At a Glance
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18
Year Project
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611
Acre Site
- Location
- Cook County, Illinois
- Offices
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- Location
- Cook County, Illinois
- Offices
Share
Deer Grove Forest Preserve Habitat Restoration
The oldest forest preserve in the United States, Deer Grove stands as a testament to landscape architect Jens Jensen’s vision of preserved natural spaces in the Chicagoland communities. The preserve’s ecosystems—globally-imperiled oak ecosystems and prairies, streams, and wetlands—are once again thriving due to the efforts of Openlands and the Forest Preserves of Cook County to implement a model for ecosystem restoration.
Over a period of 18 years, we provided ecosystem assessment, design, implementation, monitoring, and stewardship to execute this restoration plan. Deer Grove East’s agricultural history left a legacy of impaired wetlands and invasive species. From 2008–2023, our team helped install vibrant and resilient native plant communities that now provide habitat for a diverse array of wildlife. Deer Grove West experienced much less historical disturbance, so we took a stewardship approach from 2015–2024 to maintain and enhance the ecosystems that naturally occur there. Our team also worked side-by-side with the Deer Grove Natural Area Volunteers and conservation interns to strengthen community support.
The total footprint restoration of the two areas stands at 611 acres (247 hectares). Improvements to recreation, water quality, and flood control in Deer Grove East alone are expected to convey benefits of $33.5 million over a 20-year period, a return of six-to-one for every dollar spent.
At a Glance
-
18
Year Project
-
611
Acre Site
- Location
- Cook County, Illinois
- Offices
-
- Location
- Cook County, Illinois
- Offices
Share
Josh Arrigoni, Senior Restoration Ecologist
I enjoy finding creative solutions that consider the role native plant communities play in nature-based design and green infrastructure.
By utilizing my knowledge and passion for ecological restoration, I provide clients with realistic, comprehensive land management solutions.
David Giblin, Senior GIS Analyst
GIS is important for every project. It allows us to analyze the spatial relationship between project elements and the rest of the world.
Dominic Kempson, Vice President, Environmental Services, Nature-based Solutions
We take pride in providing the best possible solutions to support the security and sustainability of the Nation, in both foreign and domestic environments.
Derek Pellicci, Senior Associate, Senior Restoration Ecologist
I’ve always enjoyed helping turn degraded open spaces into thriving natural areas for people in those communities to explore.
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