The Village of Algonquin, IL

The Village of Algonquin is happy to share that the Woods Creek Reach 6 & 7 Restoration Project has received the 2026 Project of the Year Award in the Environment Category (Projects Less than $5 Million) from the American Public Works Association Chicago Metro Fox Valley Branch. This recognition highlights the Village’s commitment to delivering high-quality public works projects that protect natural resources and strengthen community infrastructure.

Completed in spring 2025, the project restored approximately 1,000 feet of stream and more than 26 acres of surrounding wetland and riparian areas, creating a more resilient and naturally functioning corridor. Improvements included restoring natural stream meanders, reconnecting the creek to its floodplain, reducing erosion, and replacing invasive vegetation with native plant communities. These enhancements improved stream stability, improved wildlife habitat, and strengthen biodiversity along the Woods Creek corridor.

The Woods Creek Reach 6 & 7 Restoration is part of the Village’s broader, long-term watershed strategy that began in 2013. Through continued planning and investment, Algonquin has advanced projects that reduce downstream storm impacts, improve water quality, and support environmental stewardship. The project also received a 2026 Engineering Excellence Award – Special Achievement Award in the Water Resources category from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois.

To learn more about planned and ongoing infrastructure projects in the Village of Algonquin, visit www.algonquin.org/construction.