The Endangered Species, Heinz Emerald Dragonfly Project for the 355 Tollway Extension built by Ponds Inc. of Illinois
www.ponds-inc.com SPECIAL PROJECT
These are special ponds designed to be breeding ponds for the endangered Heinz Emerald Dragonflies located in Lemont, Illinois. This project was done for the Illinois Tollway Authority and the Dupage County Forest Preserve and overseen by university specialist. This project was required when the Interstate 355 tollway extension project, from Interstate 55 to Interstate 80, was constructed resulting in a direct effect on the environment and the endangered dragonflies. This whole project was documented by the History Channel's television series, Modern Marvels. A natural, iron rich well, as is seen by the deep orange color on the waterfall and pond stones, is distributed via ductile water main to each pond, and then after entering the specially engineered skimmer units, is discharged out the rear of the skimmer to the natural rivulets that the dragonflies use to reproduce. An underground valving system regulates the flow and is constantly adjusted by the
...»
university researchers. Some flow rates produce more algae than others. We at Ponds Inc. of Illinois were honored to be part of such an interesting, low visibility project that has been a big impact on the environment!
www.ponds-inc.com
Just have to ask since you're in Illinois... Are you a Dan Fogelberg fan?
Great idea Becky. I would love to know that too. I've wanted a pond in our back acre since we ...»
"...is discharged out the rear of the skimmer to the natural rivulets that the dragonflies use to reproduce." Do all dragonflies need/like iron rich water?
Hi Sherrie! Rivulets are just little streams that are created from the overflow through the skimmer. These little streams flow through a prairie to the Chicago River Canal. I'm not sure if iron rich water is what the Heinz Emerald likes or needs.... but I know from the university specialist that they do seem to prefer it due to their large concentration at this location. The iron rich water ...»