Project Updates

Construction Update - November 18, 2023

The Village is excited to share that the Dixie Creek Restoration Project is officially complete!
Construction activities have officially concluded on this project. Below is a list of items completed over the past few weeks as the work on the Dixie Creek Restoration Project wrapped up:
  • White Chapel Basin debris pile removed
  • 400’ of split rail fencing installed
  • Last native seed installed around White Chapel basin
  • Turf restoration completed around basins and construction entrances
  • Site clean-up, including the removal of stakes, flagging tape, etc.
Picture
Split rail fencing.
BEFORE
AFTER
Maintenance of the newly installed native seeded area will begin in the spring of 2024!
 
The Village of Algonquin would like to thank all of the neighbors for their engagement during this project. If any questions arise in the future, please reach out to Brad Andresen, Village Ecologist at bradleyandresen@algonquin.org

Patience is Required:

Year One:
It may seem like the native plantings in the restored areas have been a failure especially in the first two to three years of growth. Most of what you will see will be dandelions, thistle, and a cover crop that look like wheat. Have patience. Remember that prairie plants put most of their energy into root growth in the first few years.

Year Two and Three:

Some of the weedy annuals that germinated in year one will have died and the number of weed seeds in the soil will begin to greatly decrease. The native species, with their well-established root system, will now begin to allocate a greater portion of their energy to above-ground plant parts.
 
The Village will most likely mow the area one or two times during the second and third growing season to control weedy species. We may also perform a prescribed burn in year three.
During the first growing season, when the vegetation reaches about one foot, we will mow the site to a height of six inches. Remember that the weeds strategy is to grow fast and tall, and cutting dramatically affects the weeds and prevents them from producing seeds.

Year Four and Beyond:

Generally, after year four, the prairie plants will be well on their way to mature establishment and few weedy species will be left. Years four and beyond should become increasingly colorful as more and more of the prairie plants reach sufficient size (vigor) to flower.
 
The Village will continue to manage and perform maintenance on the area into the future through prescribed burning, mowing, herbiciding, and interseeding.
Project Videos
PROJECT COMPLETION VIDEO - NOVEMBER 18, 2023
RAINFALL UPDATE - JULY 2, 2023
CONSTRUCTION SPOTLIGHT VIDEO - MARCH 24, 2023
Project Archives
The Village of Algonquin
2200 Harnish Drive
Algonquin, IL 60102
Ph: 847-658-2700

​www.algonquin.org

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