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WOODLANDRESTORATIONat the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area
© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPTABLE OF CONTENTSPROJECT OVERVIEW………………………………...………... 3APPENDIX …….………………………………………………….10TFCA STATEMENT …………………………….…………..……16WOODLANDRESTORATIONat the Heritage Quarries Recreation AreaPUBLISHED MAY 20242
PROJECT OVERVIEWWoodland Restoration at theHeritage Quarries Recreation Area© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFP
PROJECT OVERVIEWMOTHER EARTH’S LUNGSWoodlands describe various ecosystems dominated by trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. Conditions can vary greatly depending on the surrounding environment. For example, an Amazonian rainforest is technically a woodland, though, it is an entirely unique ecosystem compared to a temperate forested woodland found in Illinois. That said, all forms of woodland have the same overall functions and benefits. The trees and other vegetation are natural carbon sinks that filter both air and water while providing food and shelter for wildlife. The woodlands at the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area consist of a mix of forested and savannah woodlands. Unfortunately, invasive plant species such as honeysuckle, buckthorn, tree-of-heaven, and oriental bittersweet dominate native plants.Forests absorb floodwaters and protect surrounding lands from erosion caused by rain and wind. This is particularly important for nearby aquatic and shoreline ecosystems. Without forests (or prairies depending on the area), storm runoff drives soil and other detritus into streams, lakes, and rivers, polluting the waters and suffocating any life contained within. In the event of mass die offs, decomposing organic matter results in a rapid depletion of dissolved oxygen in water. Worst case scenario, a dead, muddy pond that can’t be inhabited by anything but algae and bacteria remains. LIVING STORMWATER SINKS4© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPPROJECT OVERVIEW
WHERE IN THE HQRAThe HQRA woodlands span across the entirety of the site. The woodland area in the southwest portion of the site surrounds dolomite prairie unit 3, a small portion of marsh, and the quarry lakes (Icebox and Forge Quarries). The woodland area north of the Illinois and Michigan Canal spans from the eastern bank of Consumer Quarry to the easternmost edge of the HQRA with small portions consisting of forested wetland, marsh, pollinator meadow, and shoreline habitats. The northwest, northcentral, and northeast units of the woodland encompass this area. PROJECT OVERVIEW5© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFP
WHY DO WE NEED TO SAVE OUR WOODLANDS?The woodlands at the HQRA are experiencing extreme stress from invasive plant species (examples include buckthorn, honeysuckle, tree-of-heaven, oriental bittersweet, multiflora rose, burdock, and garlic mustard). Additional refuse needs to be removed as well; people have illegally dumped waste throughout the quarries. Abandoned cars, a decomposing refrigerator, rusting cages, and other refuse can be found throughout. Spoils from prior mining operations litter the landscape.The most damaging plant species is likely Honeysuckle. It produces dense, wide thickets with its branches that block sunlight from reaching the understory. Birds do not nest in these thickets, and the lack of an understory or neighboring plants drives herbaceous animals away due to the lack of food and cover. The berries produced are not nutritious and produce a laxative effect in birds. Morel mushrooms can be foraged at several locations at the HQRA; this indicates extremely healthy soil and tree compositions in their immediate areas. Morel mushrooms can only grow under very specific soil and temperature conditions. For example, they specifically require healthy native trees such as ash, sycamore, elm, and apple (the mycelium has a symbiotic relationship with these trees). Wildfires and soil alkalinity also affect fruiting; a lack of either (in the correct quantities) results in smaller and / or nonexistent crops. Interestingly, morels have only been found near areas that have already undergone restoration work via TFCA. There are a variety of other locations that should theoretically support such delicate life; however, extensive invasive overgrowth appears to prevent this. SPOTLIGHT ON MORELSPROJECT OVERVIEW6© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPMorel mushroom at HQRABuckthorn overgrowth
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 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 OVERVIEWWHAT DO WE NEED?Task Task Frequency Est 10-year Cost DescriptionInvasive Woody Removal1 / year * 2(Winter)$655,000Removal 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)$360,000Follow up treatment of removed woody plants. Required to manage invasive resprouts and root suckers.Herbaceous Invasive Control1 / year * 5(Spring / Summer)$300,000Removal of herbaceous invasive species (garlic mustard, burdock, other plants as identified).Native Seeding1 / year * 2(Spring years 2, 3)$155,000Seeding of native plants to establish restored native ecosystem. Requires ample removal of invasive species prior to seeding.Tree & Shrub Installation (300 plants)1 / year * 1 $35,000Planting of native trees and shrubs to further establish restored native ecosystem. Requires ample removal of invasive species prior to introduction. Installation will be determined based on progress of other woodland projects.Prescribed Fire1 / year * 3(Winter years 3, 4, 5)$25,000Controlled 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+)$300,000Long term stewardship to maintain and support restored ecosystem via weeding, further invasive plant control, pruning, and other upkeep.TOTAL: 10 years$1,830,000TFCA will hire and oversee licensed contractor to complete all woodland restoration. Work will consist of invasive woody removal and trimming, woody re-sprout control, herbaceous invasive control, native seeding, tree and shrub installation, 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).
Cow parsnip (Heracleum maximum)© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFP9
APPENDIX© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPTitle photo -- Chicken of the woods
11© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPCURRENT STATUSAll four units have been severely impacted by the dumping of spoils and invasive species. The understory and midstory are dominated by honeysuckle, buckthorn, tree of heaven, and oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus). The herbaceous layer is sparse in many areas due to shading and primarily consists of generalist native species that can tolerate disturbance and weed competition. A few open pocket native herbaceous species such as sawtooth sunflower (Helianthus grosseserratus), cow parsnip (Heracleum maximum), Canadian black snakeroot (Sanicula canadensis), and wild golden glow (Rudbeckia laciniata) were observed.WoodlandDescription (Stantec):Plant Associates:Dangers:NortheastModerately dense canopy of healthy trees relative to other units (31.2 acres)Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides), American Elm (Ulmus americana), Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)(all are canopy trees)Invasive Honeysuckle, Buckthorn, Tree of Heaven, and Oriental BittersweetNorthcentralDense coverage of invasive woody shrubs, less dense coverage of canopy trees (25 acres)Similar to above, however, in lesser amounts. Predominantly invasive plants.Same as aboveNorthwestSame as above (23.5 acres)Similar to above, however, in lesser amounts. Predominantly invasive plants.Same as aboveSouthwestSame as above (20 acres)Similar to above, however, in lesser amounts. Predominantly invasive plants.Same as aboveGirdled tree from oriental bittersweet vineAPPENDIX
The woodlands will be deemed as ‘successfully restored’ once invasive plant populations have been removed and controlled, select overgrown trees have been trimmed (to enable understory development), and native plants have been reseeded and reestablished in the ecosystem. True success will be achieved once diverse wildlife has returned and is able to support itself in a sustainable manner.12© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPRESTORATION TIMELINEInvasive buckthornInvasive honeysuckleInvasive oriental bittersweetAPPENDIX
APPENDIX13© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPPLANTS TO BE REINTRODUCEDBottlebrush grassAllegheny juneberryBladdernutAll recommendations are from Stantec.
APPENDIX14© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPPLANTS TO BE REINTRODUCEDTall anemoneFeathery false Soloman’s sealStarry campionRecommendations from Stantec
© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFP15Short’s aster (Symphyotrichum shortii)
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.16© 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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