Skip to content
Register

Prairie Wetlands

Bartlett PW

Bartlett Prairie/Wetland

The Oswegoland Park District is working to improve the water quality of the 13-acre Bartlett Prairie Wetland. Eleven storm pipes from neighboring streets pour rainwater into the wetland. Unfortunately, that also includes motor oil, dirt, debris, leaves, lawn fertilizer, and grass clippings that settle in the basin. All of these pollutants make maintaining water quality a significant challenge for the Park District. Every year, the Park District contracts for seasonal algae treatments and staff installs native wetland shoreline plants. However, every year the effectiveness of those improvements can vary depending on the amount of rain, sunlight, and other climate factors. If nothing were done, significant algae blooms would be a problem.

Maintenance History

Since 1999 the Park District has maintained the property and wetland as constructed, including planting additional prairie plants.

Over the years, the Park District has worked to study and improve the water quality at Bartlett Prairie Wetland. More specifically, maintenance of the wetland was increased in the summer of 2008 when a severe algae bloom occurred.

  • Summer 2008: Algae becoming a concern, contacted consultants for assessment
  • Fall 2008: Contracted with Smith Engineering to assess if water lever could be raised. Their opinion if weir is built, water level could be raised between 8”-9”. Assessment cost $12,400
  • Fall 2009: Contracted with Hey & Assoc for a wetland mitigation for a future sediment removal project $4,200
  • Spring 2010: Contracted with Aquatic Weed Technology to treat algae and weeds 2xMonth—May to Sept $9,975
  • Spring 2011, ‘12, ‘13, ‘14, ‘15, and ’16: Contracted with Clarke Aquatic Services to treat algae and weeds 2xMonth—May to Sept $9,975 annually
  • 2015: Installed an aerator with 3 bubblers $13,000
  • Spring 2017, ‘18, ’19 and ’20: Contracted with Terrapin Aquatics to treat algae and weeds 2xMonth—May to September. Currently $11,500 annually

Prairie Wetland Map

2019-2020 Timeline for Community Input

  • August 7, 2018: Park District and Village staff met to discuss the wetland detention basin. View the Joint Statement
  • August 8, 2019: Review site history and next steps during Community Meeting. View the presentation
  • August 28, 2019: Park District, Village, and engineer of the 2008 Drainage Analysis met. Park District asked the engineer to prepare a contract to survey and compare 2008 findings with current conditions and investigate permit options.
  • September 10, 2019: Engineers sent the Park District a proposal for a contract for $2,000 for the work listed. The contract was executed.
  • October 4, 2019: The site was surveyed by the engineers. Work began on comparing 2008 conditions with current conditions. Engineers began talks with US Army Corp of Engineers.
  • October 16, 2019: The updated report was sent to the Park District. View the Drainage Memorandum
  • October 30, 2019: Park District, Village, and engineer met to discuss the updated report and to begin an investigation of options and compiling associated costs.
  • December 16, 2019: Park District reviewed the options with members of the Park Board
  • January 21, 2020: Review plan with neighbors during Community Meeting. View the presentation
  • May 21, 2020: Executed contract with HRGreen for basin survey.
  • June 19, 2020: Survey of basin begins.
  • October 1, 2020: Initial Engineer survey findings present to Park Board.
  • October 22, 2020: Park Board sends Board Response Letter, final Engineer Report with cost estimates, and Survey Exhibits to residents. (estimated cost: $700,000-$1,140,000)*

2021 AERATOR PROJECT

2023  RESTORATION PROJECT

View the Restoration Project Timeline

  • Winter 2023: Mow undesirable woody species
  • Spring 2023: Install aquatic plugs to test viability
  • Summer 2023: Contractor treatment of re-sprouts
  • Fall 2023:Supplement seeding in mowed areas
  • Fall 2023:Supplement seeding in mowed areas

Accessibility Toolbar