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Long Run Seep Nature Preserve

Location: Will County, Lockport Township, T36N, R10E, Secs. 11 & 12, City of Lockport
Size of area affected by MSCSF-funded work: 41 acres
Owner: Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
Partners: IDNR, USACE, CorLands, Illinois Nature Preserves Commission

Action: Cutting and removal of shrubs and trees, control of invasive herbaceous species.

Summary: Long Run Seep is a high quality fen—a term often used interchangeably with "seep"—that is situated on the east terrace of the Des Plaines River. Three species on the Illinois list of endangered or threatened species occur here, and the site is considered a likely candidate to be a breeding site for Hine's emerald dragonfly, a federally-listed species. Indian plantain, marsh blazing stars, marsh skullcaps and many other plants indicative of high quality wetlands thrive in the fen.

The property was purchased by IDNR in the early 1980s, and dedicated as a state nature preserves shortly thereafter. In addition to the fen, the area has a remnant oak savanna that had become completely choked by buckthorn and other shade-creating trees and shrubs. The contractor for this site used a combination of hand clearing and hydraulic axes to clear out the buckthorn and honeysuckle thickets that were encroaching into the seep head and savanna areas of the site. Medium-sized trees were girdled, and herbicides were applied to all cut stumps and girdles. The major herbaceous invasive species targeted for treatment were teasel and reed canary grass. Due to the potential presence of Hines emerald dragonfly larvae in the rivulet systems downstream from the existing seep heads all herbicide treatments and application protocols were discussed beforehand with the Chicago Metro office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (Note: As a result of investigations of the rivulet systems in October 2005 by USFWS staff, HED larvae were found in crawfish burrows at Long Run Seep and it is now recognized as a HED breeding site.) No seeding of native species was deemed necessary by IDNR staff. The character of these areas has changed substantially. “Michigan lilies are coming up in the newly opened areas," reported Dan Kirk, the IDNR biologist responsible for Long Run Seep Nature Preserve.