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Spring Brook Wetland and Creek Restoration Phase 3

Status: In Progress
Estimated Completion: Spring 2028

Project Overview

The Forest Preserve District is continuing its multi-phase restoration of Spring Brook, a tributary of the West Branch DuPage River that flows through Blackwell Forest Preserve. This work complements two previous restoration phases that began at St. James Farm Forest Preserve in 2015. Once this final phase is complete, 2.5 miles of Spring Brook will have been fully restored.

Goals of Phase 3

The third and final phase of the project will:

  • Repair and stabilize eroded streambanks
  • Replace a trail bridge and culvert to improve water flow
  • Add cobble and boulders to enhance habitat for fish, mussels, and macroinvertebrates
  • Remove invasive species from the floodplain and stream corridor
spring-brook-blackwell-phasethree

Project Timeline

  • Winter 2024 – 25
    Invasive brush removal
  • Spring 2025
    Contractor selected 
  • July 2025
    Construction begins; trail closures go into effect
  • July – November 2025 
    Streambank stabilization
    Bridge replacement
    Seeding
  • Spring 2026
    Additional plantings
  • 2026 – 2028
    Vegetative maintenance

Funding

This project is funded by the Illinois Tollway Authority.

Questions or Comments?

Contact Scott Meister at smeister@dupageforest.org.