The Village of Algonquin, IL
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Woods Creek Reach 8 Restoration
Woods Creek Corridor
Woods Creek is one of six primary watercourses within the Village of Algonquin, along with Dixie Creek, Ratt Creek, Crystal Creek, Souwanas Creek, and the Fox River. These waterways weave through the community before ultimately draining to the Fox River near downtown Algonquin.
Woods Creek begins near Boyer Road and County Line Road and flows approximately six miles to its confluence with Crystal Creek and the Fox River. The creek drains roughly 8.6 square miles across Kane and McHenry counties and plays a critical role in local water quality, habitat, and stormwater management.
Over time, changes in land use, agricultural practices, and urban development have altered how water moves through the watershed. As a result, the Village has undertaken long-term restoration efforts to stabilize the creek, improve water quality, reduce the risk of flooding, and restore native habitat.
Project Overview
The Woods Creek Reach 8 Restoration Project focuses on restoring approximately 1,525 linear feet of Woods Creek and a 4,000 linear foot tributary (verify) that extends east and connects to the Meijer stormwater detention basin. The project area encompasses roughly 27 acres of stream corridor and floodplain (verify). Previous Woods Creek restoration projects have restored stream meanders, stabilized streambanks, improved habitat, and reconnected the creek to its natural floodplain conditions.
Why this Project is Needed
Historic erosion, channel instability, and invasive vegetation within the Woods Creek corridor have negatively impacted water quality, habitat conditions, and stormwater performance. Restoration efforts improve environmental health and reduce downstream impacts. This is the final reach to be restored in the Village of Algonquin.
- Water Quality: Reduced erosion and improved filtration of stormwater runoff
- Biodiversity: Increased habitat diversity for plants, insects, fish, and wildlife
- Flood Reduction: Improved floodplain capacity to manage storm flows
Scope of Work
- Reshaping and stabilizing eroded creek banks
- Installation of in-stream riffles to improve oxygenation and aquatic habitat
- Armoring select streambank areas subject to high-velocity flows
- Reestablishment of floodplain benches
- Removal of invasive trees and shrubs
- Installation of native trees, vegetation, and pollinator habitat
Anticipated Timeline
TBD based on IEPA 319 grant funding.
Impact During Construction
Construction activity may temporarily affect access to nearby trails, open spaces, and the creek corridor. Work may include heavy equipment activity and temporary restoration staging areas.
Project Contact
Brad Andresen
Village Ecologist
