Status: In Progress
Estimated Completion: Fall 2028

Project Overview

Springbrook Prairie is one of DuPage County’s most significant natural areas. In addition to being a forest preserve, it is both an Illinois Nature Preserve and a Land & Water Reserve and is recognized by the Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area for its grassland and wetland bird habitat. These designations underscore Springbrook Prairie’s critical role in statewide and national conservation efforts, especially for grassland birds.

The Forest Preserve District is restoring Springbrook Prairie’s open grassland ecosystem by removing invasive brush and trees that fragment the habitat, many of which remain from pre-existing homesites and agricultural tree lines. Crews are also planting and maintaining native prairie and wetland vegetation to create large, connected areas that support grassland birds and other wildlife.

Project Goals

The ecological restoration at Springbrook Prairie will:

• Restore and maintain approximately 1,800 acres of diverse prairie, wetland, and grassland habitat.
• Improve nesting and breeding opportunities for grassland birds, including species of greatest conservation need such as bobolinks, dickcissels, Henslow’s sparrows, northern harriers, and short-eared owls.
• Support a wide range of other wildlife, including pollinators, reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey.
• Reduce invasive woody vegetation such as buckthorn, multiflora rose, Callery pear, and gray dogwood.
• Provide residents with a recreational and educational “living classroom” for hiking, birdwatching, running, and learning about conservation.

What You Will See

• Crews cutting and mowing invasive trees and shrubs.
• Herbicide applied to cut stumps to prevent regrowth.
• Periodic brush piles created and burned on site.
• Short-term changes in appearance as open prairie returns, followed by quick regrowth of native vegetation.

Project Timeline

• Fall 2025
  Initial small-scale brush control begins.
• October 2025 – Spring 2026
  Large-scale brush and tree removal in the central unit (Book Road to Naper-Plainfield Road).
• 2026 – 2028
  Additional brush and tree removal in other areas.
  Ongoing habitat maintenance: controlling invasive plants, installing native seed and plugs, and mowing.

Note: Large-scale clearing depends on frozen or dry ground conditions. Work may be deferred if conditions are not suitable. Temporary trail closures may occur, especially during winter, which could affect cross-country ski access.