Cool Improvements to Brunner Family Forest Preserve Under Way
Construction begins this week on planned improvements to Brunner Family Forest Preserve in West Dundee.
Improvements include 60 acres of prairie restoration, 10 acres of woodland, fen and wetland restoration, and 600 feet of shoreline enhancements; picnic and interpretive areas; a fishing station on the Fox River; plus 3.5 miles of screenings trails connecting Buffalo Park Forest Preserve to Fox River Shores Forest Preserve. Two spurs will connect to the river and fishing areas, as well as the proposed Dundee Township Park District Sports Complex.
A map of planned improvements is available here.
The construction for this project begins this week and is expected to be completed in summer 2015.
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County was awarded a $400,000 grant to help add amenities to the preserve in May 2013. The project is partially funded through the state’s Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development program, an initiative designed to expand outdoor recreation and open space in communities across Illinois. The total project cost for the improvements is $890,000. Once completed, the district will receive grant reimbursement from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
The preserve will be open throughout the project, but the district asks preserve users to be cautious and aware of the possibility for construction traffic or machinery within the preserve.
For more information on Brunner Family Forest Preserve or to view a map of the planned improvements, visit the District’s Web site at www.kaneforest.com.
About Brunner Family Forest Preserve
SOURCE: Kane County Forest Preserve District website page
Acquired in 2008, this 741-acre property had been a 20-year goal for the district. The Brunner Family Forest Preserve is the largest waterfront piece in the District’s holdings and the largest property ever acquired from a single landowner. The property includes riverfront, wetlands, fens and woodlands that will be protected as a result of the purchase.
The area has been deemed some of the highest quality, unprotected habitat in the county. Bald eagles have been observed along the riverfront of the property, in addition to rare mussels in the Fox River and regionally rare plant and shrub species. Among priorities are bird habitats for the Willow Flycatcher, American Bittern and Sedge Wren. The district also plans brush removal to support habitats for Baltimore Checkerspot butterflies and other animals.
Located between Route 31 and the Fox River, Brunner is bordered by Buffalo Park Forest Preserve in Algonquin to the north, Fox River Shores Forest Preserve in Carpentersville on the south and east sides of the Fox River, and Raceway Woods Forest Preserve to the southwest. The acquisition creates a 3.5-mile stretch of waterfront along the Fox River, and combined, the properties make for over 1,000 acres of contiguous open space.
In May 2013, the Forest Preserve District was awarded a $400,000 grant for the initial development of this property. Project amenities include 3.5 miles of regional, multi-purpose trail, mowed trails, a fishing station and jetty, and an interpretive overlook. Trails will connect Lincolnwood Park and the Carpentersville Dam. Two spurs will connect to the river and fishing areas, as well as the proposed Dundee Township Park District Sports Complex. A trail head at the north end of the property will be established with a parking lot, restroom and shelter. Natural area enhancements include 60 acres of prairie restoration, 10 acres of wetland/fen restoration and 600 feet of shoreline enhancements.
Once again, map of planned improvements is available here.
