Assisting with preservation and stewardship of lakeshore bluff, and coastal ravine ecosystems in the Chicago region

Openlands Lakeshore Preserve

Dedicated to the conservation of natural and open spaces across northeastern Illinois and into Indiana and Wisconsin, Openlands sought to preserve one of the last remaining lakeshore, bluff, and coastal ravine systems in the Chicago region. Starting in 2006, they engaged our team to provide a wide range of ecological assessment and management, planning, community outreach, and engineering services.

One of our earliest projects involved the assessment and design of a 1,400-foot (427-metre) reach of waterway and toe-slope at the base of Van Horne Ravine. We also assisted with evaluating existing stormwater infrastructure and potential options for naturalization at Bartlett Ravine, a high-quality ecological resource. Additionally, we have provided geomorphic assessment, hydrology and hydraulics, streambank design, and channel and slope stabilization treatments with associated ecosystem restoration planning and permitting.

Most recently, we worked on a coastal stabilization project to protect and preserve infrastructure and the bluff toe from high water levels and coastal flooding.

To date, work in this area as resulting in conservation of seven state threatened and endangered plant species and restoration of prairie, forest, ravine, bluff, and foredune plant communities.