Heavy lifting begins soon at Deer Grove preserve in Palatine

The last part of a makeover at the Deer Grove Forest Preserve in Palatine is scheduled to begin Thursday and patrons are being told to expect big changes.

"We just want people to be aware - it's one of the more visible projects of this type we've worked on," said Charles Mutscheller, spokesman for Openlands, a conservation group that specializes in restoration.

Heavy equipment will take up residence for a major assault on invasive plants and trees including European buckthorn, box elder, honeysuckle, green ash, bass and maples.

Openlands will be concentrating on about 80 acres of its 163-acre project area. The preserve spans nearly 2,000 acres between Dundee Road and Lake-Cook Road.

"It'll look pretty sparse for awhile. We're opening up vistas that haven't been open in decades," Mutscheller said.

Openlands has acquired and restored thousands of acres throughout northeastern Illinois and has been working with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County on the five-year, $4.5 million improvement for Deer Grove.

Deer Grove is a special case because it was the first dedicated forest preserve in Illinois and needs significant work to protect its natural qualities.

The first part of the project began in 2008 with plant inventories, wetland studies and the creation of a master restoration plan.

Old drain tiles were removed last year.

"We're looking forward to this as an educational opportunity of what a large scale restoration means," Mutscheller said.

"We've done this many times in the past but in kind of remote places. It's going to be very dramatic."

Visitors will have a clear view of the work from the paved main trail.

Non-native species to be removed have choked out native oak, hickory, and walnut trees and blocked sunlight that allowed ground level plants to grow. Colorful native plants and wildflowers, including little bluestem, blazing star and cardinal flower will be reintroduced.

The property once was extensive wetlands, woodlands, native prairie and oak savannas. It was drained for farming in the mid-1800s and invasive species flourished. Grazing also eliminated cover for wildlife.

Besides uncovering hidden vistas, the work will improve water quality and increase biodiversity and habitat for wildlife.

The majority of the main trail will remain open during restoration but trails in the wooded west area will be closed until spring.

The project, expected to be complete by 2014, will improve education and recreation opportunities.