GRAEF-USA Inc.

Openlands Lakeshore Preserve

Openlands Lake Shore Preserve at Fort Sheridan, formerly owned by the U.S. Navy, is known to be one of the last relic bluff ecosystems in the Chicago region.

GRAEF has the extraordinary opportunity to provide overall design and Project Management, as we lead a team of consultants to protect and restore this unique one mile segment of Lake Michigan shoreline. The focus areas are lakeshore bluff and three large ravine ecosystems. This project includes the creation of a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) management tool. The GIS will be used to map existing conditions and then develop concepts for restoration design, monitor improvements as enhancement and restoration occurs and create three dimensional imaging for management and project visualization purposes.

The current restoration efforts will expand and protect the habitat for five endangered or threatened plant species known to be present in the preserve. A failing stormwater infrastructure and surface stormwater and groundwater conditions will be assessed and repairs and improvements will be made. The restoration activities are the first step in the eventual transformation of the property into one of the largest publicly accessible lakefront preserves in Illinois.
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LOCATION Highland Park, IL

FACTS Services Provided: Reversing Disturbance, Ravine System Restoration, Rare Species Protection, Bluff Habitat Restoration, GIS