The Land Conservancy Awarded $21,120 to Improve Wetlands in McHenry County

May 5, 2003

The Northeastern Illinois Wetlands Conservation Account (NIWCA) recently awarded a $21,120 grant to the Land Conservancy of McHenry County to allow the restoration of wetland habitat along Powers Creek in the Boone Creek watershed. The project will include restoration of a former sod farm to a mix of wet prairie and sedge meadow ecosystems through tile removal, invasive species control, and seed planting.

Lisa Haderlein, Executive Director of the Land Conservancy, said "The funding will allow us to expand our conservation efforts in the Powers Creek subwatershed of Boone Creek, so we can help maintain the high water quality of this important McHenry County stream."

NIWCA is administered by The Conservation Fund and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, in partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers. In 2003, 12 grants were awarded for a total of $300,000. Since 1997, the conservation account has contributed nearly $3 million to groups working on 77 different projects in northeastern Illinois.

John D. Rogner, Field Office Supervisor for the US Fish and Wildlife Service's Barrington office, said "Healthy fish and wildlife habitats add much to the quality of life in the region. It is a privilege to be able to support the fine wildlife habitat restoration work of our local partners and enhance the Chicago area's livability."