'Landmark Restoration Effort' Concludes At Palatine's Deer Grove Forest Preserve

PALATINE, IL — After nearly 20 years of work, the O'Hare Modernization Wetlands Mitigation Project at the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s Deer Grove in Palatine is officially complete. According to officials, the project restores nearly 600 acres and adds capacity to store 110 million more gallons of stormwater annually.

"The completion of restoration at Deer Grove is a tremendous milestone for the Forest Preserves," Cook County Board and Forest Preserves of Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle said during a Tuesday press conference. "This work not only revitalizes the prairies, woodlands and wetlands that make Deer Grove so special, but it also delivers real benefits for our communities with cleaner water, better flood protection and healthy natural areas that people can enjoy for generations to come."

The project, funded by O'Hare Modernization Wetlands Mitigation funds, began as a mitigation response for wetland losses due to the expansion of O'Hare International Airport. The work was conducted by Openlands in partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, with guidance and support from multiple agencies: Stantec, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Audubon Great Lakes, Chicago Department of Aviation "and many dedicated volunteers" from Deer Grove Natural Areas Volunteers.

Officials said the project has transformed Deer Grove with more than 589 acres restored, including 41 acres of wetlands, and major work in prairies, woodlands and other natural areas. The restoration efforts included hydrologic improvements, such as restoring water flow and fixing drainage issues, invasive species removal, native seeding and planting, the use of prescribed burns, and interpretive signage to engage the public.

Deer Grove-East can absorb 110 million more gallons of stormwater per year than before restoration due to deep-rooted prairie plants and revitalized wetlands.

Though the formal restoration and monitoring phases are now complete, officials said Deer Grove "will continue to benefit from long-term stewardship and community engagement." Activities such as prescribed burns, invasive species control, habitat monitoring and public education "will ensure the wetlands, prairies and woodlands remain resilient."