Work To Stabilize Streambank Begins On DuPage River

NAPERVILLE, IL — Crews have begun work on a project to stabilize the banks of the DuPage River in Naperville. The work, which began Friday, includes adding native plants and stone breaks to prevent water from hitting the banks and flooding.

The project comes amid a partnership between Naperville Park District and DuPage County's Stormwater Management Department and will center on the west end of the Naperville Riverwalk.

In recent years, heavy rains have created "large surges of water rushing down the West Branch of the DuPage River through the downtown area" of Naperville, per an update on the park district's site. The flooding has significantly eroded the shoreline in this area.

In addition to adding native plants and stone breaks, workers will remove some trees that are invasive to the ecosystem. Trees will be removed if their location will interfere with the streambank work or if they are dead or dying. Invasive trees that may be removed include honeysuckle, buckthorn and white mulberry.

The park district notes that two older cottonwood trees that have become hollow will be removed to help keep the Riverwalk safe. As the project proceeds in 2025, crews will remove the elm tree near the city's horse trough fountain near Main and Jackson. The tree will be replaced as part of a landscaping project next spring.

It's anticipated the Streambank Stabilization Project will be complete by spring of 2025.