Woods & Wetlands, Indian Creek Wetlands Site

Woods & Wetlands

Sprawl Information

Indian Creek, Lincolnshire
Site Survey Pictures

page last updated 6/1/01

This parcel is half severely degraded prairie, and half valuable wooded wetlands. It contains a clean flowing tributary of Indian Creek, and the confluence of that tributary with Indian Creek. Here is the relevant portion of the wetlands delineation map. The site consists of the area under the word "VILLAGE."

Indian Creek Wetlands
**Can this be protected from development?**
	Native Flowers On the north eastern edge of the wetlands delineation, roughly at the letter "I" in "VILLAGE."
	Woodlands Looking south from the "I."
	Stressed Wetlands Looking north from the "I." This large expanse of Canary grass indicates altered flow regimes, disturbance, or polluted runoff is affecting this site. These reeds help filter out those pollutants before the water reaches the Indian Creek tributary. Click here to return to the chart:
	Trees! In the proposed plan, these mature trees (Aspen or Cottonwood), as well as all of the other trees in these photos would be cleared, and 4 feet of the topsoil where they stand removed. The developer would then try to get a few much smaller, non-indigenous trees to grow, and try to establish the large inundated area to support native wetland plants. Based on the picture above, the stressed conditions will likely result in more canary grass and cattails. Click here to return to the chart:
	Crayfish! This hole dug by its native crayfish occupant was about 2 feet deep. The crayfish need a source water to breathe, so that's the depth to the water table. Scores of these holes are all around in the "I" area. Click here to return to the chart:
	Native Plants The floristic study referenced by the applicant is in question. Plants like this, found on the wet prairie area, suggest that a higher quality plant community will be discovered if a new inventory is performed during the growing seasons. Click here to return to the chart:
	Wetlands Another picture of the stressed wetlands as we continued east. Click here to return to the chart:
	Tributaries This clear flow seeps out of the adjoining wetland, and flows east. Lack of erosion wonderfully typical of wetland fed streams. Drainage of the development area into this area would probably not produce the same result. Click here to return to the chart:
	Tributary Same tributary. The sunlight glare makes it look muddy, but that's the bottom. The water was clear. Click here to return to the chart:
	Confluence Another tributary emerges from the woodlands and joins our path from the north. Again, clear water with sunny glare only looks muddy. Location is roughly at second "L" looking NW. Click here to return to the chart:
	Wild Iris One of many valuable wet woodland species observed. Click here to return to the chart:
	Woodland Stream The absence of erosion and presence of healthy plants in and around this wooded tributary is how all presettlement Illinois streams - and rivers - looked and functioned. These trees would be cleared and 4 feet of soil excavated here to "create new wetlands." Click here to return to the chart:
	Wooded Wetlands This span of wetland plants are unusual. Proceeding east trough the "L's." Click here to return to the chart:
	More Wooded Wetlands Rare plant community should not be sacrificed. There must be a better alternative. Click here to return to the chart:
	Beaver Dam The tributary flows into this branch of Indian Creek, which presently connects to the DesPlaines to the south. Facing NW, this pic shows how a man made (upper right) extension of Indian creek is now blocked by beavers. Click here to return to the chart:
	Big Trees Just NE of the beaver dam. Irreplaceable. Click here to return to the chart:
	Native Plants Red Trillium and Wild Onion indicate valuable flora in the area. Click here to return to the chart:
	Future Detention Pond? Looking north from below the "G." This area would be excavated to hold runoff water in a barren pond. Click here to return to the chart:
	Trees Back at "V" looking east southeast. All the trees would be removed. Much of it is native willow and aspen, but some weed trees like Box Elder were also seen around the margins. Invasive teasel in the foreground would be replaced by parking lots. Click here to return to the chart:
	Stressed Prairie This pic was taken from Half Day Road looking south toward the "A." To the east is a Forest Preserve trail. It is not yet clear whether this development would abut the FPD property, or affect the health of the woodland area it holds. Click here to return to the chart: