Nelson Land Management Projects
NLM has experience in a wide range of disciplines. Below are only several examples of recent projects where landowner goals were achieved and the ecosystem benefitted.
Big River State Forest
Nelson Land Management cleared 50 acres of woody brush to begin the restoration of a remnant savanna ecosystem at Patterson Savanna. Care was taken to minimize disturbance of two state-listed endangered species: Patterson's Bindweed (Stylisma pickeringii) and Large Flowered Beardstongue (Penstemon grandiflorus).
Sand Prairie Scrub Oak
Removed Black Locust (Robinia psuedoacacia) clones from savanna/prairie remnants along the borders of the area. Assisted IL DNR on prescribed burns within the savanna.
Jubilee College State Park
Selectively sprayed invasive Lezpediza (Sericea lespedeza) in remnant prairies.
Spring Creek Water Treatment Facility, Springfield, IL
Assisted Massie Massie & Associates by contributing recommendations on planting zones, erosion sensitive areas, erosion control practices, and species lists for associated detention basins. NLM continues to monitor the success of planted areas for MM&A.
Interstate I-74/I-474/IL Rt 6 Interchange in greater Peoria, IL
Cleared 11.6 acres of non-native and invasive woody species including Bush Honeysuckle, Autumn Olive, White Mulberry, Osage Orange (Hedge), and Siberian Elm in the western in-field. Removal of non-native species improves wildlife habitat, stops the spread of such species, and, in some cases, reduces potential for soil erosion.
Peoria Park District: Camp Wokanda, Chillicothe, IL
Utilized chain saws to reduce Sugar Maple, Ironwood, Basswood, American Elm, and Black Cherry in a high quality Oak Hickory woodland. Reduction of these species favors sun-loving White, Black, and Red Oak seedlings and allows the ecosystem to persist despite mesic (medium-wet) shade loving species encroachment.
Interstate 64 and IL Rte. 159 Interchange at Fairview Heights, IL.
Assisted Massie Massie & Associates with their development of plans to improve the function and visual distinction of this cloverleaf interchange and mile-long segment of interstate east of St. Louis. NLM developed an installation schedule, seed, and plant lists for the site using species native to Illinois. Phasing and post installation maintenance schedules were also developed to insure proper timing of management practices and long term functionality.
Frey Residence, Pleasant Plains, IL
No-till drilled over 50 acres of cool season and forb species to increase habitat for upland game. This project was funded through USDA and IL Department of Natural Resources programs that help landowners pay for land improvements on fields taken out of agricultural rotation.
Purcell/Meijer Residence, Petersburg, IL
Nelson Land Management developed a comprehensive site plan to allow for development of a residential home site within a natural area and to incorporate and restore the natural character of the 40 acre site. NLM designed and installed over ten acres of wet and mesic prairie, an oak/hickory savannah restoration, removal of invasive species, and an erosion and sediment control plan for the construction area.