Hickory Creek preserve honored by environmental consortium

Updated: December 26, 2014 8:46PM

Hickory Creek Barrens Nature Preserve in New Lenox is an example of Excellence in Ecological Restoration, and was so honored recently by Chicago Wilderness a consortium of more than 300 environmental organizations.

The 575-acre preserve on the northeast corner of U.S. 30 and Schoolhouse Road has been the focus of a restoration effort by the Will County Forest Preserve District and is home to more than 140 bird species and the states largest population of the threatened savanna blazing star.

The forest preserve district was one of 10 agencies to receive a restoration award for exemplifying the best practices in natural resource management based on rigorous, science-based standards.

This is the second straight year the forest preserve district has received the award. Last year it was cited for restoration efforts at Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve in Braidwood.

Both awards were platinum the highest level.

Hickory Creek Barrens restoration efforts, which began in 1985, include native seeding and planting, erosion control, vegetation monitoring and prescribed burning. The preserve protects a portion of Hickory Creek as well as a mosaic of savanna, prairie, forest and sedge meadow that supports a diverse group of plants and animals.

In addition to the savanna blazing star, the site also includes an experimental reintroduction of the federally threatened Meads milkweed. Bird species that call this home include the pileated woodpecker, yellow rumped warbler, brown creeper and hermit thrush.

We are thrilled to receive an award that recognizes our many years of restoration work at Hickory Creek Barrens, said forest preserve board president Suzanne Hart. Restoring such a beautiful parcel of land back to its natural state is a long-term project that will benefit the region for years to come. Being acknowledged for this work is truly gratifying.

Susan DeMar Lafferty

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Hickory Creek preserve honored by environmental consortium