Conservation-Focused Groups
Wetland and Native Community Restoration and
Master Plan for Dooley Conservation Farm
Crete, Illinois
The master plan for Dooley Farm is composed of two phases: restoration of the existing wetland and restoration of the surrounding upland habitat. A large component of the wetland restoration will consist of restoring the hydrology to a more dynamic state through the installation of a more efficient water spillway. The next step in the restoration of the wetland will consist of eradicating and managing invasive weedy species and establishing more waterfowl-friendly native emergent and wet/mesic vegetation. The surrounding upland will be enhanced through a more effective and sustainable management program and additional plantings to create a diverse native plant community. The ultimate goal of the master plan is to establish and manage habitat for migratory waterfowl and neo-tropical migrating birds.
Floristic Survey and Plant Community Mapping within the Plum Creek Greenway
Forest Preserve District of Will County
Will County, Illinois
Plant communities, within five separate sections of the Greenway, were identified, graded, and mapped based on the methodology of the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory. More than thirteen floristic community types were identified. Along with grading the plant communities based upon their amount of human disturbance, a Floristic Quality Index was calculated for each community. Species of concern were recorded and mapped and recommendations for future management of the area was suggested. The results were analyzed through summary statistics, classification, and ordination. A document of more than 300 pages was compiled to report the results.
Floristic Survey and Plant Community Mapping
Forest Preserve District of Will County
Will County, Illinois
Plant communities were identified and mapped within three natural areas [Rock Run Preserve, Lake Renwick Preserve, and Theodore Marsh Preserve] using a version of the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory modified by the Forest Preserve District of Will County. Communities were identified, surveyed, and graded based on level of human disturbance and composition of species of concern. Floristic Quality Index scores and Relative Importance Values were calculated for each community, transect, and quadrant sampled.