HQRA Restoration Projects

Aquatic Management

The quarry lakes at the HQRA are remnants from historic mining operations. Active management of invasive plant and animal species is needed to ensure the vitality of the lakes and to support public recreation.

Shoreline Restoration

The quarry shorelines are overrun with invasive honeysuckle, tree-of-heaven, and buckthorn encompassing the majority of vegetation. These plants form dense thickets that shade out smaller plants and hinders both animal and human access to the space.

Dolomite Praire Restoration

Dolomite prairie is a critically endangered ecosystem in the state of Illinois due to natural scarcity combined with human land development. Only 140 acres of dolomite prairie are said to remain in the entire state of Illinois. The HQRA contains 10 acres of critically endangered dolomite prairie!

Forested Wetland Restoration

Forested wetlands are unique ecosystems that contain wide varieties of life due to their mixed conditions. The overgrown nature of the ecosystem at the HQRA is not conducive to healthy plant and tree growth. This has marked impacts on the biodiversity of the area.

Marsh Restoration

Marshes are a form of wetland similar to wet meadows, though they typically contain standing water for longer periods of time. The marshes at the HQRA are degraded, but can be restored and expanded.

Pollinator Meadow Restoration

Pollinators are a crucial part of the ecosystem that have a fundamental role in maintaining the continued livelihood of all plant and animals. They cannot reproduce and fruit without ample pollinator populations. If Earth were to lose its pollinators, we would be without food. 

Woodland Restoration

Woodlands describe various ecosystems dominated by trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. The woodlands at the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area consist of a mix of forested and savannah woodlands. Unfortunately, invasive plant species such as honeysuckle, buckthorn, tree-of-heaven, and oriental bittersweet dominate native plants.