The Barrington Area Conservation Trust (BACT) is a private non-for-profit organization with a mission to preserve private land through conservation easements and heritage corridors located within the Barrington, Illinois region. Woods To Wetlands, LLC (W2W) was retained by BACT in 2019 to assist with long-term ecological planning and stewardship of Katie’s Marsh.

Katie’s Marsh is composed of a wet meadow with a hydrologic connection to Flint Creek and a larger wetland complex located east of Ridge Road in Barrington Hills, Lake County, IL. At the beginning of the project, W2W conducted a habitat assessment and prepared a three-year management plan for the site. Since then, W2W has initiated the management plan and provided stewardship services, with a specific focus on eradicating woody re-sprouts, reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), and selectively spot treating invasive herbaceous species with herbicide.

Throughout the restoration process, W2W has conducted periodic vegetation inventories and provided BACT with seeding and planting recommendations. W2W has enhanced the habitats at Katie’s Marsh for pollinators and other wildlife by introducing native plants via seed and plant plugs. In 2021, W2W staff also volunteered time to assist a local branch of the National Eagle Scout Association with a native planting project at Katie’s Marsh. Continued stewardship work is scheduled for 2023.