Woodland Area

Woodland Area. . , Woodland Area: , The quality of trees in the woodland area was being degraded by the intrusion of non-native, invasive species. Buckthorn, Black Locust, Mulberry, Honeysuckle, Crown Vetch, and Purple Loosestrife were beginning to dominate the woodland, with older trees shading the ground to 1% light levels. As a result, native grasses and forbs, with their deep soil stabilizing root systems, could not survive, causing soil loss and severe erosion. Oaks and other nut-bearing trees that support wildlife do not reproduce well in dense shade. , , When native plants are reduced, there is a reduction of native wildlife species as well, leading to a domino effect that degrades soil and water quality. , , The role of fire in the landscape: , Before European settlers arrived in the 1830s, Illinois was a vast sea of tall waving prairie grasses and colorful wildflowers. The early settlers saw this "wide open space that stretched to the horizon without a single tree in sight." This dense prarie had roots reaching as far underground as 20 feet. The majority of living material, or biomass of the grasslands was beneath the surface of the earth, deep enough to withstand hot, dry conditions, drought, and fire. Summer thunderstorms would roll across the prairie and lightning strikes would ignite dry foliage causing fires, that could rage for days. , , After the firestorm, the prairie would look black and lifeless, but the prairie plants' deep root systems would be undisturbed and ready to sprout new growth. The shallow rooted, invasive species brought by settlers could not survive the fire allowing the native plants to thrive. , , Over time, and with further settlement, prairie fires were suppressed. This caused early sprouting, non-native plants to shade out native species and prairies began their rapid decline. Therefore, fire was essential to the health of the prairie. Not only did it suppress non-native plants, it also prevented the encroachment of trees and woody shrubs. , , Restoration Efforts: , The Village of Schaumburg has adopted a Biodiversity Program and has been restoring native woodland species since 1999. Buckthorn and Honeysuckle have been cut and removed from the woodland, and non-native invasive plant species are being eliminated. , , Restoration Goals: , . Restore Natural Processes , . Restock Native Plant Materials , . Maintain Healthy Natural Ecosystems