Madison Club

An oak hickory savanna and wetland at The Madison Club in Burr Ridge, IL, were restored in a subdivision setting. Cattails, reed canary grass and purple loosestrife, invasive species prevalent and established in the targeted area, were removed manually and chemically with low-impact herbicides. Their removal allowed native plants with more extensive root structures. A number of larger trees needed to be cleared from the savanna to open up the canopy and allow the sunlight to reach the ground.

The restoration was intensive and major in scope. Thirty pounds of native seed per acre was installed, along with 21,000 native plants and 120 native shrubs. Mowing and controlled burns helped control the unwanted and excessive growth of many weedy species, allowing for more sunlight to reach native plants, thereby promoting their growth. After controlled burns, the carbon resulting from the burned brush is recycled back into the soil for use by native plants—a great benefit. Once the native plants were established, mowing was no longer necessary, providing beautiful scenery without the high-level of maintenance that traditional landscaping requires. Occasional controlled burns are still performed to maintain the overall health of native areas, as was once done with natural wild fires.

The native plants also help maintain the wetland. Water quality is high because the root systems of native plants absorb excess nutrients such as phosphorous and ammonia, reducing the amount of algae that will grow. The watershed is protected by the wetland. It provides a place for storm water to collect and neutralize before entering the watershed, greatly diminishing the incurrence of many potential ill effects. The extensive systems of native plants prevent erosion by holding the soil firmly in place.

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