictured to the right, the dark, thorn-filled tangle of buckthorn and honeysuckle brush is transformed. Restored, healthy open woodlands such as this are filled with wildflowers, are better able to absorb stormwater, actively filter the air, and are welcoming to plants, animals, and people.The result is a vibrant, healthy ecosystem rich in biodiversity.HISTORY & RESTORATION EFFORTS TO-DATE

Page 17

BUCKTHORNInvasive buckthorn makes up 1 in 3 trees in the city of Chicago and 36% of all trees in the surrounding seven counties!* Buckthorn is destructive because it crowds out and outcompetes other trees and shrubs for water, nutrients and space. In natural areas such as the HQRA, it overpowers wildflowers and other native plants. Buckthorn has a longer growing season than most native trees, leafing out earlier in the spring and keeping its leaves longer in the fall.Another problem is that a toxic chemical in buckthorn leaves, released when they decay, is washed into streams and ponds, where it is harmful to wildlife. Buckthorn also alters the soil, increasing its nitrogen levels to enabling other aggressive invasive plants such as garlic mustard, now the single most common ground covering plant in the HQRA, to thrive. Although birds do eat buckthorn berries, the fruit acts as a diuretic and they get little nutrition from it.17© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPWHY ARE BUCKTHORN, HONEYSUCKLE, AND TREE OF HEAVEN “BAD?”HISTORY & RESTORATION EFFORTS TO-DATE* https://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/home-and-garden/ct-home-garden-morton-0513-20210516-wr7ssjc6yve4nb5y7grabh7igu-story.htmlHONEYSUCKLEHoneysuckle, an invader brought to the US in the 19thcentury is a hardy, shade-tolerant bush that thrives in Illinois. It keeps its bright green leaves for several weeks longer than our native vegetation and leafs out several weeks early in the spring, giving it an unfair competitive growing advantage.It tolerates a wide variety of soil conditions, habitats and light regimes, including 100% shade, which makes it a tough competitor for our native vegetation. In forested natural areas this bushy tree is one of the biggest threats to Illinois native plant diversity. It readily grows in the shadiest understory environment and is a prolific berry producer. Although honeysuckle berries are not the top choice for our native fauna, the relative abundance in a sparse time of year promotes consumption since the berries persist into winter.TREE OF HEAVENThe tree of heaven is a rapidly growing deciduous tree native to China that has become a widespread invasive species across North America. Its ability to easily establish itself, rapid growth, and absence of insect or disease problems made it popular when planning urban landscaping. Tree of heaven is a problem because it reproduces very quickly and aggressively inhibits (and can even kill) native plants near it. This invasive plant produces an overly abundant amount of seeds, crowds out native species with its dense thickets and secretes a chemical into the soil that is toxic to surrounding plants.When native plants are hindered or killed, it upsets the balance of the native ecosystem and biodiversity, potentially leading to extinctions of native plants and animal species across the whole ecosystem.

Page 18

Despite its relatively small size, the HQRA comprises a patchwork of restorable marshes, dolomite prairies, oak savannas, and extremely rare fens. When healthy, these ecosystems are alive with wildlife and filled with thousands of diverse and unique species of plants and animals.18© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPWHAT KINDS OF ECOSYSTEMS “BELONG” IN THE HQRA?HISTORY & RESTORATION EFFORTS TO-DATEDOLOMITE PRAIRIESPrairies are natural ecosystems dominated by perennial grasses, some growing more than 6 feet tall. Most prairie species have deep root systems (nearly two-thirds of a prairie's biomass is underground). A high-quality prairie supports more than 200 native plant species. In 1820, Illinois - the Prairie State - had 22 million acres of prairie. Today, only 6,000 acres of prairie are left, 2,350 of which are considered high quality.OAK SAVANNASA savanna is a grassland interspersed with open-grown scattered trees and sun-loving shrubs. Savannas look like widely spaced, orchardlike groves, and they often occur alongside large prairies, forming an intermediate habitat between prairie and woodland. At the time of European settlement, there were ~50,000,000 acres of oak savanna in the Midwest. Today, less than 30,00 acres exist, most of which is severely degraded.FENSA fen is a rare wetland type distinguished by its alkaline, mineral-laden water. The water in a fen percolates through limestone and emerges as a seep or spring. Fens are home to incredibly rare microorganisms and are very frail. There are two fens within the borders of the HQRA, both of which are nearly gone.MARSHESMarshes are usually permanent bodies of water, surrounded by and interspersed with vegetation. A hemi-marsh has an equal amount of open water and plants, creating sheltered nooks for waterfowl to nest. Marshes are important because they support large numbers of plant and animal species that are critical to supporting the health of adjacent ecosystems.

Page 19

Page 20

Page 21

The Forge Charitable Adventures is committed to playing a central role in keeping the quarries healthy and safe for future generations. Fulfilling that commitment means providing the restorative support the ecosystem desperately needs. While many sites in the HQRA have extraordinary ecological significance, only a few acres are in good condition today. The HQRA needs diverse plants and animals to become healthy and thrive. Scientists, land specialists, and volunteers have already demonstrated that careful work, ongoing vigilance, and stewardship can bring even badly deteriorated areas back to life. Cook County, DuPage County, and Will County provide excellent local examples of the positive effects of targeted restoration. Hundreds of rare plants and animals are thriving on restored land in preserves such as Somme Prairie, Deer Grove, KeepatawCounty Forest Preserve, and Black Partridge Woods. A success story like those is achievable at the HQRA.GOAL: NATURE21MORE THAN 100 ENDANGERED SPECIES SURVIVE IN COOK COUNTY TODAY – IN HABITAT AS RARE AS THE RAINFORESTBut restoration is not a one-time effort. Just as people need good food, exercise, sleep, and regular check-ups with a doctor to ensure their long-term health, nature in an urban setting requires ongoing management. The HQRA is awaiting transformation. The quarries represent one of the most significant historical locations in Chicagoland. HQRA is also one of the few places to offer rare natural beauty connected to a growing downtown recreation destination. The Heritage Quarries Recreation can be one of Cook and DuPage County's most important landmarks and the pride of Lemont if brought to its full potential. Fulfilling our goal to improve nature in Lemont could also help the village to advance its leadership in ecological restoration and in taking action to adapt to climate change. Most importantly, a beautifully restored HQRA could be one of the best gifts this generation can give to the future residents of Lemont and all of Chicagoland.

Page 22

v Conduct a thorough evaluation of existing plant and animal species with experts through the development of the TFCA Environmental Management Planv Obtain all permissions needed to plant trees and native plants and remove invasive plants and animalsv Perform tree removal and controlled burns on 10 to 12 acres annually to restore them to "good" or "excellent" ecological conditionv Raise, allocate, and invest a minimum of $150k annually for nature restoration and stewardship activitiesv Recognize and designate restored parcels through the highest level of protection in Illinois: Illinois Nature Preserves and Land and Water Reservesv Restore the region to the closest pre-settlement natural environment possible while promoting the value of restored landscapes as safe, well-maintained, inviting, and open to allv Manage ~270 acres to support biodiversity and public engagement by tying activities to the ecological quality of the landscapeInvest in restoration and land stewardshipGOAL: NATURE22© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPPRIORITIES ACTIONSMobilize people to nurture the landv Set high standards and increase resources for restoration by expert staff and contractorsv Dramatically increase volunteer engagement by partnering with community leaders and like-minded organizationsv Create a permanent Restoration Crew to engage and train the next generation of volunteers to restore and steward the landv Evaluate success by measuring number of visitors who visit the area to enjoy safe, high-quality recreational, environmental, and educational experiences here

Page 23

v Support ecosystem, greenway, and trail connections enabling people, animals, and seeds to spread throughout the regionv Investigate and enter partnerships with the Cook County and DuPage County Forest Preserves, the Lemont Park District, high schools, universities, and nonprofit organizations to capitalize on connections with government agencies and conservation organizations at the local, regional, and state levels to protect land and engage peoplev In time, expand our conservation efforts to other Open Space and Recreation lands outside of the HQRA, prioritizing the acquisition of lands with high ecological value, under threat of irretrievable loss, that secure our water and air quality, and that can engage new audiencesConnect the HQRA to other forest preservesGOAL: NATURE23© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPPRIORITIES ACTIONSLearn and adapt to our changing climatev Building on the research capacity of nonprofit partners, Cook, Will, and DuPage Counties, and other institutions, improve our scientific knowledge of plants, animals, water, and natural areas in a changing climatev Practice water and natural resource conservation throughout the HQRA, use native landscaping and permeable surfaces in our work projects, and be a leader in adapting to and mitigating harmful changev Expand relationships with sustainability advocates to repurpose select pieces of property for restored ecological functions, local food growing, apiaries, rainwater capture, and native landscaping

Page 24

24© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPTRANSFORMATION TIMELINEThese highlights provide a glimpse at a small portion of what The Forge Charitable Adventures would like to achieve over the next 20 years. We will achieve our long-term objective by setting and reaching new targets every 5 years.NOW2028GET STARTEDv Gain a comprehensive understanding of the HQRAs ecology and conditions through research conducted by TFCA and partner groupsv Develop a comprehensive Environmental Management plan to determine how best to clear, improve, and restore each section of land within the HQRAv Implement a consistent and thoughtful decision process for determining appropriate activities for each section of land based on its characteristics and optimal future stateMEASURE PROGRESSv ~87 of the 270 acres of the HQRA will be cleared of most invasive trees and reclaimed as Oak Savanna prairiev Necessary financial and land management resources will be in place to ensure the ongoing maintenance of restored areas as restoration work on the next 93 acres beginsv TFCA crews will consistently work with Restoration Crew members - built on partnerships with corporate, nonprofit, and other group activistsv The HQRA will be a premier birding destination for grassland, woodland, and migrating birdsv The HQRA will be premier catch-and-release fishing destination for Large Mouth Bass, Crappie, and WalleyeSet and reach new targets every five yearsCELEBRATE OUTCOMESv All 270 acres of HQRA open space will reach Illinois Natural Areas Inventory quality and be restored to thriving, high-quality natural areas and maintained over the long termv Healthy, transitional natural areas will support a variety of buffer areas and low-impact recreation opportunities, such as trailsv Due to flourishing, restored habitats, the preserves will be a nationally significant breeding and migration resting place for birdsv A large network of expert volunteer stewards will supervise and maintain the ecological health of the HQRA2033Set and reach new targets every five years2038IN TWENTY YEARSGOAL: NATURE

Page 25

Page 26

Despite this, many of these residents still have no idea that a treasure is waiting for them in their backyard. The HQRA offers a great deal to residents and non-residents alike. Nature trails are ideal places for exercise, and TFCA has already built and maintains more than ten miles of them. Free educational opportunities, from sites where immigrant laborers once toiled, to wildlife encounters, to harvesting prairie seeds, are available at the HQRA year-round. Furthermore, the picnic groves, quarry lakes, and open spaces are places where we can build social bonds that strengthen our families and community. Everyone who visits the HQRA can appreciate the respite it provides from crowds and concrete, along with plants that clean our air, absorb rainwater and give beauty to our region.GOAL: NATURE26JUST ABOUT EVERYONE IN LEMONT LIVES NEAR THE HQRA; MORE THAN 90 PERCENT OF THE POPULATION IS WITHIN FOUR MILES. The HQRA is one of Lemont's best-kept secrets because easily accessible entry points are hard to find, and it is sometimes difficult to know what you can do once you get there. While the quarries are filled with picnickers and people who enjoy fishing on sunny summer weekends, many visitors never venture beyond the picnic table.To better connect people to the HQRA, we need to find ways to encourage more people to go there. We also need to welcome visitors with better information by improving signage and facilities and by offering programs specifically designed to appeal to their interests - regardless of their age, abilities, or economic and cultural background. TFCA staff and volunteers should reach out to the community, helping people to make a connection with nature. As we restore and improve the HQRA, we must ensure that every resident of the region can enjoy and benefit from this great reclaimed resource.

Page 27

v Engage new audiences with innovative recreation and nature discovery by:v Tailoring activities to the sensitivity of specific landscapesv Turning entry points such as parking lots and picnic groves into engaging celebrations of nature with help from public artistsv Using technology to orient, educate and help people have fun in naturev Seeking new forms of low-impact but exciting recreation, such as hiking and biking trails and nature playgrounds filled with hands-on activitiesv Expanding and committing to meaningful long-term community partnerships to engage underserved communitiesv Extending existing programs with cultural competence and sensitivity to the demographics of our regionv Providing programs and services in multiple languagesCreate an inclusive community for visitors from all walks of lifeGOAL: PEOPLE27© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPPRIORITIES ACTIONSProvide opportunities for service and engagement to all peoplev Partner with regional and local organizations to build relationships with diverse groups of people who can become members of the Restoration Crewv Provide access for visitors with mobility impairments and other disabilitiesv Continue to strengthen the outdoor education programming already developed and deployed by TFCA to attract more school, scouting, corporate, community, and faith-based organizations to enjoy the area and engage in our efforts at the HQRA

Page 28

v Create and deploy public awareness campaigns to inform residents of the complex history of the HQRA and the nature of the public-private partnership between the Village, Township, MWRD, TFCA, and The Forge: Lemont Quarriesv Dramatically increase on-site information, such as interpretive signs, to help people understand where they are and to provide opportunities for discoveryv Create a network of volunteer nature educators who can teach about the history of the site and surrounding area, restoration, and responsible stewardship in our outdoor classrooms and informal educational settingsv Support and leverage existing education partnerships to expand offeringsv Work with partners to ensure that every town or neighborhood within 45 minutes of the HQRA has at least one teacher or informal educator who can teach at the HQRA and train volunteers to do the samev Integrate the expertise in education, programming, and visitor services from Cook County, DuPage County, and Will County into our efforts at the HQRAEducate visitors about the history of the HQRA and its native stateGOAL: PEOPLE28© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPPRIORITIES ACTIONS

Page 29

29© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPTRANSFORMATION TIMELINEThese highlights provide a glimpse at a small portion of what The Forge Charitable Adventures would like to achieve over the next 20 years. We will achieve our long-term objective by setting and reaching new targets every 5 years.NOW2028GET STARTEDv Expand existing Earth Day, Conservation Sundays, Friends of The Forge, Adopt-a-Trail, and Scouting programming to encourage communityv Develop consistent design guidelines for new signage and interpretive sitesv Maintain all core pathways and trails as ADA accessible, and devise an accessibility plan for other appropriate areas of the HQRA, such as most existing and future picnic sites and gathering spacesv Expand partnerships with the leadership of diverse community organizations to promote access to and use of the HQRAMEASURE PROGRESSv Multi-year interpretive plans for picnic areas, refined trails, and the HQRA nature center will be in placev Programmatic and educational partnerships will be established through schools and community programs, enabling expanded access to outdoor education and participation for underserved communities in Chicagolandv All trail maps, signage, and historical markers will be in place, and interactive experiences showcasing the history of the quarries and local animal and plant life will be availablev Partnerships with surrounding county forest preserves and nonprofits will be well-established, enabling TFCA to extend its educational programming outreachSet and reach new targets every five yearsCELEBRATE OUTCOMESv All visitor amenities will be self-interpreting through art, technology, and on-site signagev Leadership, volunteers, staff, and guests will reflect the diverse population of the surrounding communitiesv HQRA programming opportunities will be integrated into school educational programming at the elementary, middle, and high school levels throughout Chicagolandv TFCA will have built a nature center, additional picnic areas, and pavilions to encourage and support outdoor education and recreation at the quarriesv Lemont's park district, public library, historical society, and other nonprofits will freely use the HQRA as a source of inspiration and execution for impactful community programs2033Set and reach new targets every five years2038IN TWENTY YEARSGOAL: PEOPLE

Page 30

Page 31

However, to achieve this plan's ambitious goals for a vibrant future, The Forge Charitable Adventures needs additional resources and expert support. TFCA must have more financial resources to engage the public and restore the ecosystem. Other communities in northeastern Illinois counties invest more per acre and per capita in their land, but neither the Village nor Township of Lemont have significant resources to invest in the HQRA. As such, the primary source for funding and ongoing leadership of these efforts will continue to come from contributions from the operational success of The Forge: Lemont Quarries. Contributions in cash and in kind from its stakeholders are paramount to the success of this plan but will not be enough.Environmental management is a complex and long-term activity. Restoration investments made today will require continuous conservation expertise to pay off in the future. We now have an opportunity to make systematic changes that will enable the HQRA to flourish for many generations. But for our investment to pay off over the next two-plus decades with significant habitat and quality-of-life benefits, we need the advice and active participation of skilled environmental restoration and conservation leaders who focus on the long-term ecological health of the area as well as an army of local volunteers.GOAL: STEWARDSHIP31INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC AREAS, TRAILS, AND NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS HAVE IMPROVED THANKS TO THE PRIVATE INVESTMENT AND STEWARDSHIP EFFORTS OF TFCA AND VOLUNTEER SUPPORTERS.

Page 32

v Consider expanding financial resources through market-based fees for special uses, sponsorships, and donations in collaboration with The Forge Charitable Adventures v Aggressively pursue financial sponsorship from corporate and individual donors as well as regional, state, and federal government grantsv Work in concert with the village and township of Lemont to host an annual fundraising event to encourage village residents to contribute capital and labor resources to specific and ongoing projects at the HQRAv Incorporate fundraising and information sharing campaigns into the daily operations of The ForgeMaximize public and private resources to achieve our shared visionGOAL: STEWARDSHIP32© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPPRIORITIES ACTIONSProvide enduring, focused conservation leadership and accountabilityv Create a "HQRA Environmental Council" consisting of experts in conservation, ecology, education, and grant finance who reflect the geographic and demographic diversity of Cook County and who are appointed to serve staggered terms based on the recommendations of a nominating committee to provide continuous conservation leadership and expertise to TFCA v Develop and annually update a five-year strategic and financial plan to operationalize this TFCA Restoration & Conservation Plan and associated Environmental Management Planv Revise the existing PUD license agreement between the township, village, and The Forge: Lemont Quarries to allow the execution of the Environmental Management Planv Work with the Environmental Council to review and make recommendations about the annual budget, policies, and opportunities to maximize public and private resources and program efficacy

Page 33

v Maximize operational efficiency by using metrics to set baselines and evaluate the performance of effortsv Inform plans and decisions with market analysis, such as survey data that provide insight into the needs and interests of users and the effectiveness of specific conservation methodologiesv Base investments and actions on plans, supporting data, best practices, and mission-driven policiesv Capitalize on partnerships with the DuPage, Will, and Cook County resources managing forest preserve properties around usv Make information and data on our restoration and conservation efforts easily accessible to the public annuallyManage with transparency and sound financial practiceGOAL: STEWARDSHIP33© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPPRIORITIES ACTIONS

Page 34

34© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPTRANSFORMATION TIMELINEThese highlights provide a glimpse at a small portion of what The Forge Charitable Adventures would like to achieve over the next 20 years. We will achieve our long-term objective by setting and reaching new targets every 5 years.NOW2028GET STARTEDv The TFCA Board of Directors will direct a nominating process, structure, and schedule of meetings and activities for a new HQRA Environmental Councilv TFCA will recruit and appoint members of the HQRA Environmental Council v TFCA will put in place a financial plan that will actualize the annual investment needed to meet near, medium, and long-term restoration goalsv The HQRA Environmental Council will develop and implement its first five-year planMEASURE PROGRESSv The HQRA Environmental Council will have developed a second five-year strategic planv The Environmental Council will share recommended strategy and financial commitments with leadership from the village and township of Lemont to ensure maximum public engagement and effective operationsSet and reach new targets every five yearsCELEBRATE OUTCOMESv Due to excellent governance, increased resources, and a 20-year capital and time investment program, the HQRA will have successfully restored 270 acres of open spacev The HQRA will be able to support the passive and active recreation activities of residents and other visitorsv TFCA and the HQRA Environmental Council will have long-term goals for the next 20 years2033Set and reach new targets every five years2038IN TWENTY YEARSGOAL: STEWARDSHIP

Page 35

Page 36

In 1909, Daniel Burnham's Plan of Chicago made an economic argument for protecting scarce outdoor resources like forest preserves. Burnham was right: the health of the local environment and the economic health of communities are inextricably linked.Over the years, the village, dedicated residents and a handful of companies like CITGO, The Forge, and nonprofit organizations like The Conservation Foundation and TFCA lent support to improve and maintain portions of the HQRA. However, no organized effort has gone into tethering the quality of the ecosystem in the HQRA with Lemont’s future economic prosperity.To their great credit, village and township leaders understand the positive impact of outdoor recreation on economic development. They have made monumental strides in positioning Lemont as a destination for enjoying the outdoors in recent years and have made noteworthy progress with state and other agencies to bring greater outdoor recreation opportunities to the village.GOAL: VALUE36The HQRA provides the residents of Lemont and the surrounding areas with open and accessible outdoor recreation. We should embrace and leverage the positive economic impacts of restoration as a community.Research shows that natural green spaces can help our communities thrive by attracting residents and increasing property values. Open, healthy green spaces and trail systems encourage tourism spending and investment by public and private parties. Communities with older population bases, like Lemont, can reduce healthcare costs and the maintenance burden on park district assets by promoting local outdoor exercise and active recreation opportunities.Just by being there, the HQRA can also provide the region with millions of dollars worth of free services over time by cleaning and cooling the air and cleaning the water that runs into the area from the village. The HQRA Environmental Council leadership can help the community and local businesses recognize and build on the economic advantages of having protected nature nearby and connected to tax-supported park district resources.

Page 37

Page 38

v Capitalize on shared marketing opportunities with the village, township, county, local businesses, schools, and regional partners, such as the Heritage Corridor, Friends of The Chicago River, CAMBR, The Conservation Foundation, and The Nature Conservancy, among others to showcase the unique relationship between public and private assets and the value of cross-collaboration and mutual supportv Creatively tie the HQRA to regional tourism opportunities by packaging visitor opportunities with a focus on robust historical and ecological educational programs available in and around the HQRAv Help local developers and property owners understand and market the advantages of proximity to protected land—such as higher property values, the growing attractiveness of compact development, and access to green spaceEffectively market the HQRA as a key element in pushing Lemont as a recreation destinationGOAL: VALUE38© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPPRIORITIES ACTIONSBuild and communicate the economic case for public-private investment in naturev Implement cashflow producing, ecologically sustainable projects such as a small on-site nature center, rainwater capture and distribution, an apiary, and native medicinal and edible plant harvestingv With research partners, document and publicize the dollar value and avoided costs of nature's benefits, such as reducing flooding, improving air quality, and storing carbon, as well as offering free public health benefitsv Collect additional empirical, statistical, psychographic, and demographic data on HQRA users to build the case for investment by small businesses nearbyv Demonstrate how restored habitats are more effective at soil erosion control and flood prevention than degraded landscapes, substantiating how an investment in restoration provides a sound economic return

Page 39

v Work with neighboring communities to find opportunities to connect trail systems to community-centric retail opportunities, such as farmers' markets and other events, such as TFCAs Earth Day Summit, Fishing Derbies, Conservation Sunday’s, and morev Help neighboring communities use the HQRA to attract visitors and create markets for a hotel and additional facilities nearbyv Track and publicize increased local investment and tax revenues from these new preserve-related businessesv Be proactive in publicizing clear policies, sharing information, and anticipating how local economic development needs relate to nature restoration goalsGOAL: VALUE39© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPPRIORITIES ACTIONSBuild and communicate the economic case for public-private investment in nature (continued)

Page 40

40© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPTRANSFORMATION TIMELINEThese highlights provide a glimpse at a small portion of what The Forge Charitable Adventures would like to achieve over the next 20 years. We will achieve our long-term objective by setting and reaching new targets every 5 years.NOW2028GET STARTEDv Establish partnerships with local chambers of commerce, tourism bureaus, and community organizations to promote the market value of the HQRAv Identify opportunities for nature-compatible development at the HQRAMEASURE PROGRESSv TFCA will partner with public and or other private agencies to study the value of ecosystem services including green infrastructure benefitsv TFCA and local partners will acquire and share tools for tracking how property values change and economic impact as we restore and improve the HQRAv There will be at least two examples of new nature-compatible development adjacent to the preserves and systems in place to collaborate with local officials and business owners to track the economic impactSet and reach new targets every five yearsCELEBRATE OUTCOMESv Data collection and analysis will demonstrate that increased investment in the care, maintenance, and improvement of the HQRA directly correlates to increased property values and sales tax revenuev New businesses, from bike shops to sustainable food and water producers, will thrive in the community, each closely tied to the HQRAs visitor market2033Set and reach new targets every five years2038IN TWENTY YEARSGOAL: VALUE

Page 41

In twenty years, plan participants and visitors to the HQRA will celebrate…41© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPWHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?...tens of thousands of children and adults who reflect the diversity of a diverse and inclusive community hiking, biking, birdwatching, walking, fishing, learning, discovering, and enjoying the outdoors. (ALL)...hundreds of acres of healthy woodlands, wetlands, and prairies, filled with thriving native trees, grasses, flowers, birds, fish, and other animals (NATURE)...hundreds of people working in the HQRA as Restoration Crew members and building on a long-term commitment to keeping nature healthy (PEOPLE)...a community that recognizes that healthy ecosystems are a sponge that absorbs rainwater, a filter that cleans the air, and a source of beauty, inspiration, health and economic growth (VALUE)...visionary and innovative leadership that successfully manages investment in one of the area's healthiest metropolitan nature preserves (STEWARDSHIP)WHERE WE ARE, WHERE WE ARE GOING

Page 42

Page 43

43© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPWHAT WE HAVE DONE AND WHERE WE WOULD LIKE TO GO NEXT2019 - 2021v Incorporated TFCA and began seeking 501(c)3 status as a nonprofitv Facilitated visits from 3rdparty agencies and consultants to the HQRA to provide an initial determination of the kinds of restoration work that needs to be done and offer suggested pathways forwardv Developed a phase one landscaping PUD to identify areas for improvement for the HQRAv Began clearing invasives and building trails at the HQRA in accordance with the stipulations of the PUDv Invested millions of dollars in public infrastructure to add and improve trails, roads, lights, and access bridges to enable greater access to the HQRAv Implemented the Friends of The Forge community service program2022v Received confirmation of TFCAs status as a 501(c)3 organization enabling it to seek outside funding and grant moneyv Planned and hosted TFCAs first official Earth Day Summit to showcase the work that we've done to this point and increase awareness of our missionv Completed the development of the TFCA Adopt-A-Trail program to help maintain the trails we've already cleared and begin advertising it to corporate and nonprofit organizationsv Completed initial Scouting Program activity offerings and secured a date for TFCAs inaugural Merit Badge Workshop event in May 2023v Introduced a Conservation Sundaysprogram at the quarriesv Completed the TFCA Controlled Burn Plan and trained burn bossesv Obtained controlled burn permits from the Illinois EPA and the Village and Township of Lemontv Completed the initial clearing and installation of a picnic bench at the “Birders Bluff” overlook north of Krueger Quarry and ”Prairie Landing” north of Parking Lot 12023v Establish the HQRA Environmental Councilv Source support from arborists and environmental scientists to enable us to complete the TFCA Environmental Management Planv Update and amend the PUD to include the TFCA and the HQRA Environmental Management Planv Continue the cutting, clearing, and brush pile burns for the mixed-use trail system approved as part of TFLs Phase One PUDv Complete an inventory of desired trees, grasses, and other plant life in the West and NE sections of the HQRAv Complete fish studies at each of the major quarries to determine the current health of the lakesv Receive a determination from the Army Corps regarding options for improving the condition of the I&M Canalv Apply for grant money to fund portions of the Environmental Planv Host first annual TFCA fundraiserv Expand programming with the Girls Scouts and Scouts of America programs2024 - 2028v Full-scale clearing, soil restoration, and native planting process on 87 acres of the HQRAv Determine best location(s) for apiaries, wild edible / medicinal prairie gardens, and water capture and storagev Secure significant ongoing financial support from private and public granting sourcesv Continue to maintain and improve the mixed-use trail system developed as as part of TFLs Phase One PUDv Determine a viable pathway for securing access to the 56 acres of land on the southeast side of the HQRA that is currently under restrictive lease and swap agreements with IMTTv Source funding for and build the HQRA nature education center at The Forgev Write and publish the next 5-year iteration of the HQRA Conservation and Environmental Restoration Planv Continue annual events and programming built and deployed since 2019WHERE WE ARE, WHERE WE ARE GOING

TFCA HQRA Restoration Vision

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3