Eugene Field Park Restoration Project

The north branch of the Chicago River that runs through Eugene Field Park has been channelized and relocated, and had its riverbed paved with concrete. This led to increased flooding, marsh habitat loss, and vegetation loss. This project restored the wetlands and planted native vegetation to mitigate flood impacts. River restoration included the construction of rock riffles to stabilize upstream riverbanks and provide valuable aquatic habitat, restoring the hydrogeomorphology of the river and park, and constructing a water control structure to help manage floodwaters. This ecological preserve in the city of Chicago is valued for its aesthetic appeal and recreational and environmental education opportunities.