The Village of Vernon Hills along with Living Waters Consultants developed a plan to correct problems with log jams, severe bank erosion and poor water quality in an area between Deerpath and the Stone Fence Farms Subdivision.

Before and after construction pictures looking south from the pedestrian bridge crossing. The before construction picture shows the stream bank overgrown with Buckthorn which does not allow sunlight to reach the ground.  This condition prevents deep rooted plant material to grow and stabilize the stream bank.  The after construction picture shows the Buckthorn removed and the stream banks filled with deep rooted native plant material.

The before construction picture on the left shows a de-stabilized shoreline with hazardous Willow tree logjams that create shoreline erosion, collect debris and poor water quality. The after construction picture on the right shows the water quality improved by stabilizing the stream banks and by planting native plants in the streambed to help filter the water.

   

A before and after construction view from the pedestrian path.

   

The before picture on the left shows stream bank erosion, the after construction picture shows the stream banks being stabilized.

One year later pictures show a vibrant stream with native wetland and mesic prairie plants. Butterflies love Swamp Milkweed, the pink flowering plant.

   

One year later pictures show streambed loaded with native wetland plants improving water quality and Black Eyed Susan flowering plants.

     

One year later pictures show Pickerelweed, a water loving plant in the left picture and a lannon stone stabilized shoreline with rock weirs and Blue Flag Iris growing in the water.