The quarry lakes at the HQRA are remnants from historic mining operations. Active management of invasive plant and animal species is needed to ensure the vitality of the lakes and to support public recreation.

The Des Plaines River Valley exhibits a rich natural history, shaped by glacial activity, ancient waterways, and subsequent urban development.

The valley's landscape and ecosystems have been influenced by the river's meandering course, seasonal changes, and the presence of various plant and animal communities, including forested areas featuring a wide variety of oaks, hickories, and maples.

Marshes are important wetland habitats that support diverse plant and animal populations.

Today, a substantial amount of marsh habitat has been destroyed by human activities. Illinois once had approximately 8.2 million acres of wetland (including marshes); today the number has been reduced to 870,000 acres with an estimated 3-5,000 acres lost per year. This is nearly a 90% loss since 1818.

Aside from their beauty, pollinator meadows provide valuable ecological benefits. The various grasses and sedges benefit soil stability, erosion management, and water and air filtration capabilities.

The quarry shorelines are a form of shoreline habitat unique to the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area. Dolomite limestone mining operations occurred in the area from 1850-1900. After the site’s disuse, the quarry pits flooded with groundwater, becoming the lakes seen today. As such, the shoreline habitats throughout the HQRA are relatively young.

Accessible quarry shorelines are heavily utilized by the public for fishing, boating, and other outdoor recreational activities.

The woodlands at the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area consist of a mix of forested and savannah woodlands. Unfortunately, invasive plant species such as honeysuckle, buckthorn, tree-of-heaven, and oriental bittersweet dominate native plants.