Because North Pond is so beautiful, few visitors realize it is a dying ecosystem that is slowly becoming a shallow wetland. The Pond’s health is negatively impacted by:
Without quick intervention, these factors will kill the Pond as we know it, taking away a beloved human greenspace and destroying urban habitat for many native animal species. But there’s still time! If we work together to #DigDeepForNorthPond, we can save this treasured urban oasis and preserve North Pond not just as part of Lincoln Park’s past, but also its future. With a $7.1 million budget, our restoration project is estimated to begin late Fall 2021 and end Spring 2023.
Complete several studies to finish the master plan, including topographic and boundary study, tree inventory, and detailed pond bottom and sediment analysis. These summer 2020 studies added important data to already completed studies, including soil analysis, water quality testing, water balance/hydrology analysis, and depth and sediment studies. We will host several public meetings in November 2020 to collect and build on community input provided at earlier meetings, which will be integrated into the final restoration master plan. The plan is expected to be completed in Fall/Winter 2020/2021. Come back to this page often to see compiled results of the first phase.
Deepen 25% of the Pond to 8’ and dredge remaining pond expanse to remove sediment to increase water circulation and oxygen turnover, decrease water temperature, improve aquatic habitat, and reduce algae growth. Special care will be taken during the dredge to ensure the minimal disruption to resident animals, plants, and the general public. Dredged material will be dewatered in fenced parkland north of North Pond and re-used in Lincoln Park and at Big Bend Park in South Chicago during the spring of 2022. A recent study found that the Pond, historically, had no bottom liner, increasing water loss below. A new liner, consisting of a natural polymer that will be sprayed in the Pond and settle at its bottom, will increase water retention and reduce city water use. The extensive design work, equipment mobilization, and sediment–hauling costs all contribute to making the dredge the most significant project cost. All subsequent steps are dependent on dredge completion.
Grade and stabilize the pond edge to decrease erosion and pollution run-off into the Pond while providing additional public gathering and engagement opportunities around the shoreline. Areas of gradual slope will be planted with a variety of submergent and emergent native vegetation to stabilize the pond bank, whereas areas of steeper slope will be stabilized with natural limestone outcroppings interspersed with native plantings and public gathering areas.
Increase the amount and quality of natural areas surrounding the Pond to foster greater biodiversity, model natural infrastructure techniques, and provide public engagement/education opportunities with urban nature. Plans include doubling the size of the West Prairie (completed 2019), planting hundreds of native trees (ongoing, with phase one completed Fall 2019 and Spring 2020), and installing underdrains and water-loving sedges and other such plants in new natural areas around the Pond to capture and filter storm-water from adjacent parkland. This last component provides an additional water source to the Pond to reduce or eliminate its reliance on municipal water.
North Pond’s restoration is directly dependent on community support and involvement, with 100% of project funding coming from private donors and foundations. Without support from the community, North Pond’s restoration will not be possible. Community investment will also be vital to the Pond’s long-term stewardship and care. Our restoration efforts are focused on developing consistent, long-term community commitments to North Pond through volunteer stewardship, public awareness, and educational programs. Learn more about how you can get involved below or donate/start your own crowdfunding page for the project here.
There are many ways to learn about and to share your thoughts or questions on North Pond’s restoration: check out project information below; attend a virtual public meeting or schedule your own virtual presentation; complete our project survey or view project diagrams and offer feedback. Still have questions or comments? Email us anytime.
Attend a virtual public meeting:
Soil Sampling – Look more closely at what’s under our feet: Open/Download PDF
Cupcake Geology – See through the Earth’s surface with delectable treats: Open/Download PDF
Topographic Mapping – Learn the lay of the land: Open/Download PDF
Bark Rubbing – Identify trees: Open/Download PDF
We’d like to thank everyone who helped make our 2020 Virtual Walk the Pond a success. With COVID pivoting the event to a virtual platform, we weren’t sure what to expect, but we so enjoyed developing the virtual nature activities and seeing participant photos. We......
In this unusual year, your support of the Conservancy’s work has never been more critical. Despite unprecedented circumstances, we remain committed to our mission to preserve, protect and enhance Lincoln Park and we could not be more proud of our impact. Did you know that......
The Conservatory and Lily Pool have been closed for tours since March, but our volunteer docents have kept busy! As we move into the fall and winter seasons, join our seasoned docents on virtual tours of the Conservatory, as we explore edible plants, plant and animal......
