Habitat Restoration in Priority Coastal Areas: Powderhorn Lake
About Powderhorn Lake Habitat Restoration
Located just outside the western border of the Calumet Area of Concern in the southeast side of Chicago, IL, Powderhorn Lake is a 50-acre freshwater lake with an adjacent 55-acre shallow pool, owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC). To the north lies Wolf Lake, a 950-acre freshwater lake, owned by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Powderhorn Lake is embedded within one of the few remaining examples of the dune and swale topography that once characterized the Calumet Region along the south shore of Lake Michigan.
Once connected as part of a large collection of marshes, lakes, and rivers adjacent to Lake Michigan, these lakes have been isolated by urban and industrial development. Despite their isolation, populations of aquatic species characteristic of the Great Lakes basin persist. However, the impacts of isolation threaten their future survival. Currently, Powderhorn Lake remains separated from its northern neighbor, Wolf Lake, which connects to Lake Michigan through the Indian Creek pathway to Calumet River.
Powderhorn Lake viewed from the West (Photo provided by Forest Preserves of Cook County)
More about Powderhorn Lake Restoration
Construction is currently underway and being managed locally by Audubon Great Lakes (Audubon) and Forest Preserves of Cook County. Final design plans were completed by contractor Hey & Associates who is also assisting in construction oversight. The restoration design is anticipated to restore connectivity between Powderhorn Lake and Wolf Lake to the north, by way of an installed water control structure and series of connecting habitats that will allow for fish passage between the two lakes and, ultimately, the Lake Michigan aquatic ecosystem.
Benefits of Restoration
Environmental Benefits:
- Restored hydrological connectivity between Powderhorn Lake and Wolf Lake
- Restored fish passage
- Improve emergent wetland habitat
Community Benefits:
- Improved water quality and ecosystem health
- Created aesthetically beautiful sites
- Increased water-based recreation, sport-fishing, and wildlife viewing
- Reduced storm-water runoff and erosion
Economic Benefits:
- Improved fishing and fish spawning
- Improved water quality and ecosystem health
- Reduced flooding of adjacent neighborhood
Documents and Fact Sheets
The following fact sheets and documents provide additional information about the Powderhorn Lake project and specific elements of the project.
News Coverage
- Project will link lakes to restore marsh, reduce flooding | September, 2021
- Project aims to reconnect Wolf Lake with Powerhorn Lake, restoring marshland | September, 2021
- Major project breaks ground to restore 100 acres of wetlands in calumet region of southeast side | September, 2021
- When a wetland is too wet, sometimes nature needs a plumbing assist | September, 2021
- Fish, birds and flooded basements stand to benefit from marsh restoration at Powderhorn Lake near the Indiana border | September, 2021
Powderhorn Lake Connectivity Project Video
Funding
Over $1 million has been awarded to this project from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) from both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Great Lakes Commisssion Regional Partnership. The GLRI is a federal program designed to protect and restore the largest system of fresh surface water in the world — the Great Lakes.
For More Information
Jill Estrada
Coastal Conservation and Habitat Restoration
Senior Program Specialist, Great Lakes Commission
734‐396‐6059 • jestrada@glc.org
Andy Hinickle
Senior Manager, Wetland Conservation
Audubon Great Lakes
Andrew.Hinickle@audubon.org
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