Galewood in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Native Plants Reduce Flooding

Chicago Park District Natural Areas

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 23, 2025

1. Native Plants Reduce Flooding Marker

Inscription. These native plants aren't just pretty to look at. They actually reduce flooding naturally by soaking up rainwater! They also reduce runoff, which can enter the sewer system and contribute to basement back-ups and sewer overflows to our rivers.

Much of the Chicago region was historically marshland that allowed rain water to soak into the ground. As the city grew, the marshes were replaced by buildings, parking lots, and turf grass and the ground became less permeable.

At this park, acres of often-flooded turf grass were restored with native plants that help absorb rainwater and provide valuable habitat.

Erected by Chicago Park District; Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 41° 55.171′ N, 87° 47.841′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Galewood. It is on Shakespeare Avenue north of New England Avenue, on the right. The marker is near the central

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entrance into the Rutherford Sayre Park Natural Area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elmwood Park IL 60707, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Rutherford Sayre Nature Garden and Natural Area (a few steps from this marker); Habitat Types (within shouting distance of this marker); A Historical Vision Realized (within shouting distance of this marker); Rutherford Sayre Natural Area (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Montclare World War I Honor Roll (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Rutherford Sayre Natural Area (about 600 feet away); The Miracle House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Jacob A. Riis (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 23, 2025

2. Native Plants Reduce Flooding Marker

The old Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad line, known historically as "Milwaukee Road" and now home to the Milwaukee District West commuter train line, can be seen in the background.

in Chicago.

Also see . . .
1. Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago official site. (Submitted on January 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. Chicago Park District: Rutherford Sayre Park Natural Area. (Submitted on January 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Rutheford Sayre Natural Area image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 23, 2025

3. Rutheford Sayre Natural Area

The Native Plants Reduce Flooding Marker is on the right; another marker about the Rutheford Sayre Natural Area itself is at the center of the photo.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 120 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.