Restoring the Riverbank at Lincoln Greenway

Restoring the Riverbank at Lincoln Greenway. . In 2019, Naperville Park District stabilized 2,077 feet of the riverbank at Lincoln Greenway with native plants to improve water quality in the West Branch DuPage River. , , Sedimentation , Sedimentation is the depositing of soil into a body of water. When rain water washes over lawns and hard surfaces, it picks up soil particles, oil and chemicals and carries them toward the river. If the riverbank is home only to turf grass or invasive weeds, the stormwater flows rapidly into the river with the soil and pollutants. The buildup of sedimentation in the river degrades fish habitat and the recreational value of the river. , , The Good News: The riverbank restoration at Lincoln Greenway is estimated to prevent 24 tons of sediment from entering the river each year. , , Headed to the Sea , The DuPage River flows into the Des Plaines River, which merges into the Illinois River. The Illinois River meets the Mississippi River, which empties into the Gulf of Mexico. , , A Healthy River Depends on a Healthy Shoreline , A stable riverbank with native vegetation is vital to a healthy river. The deep roots of native plants have the ability to create a dense, underground matrix that holds dirt in place, preventing it from eroding into the river. These same roots absorb stormwater flowing into the river and filter out pollutants like salt, pesticides and fertilizers. A healthy riverbank attracts native pollinators and amphibians while deterring geese from nesting there, with the added benefit of providing a beautiful shoreline to enjoy. , , Before Improvements , Stormwater with pollutants drains directly into our rivers and streams. , , After Improvements , Native plants absorb and filter pollutants from stormwater before it reaches the water body.