Floating Treatment Wetland Design and Installation

OES consults with clients to determine best management practices to improve water quality in streams and lakes and holds an Island Master certification from Floating Island International. Floating treatment wetlands are appropriate and recommended in many settings. OES estimates and samples the pollution to be treated, plans the conceptual layout and wetland plants to be planted, orchestrates the installation, and provides the stewardship of the wetlands.
​
Select Projects:
A Cleaner Levings Lake, Rockford, IL.
OES estimated pollutants coming from the upstream watershed, recommended best management practices including floating treatment wetlands, provided the vegetation plan for the wetlands, and led volunteer efforts to install 20 islands that doubled as wave breaks for West Rock Wake Park.

River Action, Davenport, IA.
OES provided consultation and supervision of the installation of eight islands in detention basins and backwaters of the Mississippi.

Preserves and Parks Design

Incorporating natural areas and wildlife corridors into developed areas will ensure the continuation of nature as part of our communities. OES works with a team of engineers and landscape architects to design preserves and parks that meet the needs of people and wildlife in rural, suburban, and urban settings. Preserves and parks include wildlife corridors, forest preserves, prairies, private lands, and parks that incorporate natural areas or passive recreation areas.

Select Projects:
Sinnissippi Eclipse Lagoon Restoration Native Landscaping, Rockford, IL.
OES provided the plans for native landscaping that was mixed with traditional ornamental design during the restoration of the historic Sinnissippi Eclipse Lagoon for Sanders Design Group. The lagoon restoration was the second phase to the development of the Nicholas Conservatory and is located along the Rock River and recreation path near downtown Rockford.  The Lagoon design earned three landscape and design awards.

Glenn H. Green Open Space, Concept Plan Consultation and Implementation Plan, Belvidere, IL. OES consulted with John R. Cook Associates to create a native restoration and wildlife corridor conceptual plan and implementation plan for a 44-acre floodplain and ridge along Beaver Creek at Glenn H. Green Open Space for the Belvidere Park District.  The prairie was planted in the spring of 2009 with spectacular results.  The woodland is currently being restored.  OES secured partial funding for the project from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  Passive recreation trails and piers will be incorporated into the palette of natural areas for quiet enjoyment and exploration.

Clear Water Legacy: Phase 3, DeKalb County, IL.
OES played a significant role in creating a 400-acre wildlife corridor along the South Branch of the Kishwaukee River on private land.  OES coordinated the purchases of conservation easements on 13 parcels of private land for the Natural Land Institute and secured funding for the project from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Conservation Subdivision Design

Select Projects:
Woodlake on Newburg, Rockford, IL.
OES, along with the Natural Land Institute, was a consultant to Thomas Graceffa and Associates for conservation aspects of this ASLA Honor Award-winning conservation subdivision design.

Marshland Greens Open Space Development, Genoa, IL.
OES created and proposed a “green,” mixed-use development concept plan in Genoa, Illinois with a team including F.I.L.A. Developers, Hoffman Development, Wendler Engineering, and City of Genoa engineers and staff.  This high-density development was based on principals of conservation subdivision design, and included alternative stormwater treatment methods, open spaces and natural areas, recreation paths, and connectivity to the rest of the community.

Oak Creek Estates Naturalized Retention Pond, Genoa, IL.
OES designed natural plantings for a stormwater retention basin within an existing subdivision for Hoffman Development.

OES works with a team of engineers, landscape architects, and developers to meet the goals for a conservation-minded development.  Conservation design considers existing natural areas and ecologically sensitive areas with primary importance in the design process. Elements of conservation design include using alternative methods to treat stormwater, preserving open space, decreasing infrastructure, clustering building sites, minimizing light pollution, and providing unique amenities for residents.   

In addition to benefits of natural area restoration and recreation, benefits of conservation design include less infrastructure and grading therefore fewer construction costs, premium payments for residential lots, increased social interaction among neighbors, and a unique development that benefits the community.