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Overview
Hegewisch Marsh is a 130 acre site located on Chicago's far southeast side, and is one of the most important in the Calumet region. This Marsh contains four ecosystems - Wet Savannah, Wet Prairie, Forested Wetland, and a Hemi Marsh. It is a critical coastal wetland hydrologically connected to Lake Michigan. Twelve state-endangered bird species use the Marsh. It is a nesting site for the endangered common moorhen. The Marsh has good water quality capable of supporting aquatic life and through this project the quality of a vital watershed will be enhanced.

The Hegewisch Marsh Ecology for All Project is an initiative that will complete restoration of the remaining 30 acres of the 130 acre marsh. Ecology for All engages community and corporate volunteers, youth, and adult job trainees in a series of coordinated activities that enable them to perform on-the- ground restoration work in the Marsh.

This project will restore Hegewisch Marsh and provide educational training for 20 Greencorps Chicago-Calumet (GCC) Crew Members. Collectively, project partners will strive to achieve the following outcomes: 1) ten GCC crew members will be trained; 2) the last 30 acres of Hegewisch marsh will be restored; 3) thirty high school Calumet Is My Backyard (CIMBY) student participants will be provided with hands-on training to support ecological management activities at Hegewisch Marsh.

Project Description
The Chicago Department of Environment will restore the remaining 30 acres of Hegewisch Marsh and create and improve habitats for native wildlife species. Project will engage volunteers, students, and job trainees in on-the-ground restoration and educational training. Grant funds will be used to support the salaries of a Project Director, a Project Coordinator and two Greencorps staff members. Funds will also be used to for planting and building supplies and materials.

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