Pioneer Park: Wetland Restoration

Pioneer Park: Wetland Restoration. . , Did You Know… , . that the wetland plants that grow at Pioneer Park help keep the river clean? The plants that were installed in 2012 and 2013 near the bank of the West Branch of the DuPage River are native to Illinois wetlands. These plants and their complex root systems absorb water efficiently. Over time, the soil in a wetland can hold great quantities of water, naturally filtering and neutralizing pollutants before the water enters the river. , . that these plants also can keep the river banks from eroding away during floods? Wetland plants close to the edge of the river help stabilize the bank, holding soil in place and preventing pollution of the river from sediment. The extensive root system of diverse native plants can hold the soil even in a 100-year flood, such as the one that occurred here in April 2013. , , The Process , . Removal of invasive species. This area at Pioneer Park was dominated by invasive species. Restoring a diversity of wetland plants creates a stable environment that fibers stormwater runoff and preserves the river banks , . Installation of coir rolls, erosion control blankets and boulders along the shoreline. Coir rolls and erosion control blankets protect the bank from eroding while plants are growing. As the plants establish their extensive root system, the coconut fiber in the rolls and blankets will biodegrade leaving a stabile river bank The boulders function as breakwaters, absorbing wave energy of the river before it reaches the bank. , . Planting native seed and plugs. Examples of species planted here include Blue Flag Iris, River Bubrush and Blue Lobelia. , . Involvement and education of volunteers. Volunteers remove Invasive species, plant plugs and monitor the growth of the vegetation. , . Long term management. Park District staff will use controlled burns and hand removal of invasive plants to maintain the health of the wetland. , , The Benefits , . A cleaner river, both here at Pioneer Park and downstream , . A healthy wetland that can support endangered species and a diversity of plants, animals, insects, fish and amphibians , . A place where visitors can enjoy and appreciate the river and the wetland environment , . An educational example of a wetland in an urban setting , . A place where people of all ages can be involved as volunteers to learn more about the river and how to keep it healthy