Forest Preserve District Invests in Wetland Restoration Across Eight Preserves

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The Kane County Forest Preserve District is continuing its efforts to protect and restore native wetlands by approving contracts to control invasive cattail and common reed at eight forest preserves this summer.

The work will target more than 189 acres of wetlands where invasive plant species have spread aggressively, threatening native wildlife and vegetation.

Although native broad-leaved cattail has long been an important part of Illinois wetlands, invasive hybrid cattail and common reed have increasingly displaced native plants. These fast-growing species form dense stands that crowd out native vegetation, reduce biodiversity and diminish habitat for wildlife. Thick cattail stands can even prevent ducks from swimming through wetlands and eliminate open-water areas where turtles bask.

The projects include invasive plant control at:

• Aurora West Forest Preserve (28 acres)
• Braeburn Marsh Forest Preserve (3 acres)
• Freeman Kame Forest Preserve (49 acres)
• Hannaford Woods Forest Preserve (19 acres)
• Oakhurst Forest Preserve (12 acres)
• Stearns Road Forest Preserve (57 acres)
• Willoughby Farms Forest Preserve (4 acres)
• Rutland North Forest Preserve (17 acres)

Controlling invasive species is an important part of the Forest Preserve District's long-term natural resource management strategy. By reducing invasive cattail and common reed populations, restored wetlands provide healthier habitat for birds, turtles, amphibians, pollinators and other native wildlife while allowing native plants to flourish.

Learn more about the Forest Preserve District of Kane County by going to https://www.kaneforest.com/​