University of South Dakota graduate student Joey Holmes works on creating a new rivulet for Hine's emerald dragonfly larval habitat in Illinois. Photo by Brian Smith, CTE

Results of layout and re-creation of rivulets at Keepataw Preserve in Will County, Illinois for Hine's emerald dragonfly larval habitat. Photo by Brian Smith, CTE

For more than 2 years now, the Hine's emerald dragonfly working group has been meeting monthly to work out design details for habitat restoration work to benefit this federally endangered species.   This work is being done as part of the "beneficial actions" agreed to with the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority  for their I-355 South extension project.   Work that is now completed or underway includes clearing invasive brush from approximately 20 acres in Keepataw Preserve, construction of a low berm to keep flashy surface flows out of groundwater fed habitat areas, and hand construction of rivulets.   The rivulets were dug in an area thought to have historically provided this essential larvae/breeding habitat for the Hine's emerald dragonfly.   Planting of native vegetation and monitoring of flows, temperature, dragonfly activity, presence of crayfish burrows (used by dragonfly larvae for drought survival and overwintering) will begin this spring.

At another site, Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, approximately 16 acres was cleared of invasive species.   A temporary piping system is in place to convey groundwater from one existing artesian well to areas where Hine's habitat is to be restored.   At this site, we can regulate the groundwater flow from these wells, which were left over from a previous trout hatchery operation.   The intent is to use the flows to create rivulet habitat for the species.   This  site will also be monitored very closely for physical conditions and Hine's emerald dragonfly activity during the upcoming field season.