If you have driven on Ela Road past Cuba Marsh lately, you have probably noticed some changes to the scenery. This is the result of a significant restoration project that is an attempt to return the area’s flora and fauna back to the conditions of the 1840’s.
The combination of wet lands, oak savanna, hardwood forest and mesic prairie are being re-established through several restoration activities. These include clearing of invasive species, collecting and spreading native seeds, planting native plants and making changes to the hydrology (removing field drain tiles) of the area.
The clearing of invasive plants on the west side of Ela Road at Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve was done by a commercial contractor and their work is about finished. Additional work in that area will be done by volunteer groups e.g. Citizens For Conservation, Barrington Greenway Initiative, Friends of the Forest Preserve, Boy Scout Troops, School Science Clubs, etc.
For more information or how you can help visit the Lake County Forest Preserve website. http://www.lcfpd.org/conservation/woody-invasive-species-clearing-project/
Click on the Map not the word CUBA MARSH for detailed information