The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District, in partnership with the Chicago Park District, is currently implementing an ecosystem restoration project at Horner Park. Under the authority provided by Section 206 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996, the Corps may plan, design, and build projects to restore aquatic ecosystems for fish and wildlife.
From August 2014 to October 2018, herbicide application is scheduled for the Horner Park Section 206 Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project.
Herbicides will only be applied by individuals licensed by the State of Illinois to apply pesticides, in accordance with EPA regulations. Herbicide use is necessary for the project but will be limited only to the control of plant species that are known to harm newly-establishing and existing native plant communities. Herbicides will be selectively applied by hand through backpack sprayers or hand-held spray bottles, minimizing impact to non-target plant species. All herbicides used will be applied in full compliance with recommended methods on the EPA-approved label instructions for that particular herbicide.
Toward the end of each week, the herbicide application schedule will be available for the week following. If you want to be notified, please submit your email address to hornerparkinfo@usace.army.mil. Please note: Schedule may change due to weather.
Project background:
Horner Park lies along the North Branch of the Chicago River in the City of Chicago, Ill. The restoration area is bound by Montrose Avenue to the North, the Chicago River to the East, Irving Park Road to the South, and extends westward into Horner Park, stopping short of the existing athletic fields. The project site is 14 acres, which includes approximately 2,600 feet of the riverbank.
The goal of this project is to restore the natural features of the North Branch Chicago River at Horner Park and its riparian zone within the constraints of the current system. The objectives of this project include: 1) restore connectivity of riparian area with the North Branch of the Chicago River, 2) restore a diverse native plant community, 3) provide habitat for resident and migratory wildlife species, 4) reduce riverbank erosion, 5) remove invasive and harmful plant species, and 6) provide native plant seed source for other natural areas along the river.
Construction started March 2014. Clearing and grubbing is complete. The contractor is reshaping and stabilizing the bank. The bulk of construction will be completed fall 2014. Additional planting and monitoring activities will continue through the fall of 2018. There will be ongoing herbicide application through the life of the project during the growing season. Herbicide will be applied periodically from April to October each year (2014 to 2018). For more project information, go to http://www.lrc.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorksProjects/HornerPark.aspx.