October 2025 Newsletter

We hope you’ve been having a good autumn!

October Quarry Care - Recap

Last month, we held a special Fishing & Lake Management Quarry Care date with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Fisheries! We were led by Frank Sladek, Urban and Community Fishing Program Coordinator at the IDNR. Participants caught over 70 fish (bluegill, black crappie, and largemouth bass).

Fish populations in The Forge Quarry, Great Lakes Quarry, and Icebox Quarry are all imbalanced due to an excess of fish. Overabundant numbers of mature bluegill, black crappie, and bass have led to stunted populations. The solution: anglers are encouraged to take their creel limits. Reach out if you would like a copy of the most recent fish survey from the IDNR.

Upcoming Quarry Care - November 8

Join us this Saturday for another unique session of Quarry Care! On November 8th, we will hand-broadcast over 40 species of native grass and wildflower seed at the pollinator meadow and along the shorelines of Krueger Quarry. Afterward, we will convene at the Nature Education Center for a light lunch and two special presentations. We will be joined by experienced burn staff from the Forest Preserves of Cook County to learn about prescribed burns and the role of fire in a natural environment.

Eagle Scouts at the HQRA

Notice any new structures like bird houses and picnic tables around the Heritage Quarries? You can thank your newly minted Eagle Scouts for that! This infrastructure was designed, built, and installed by Scouts looking to make a real impact in the local community. Structures like birdhouses and bug motels provide valuable shelter for wildlife, protecting them from the elements. Invasive plant species like buckthorn and honeysuckle provide little, if any, benefit to most native wildlife. As invasive removal continues, woody cover will be reduced while native species grow in. Man-made habitat structures provide intermediate habitat throughout this period, allowing wildlife to thrive as new, native growth develops.

Structures like picnic benches are also essential for public enjoyment. It can be easy to overlook these amenities, but these structures create naturally welcoming meeting places for socializing, eating, and resting. They also promote inclusivity. Older community members, injured individuals, pregnant mothers, young children, and others can all benefit from established resting spots.

Upcoming Restoration

We will be re-clearing resprouts and opening up a bit more shoreline around the Krueger Quarry system this winter to make more room for native growth and more animal habitat. An ecosystem is at its most vulnerable when recently disturbed, so native plant populations must be seeded and supported early. If we don’t, invasive species will rapidly reestablish themselves. Our main goals for the fall and winter are to seed native plants and selectively clear woody invasive species. Please join us on the second Saturday of each month as we clear, seed, and support native ecosystems in the quarries.