Emiquon Wetland Restoration Project

The Nature Conservancy led the project to restore 7,100 acres of farmland to functional flood plain and return its ability to sustain native plant and wildlife species. In 2007, 180,000 trees, 8,000 pounds of seed, and 90,000 upland shrubs and trees have been planted in 1,400 acres of Emiquon. Non-native fish have been removed and native fish have been introduced into these new waters. Scientific inquiry continued based out of the Emiquon Field Station to monitor water quality, microbes, plants, and wildlife. The project cost approximately 18 million for land purchase and restoration activities and was financially supported by USDA and Illinois Department of Natural Resources.