Department Info | Scientific Research | Native Plant List | Completed Projects |Research Field Station
Recent Discoveries
Cypripedium candidum |
Lathyrus ochroleucus |
Orchis spectabilis |
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Spring 2011 - the greatest amount of new rare plant discoveries were made in one spring than over the past five years. The plants were discovered on sites where land management activities have occurred (i.e., prescribed burning, brush removal, and exotic species control) providing the necessary growing conditions for these plants to show up in places that we have never seen them before - additional proof that restoration and continued land management activities are necessary for rare plant survival.
Rare Peniophora rufa Fungi Discovered |
Rare Lead Plant Moth discovered at Glacial Park |
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In 2011-2012, Dr. Patrick Leacock from the Field Museum is studing fungi diversity on district sites. Dr. Leacock has served as the coordinator of a program established to document the fungi of the Chicago Region. During a preliminary visit to Glacial Park in October 2010, Dr. Leacock made a new discovery in the Chicago area by finding Peniophora rufa on a dead stem of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides). The only other known record for the greater Chicago Region is a 1984 collection from Waukesha County, Wisconsin, as this species is common to the north and wherever aspen is found. |
Thanks to the efforts of Laurie Ryan, District Plant Ecologist and Cathy Pollack of the USFWS Service, a rare prairie moth was discovered at Glacial Park. The leadplant flower moth feeds on the native prairie legume lad plant and is considered extremely rare in Illinois. |
Current Restoration Projects
Learn more about Restoration Projects
Left unmanaged, exotic and invasive plant species such as European Buckthorn, Asian honeysuckle and garlic mustard choke out native trees such as oaks, hickories and hazelnuts, creating such dense shade that even the ground layer of wildflowers can no longer survive. Eventually only bare soil remains, resulting in soil erosion and severely curtailing germination and survival of oak acorns.
Harrison Benwell, Wonder Lake
In 2011, Harrison Benwell underwent noticeable changes as forty-five years of invasive species growth like Japanese Rose, European Buckthorn, Japanese Honeysuckle, Asian Bittersweet and Autumn Olive were removed from the site. This woodland restoration involved clearing exotic and invasive plant species to restore the high-quality oak woodlands systems, enhance the woodland bird breeding habitat, and help improve the overall stream quality in Wonder Lake by reducing erosion, and create a more scenic vista.
One result of management efforts is to improve the health of the oaks such that they will be better able to withstand the impacts of such outbreaks like that of the present gypsy moth.
Brush clearing projects can appear very stark, especially in the first few months. At first glance, the brush and tree removal may seem destructive but allowing sunlight and water to flow freely in the ecosystem once more will create positive and noticeable changes.
Regular visitors to the site will see positive changes unfold as spring and summer progress; the remaining pockets of native wildflowers will expand and be augmented by reseeding of many species once common here that disappeared due to lack of sunlight; songbirds, amphibians, and small mammals will respond favorably to the new growth of native grasses and shrubs; the oak leaves will produce a “dappling” effect as they filter sunlight and rain to the woodland floor.
Pioneer Landing Woodland Restoration, Ringwood
In 2011, the District restored the woodlands located al
ong the west side of Pioneer Road, north of Harts Road near Glacial Park. This 125 acre woodland restoration involved clearing exotic and invasive brush and plant species to restore the high-quality oak woodlands systems, enhance the woodland bird breeding habitat, and help improve the overall stream quality in Nippersink Creek by reducing erosion. The area was then re-seeded with native woodland wildflowers and grasses. Restoration work will continue on the stream and surrounding wetlands.
Glacial Park Conservation Area is among the most ecologically diverse sites owned by the McHenry County Conservation District. This portion of Glacial Park was selected for its large mature oaks, three headwater streams feeding Nippersink Creek, diverse displays of spring wildflowers and close proximity to Pioneer Landing. This once beautiful woodland has become overgrown with invasive woody plants and weeds Look for a much healthier Pioneer Landing in the months to come.
Pleasant Valley, Woodstock
The District completed a Woodland Restoration Project located along the extreme NE portion of the site along Laughing Creek. west This woodland restoration involves clearing exotic and invasive brush and plant species to restore the high-quality oak woodlands system which will also enhance the woodland bird breeding habitat, and help improve the overall stream quality by reducing erosion.
General Organization of the Natural Resource Management Department
The Natural Resource Management Department is divided into six major internal sections, each focusing on one or more major areas of concentration within the larger department. The NRM Department in turn focuses on its role within the larger mission of the District as an organization.
These six sections include (for more information, click on the department section):