Upland Buffer Restoration The stream corridor uplands on Hickory Lane buffer were maintained as mowed turf grass for decades prior to conservation purchase of 10 Hickory Lane by Save the Prairie Society in 1992 and 9 HIckory Lane by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in January 2001. Brush thickets had overgrown the streambanks and uplands. During storm events, rapid runoff from mowed turf areas drained through the eroded soil of the thickets, contributing to water quality impairments. During drought periods, the mowed areas were subject to dry out and provided little habitat, ecological function or pollutant filtration. Before Click image for larger version and photo data The buffer uplands were maintained as mowed turf grass for decades while the property was in private ownership. Notice how the lawn goes right up to the dense thicket along the stream corridor. After Click image for larger version and photo data After conservation purchase of the property by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the corridor was cleared and restoration began on the buffer uplands. Notice how native plants are returning and the boundry between the lawn and the corridor is widening and softening. Methods Outcomes