Glenview Air Station Prairie Watchers at Work

A vigilant steward and a green village have adopted a variety of creative solutions to protect ground water quality as development progresses around the 32-acre Glenview Air Station Prairie (CW, Summer '99).

"We're trying to anticipate how construction will affect the prairie and mitigate the impact from the start," notes Robyn Flakne, natural resources manager for the Village of Glenview. "The ground water was in pretty good shape, and we're trying not to destroy it."

First, at the suggestion of volunteer steward Kent Fuller, the village altered its installation of an adjacent storm water system. Adding a series of clay dams along the underground pipes should prevent artificial drainage of ground water, which otherwise would likely flow through gravel surrounding the new sewers into the North Branch of the Chicago River.

Next, the village negotiated with the developer to construct a berm along a bordering parking lot to extend the prairie area and direct poor-quality water away from the prairie.

Finally, the village required the developer to bring clean run-off water from the roofs of two adjacent buildings into the prairie to help ensure sufficient surface water. "Many people are involved in a construction project, each with their own agenda, and each with tunnel vision," Flakne said. "Kent had tunnel vision for the prairie. He was frequently on site, watching construction and assessing its potential impact on the prairie."

For information on Air Station Prairie workdays, contact Robyn Flakne at (847) 998-9500.

— Cindy Mehallow