Pizzo & Associates, LTD

This project consisted of restoring a 35 acre remnant wetland and prairie in an urban setting, and in doing so, put the surrounding population in touch with nature. By restoring the wetland to a more natural state, using native species and removing non-native species, the function of the land increased, as did species diversity and water quality. The wetland plants, along with minor grading, also helped abate an erosion problem along the pond shoreline. Additionally, the aesthetic value has now increased, and less maintenance is required as compared to traditional ornamental landscaping

There are very few remnant wetland systems remaining in DeKalb County due to extensive agricultural production in the area. When initially inspected, the site was considered a “diamond in the rough” because of the many remnant native species present. At the time of purchase, the site was full of invasive species such as Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinaceae), Smooth Brome (Bromus inermis), and Sandbar Willow (Salix interior). There were over 200 trees on the property but in our research using the original plat map from 1840 it showed no trees in the entire township. Using that information we chose to remove all but 2 large Cottonwoods. We then proceeded to conduct prescribed fires and herbicide treatments to battle the invasive species. Herbicide was selectively applied to all herbaceous invasive species. Stewardship has been performed on the site since 1999 and includes hand pulling, herbicide treatments, seed collection and seed dispersal. When we purchased the property there were 75 species of native plants and now there are 225 species present. There are also 119 species of birds that utilize the wetland for nesting, migrating food source, and cover. Thirty-two acres of the site will be going into a conservation easement to protect the remnant system in perpetuity.

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