The Wetlands Restoration Project

Loyola's Science Department has overseen the restoration of the wetlands and Chicago River along the eastern edge of the Munz Campus. The primary environmental benefit of this project is improved water quality in the North Branch of the Chicago River.

We have reduced sediment load from erosion of the steep slope of the former landfill and stabilized the banks of the river. We increased habitat for wildlife by planting native ground covers and removing invasive species. Loyola Academy has partnered with several civic and not-for-profit organizations for development and management of the natural areas on the campus. These include the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Lake County Stormwater Management Commission, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Village of Glenview, Friends of the Chicago River, Helen V. Brach foundation, Rice Foundation, Dr. Scholl Foundation and several private families in the community. The east edge of the property, along the river, and the north edge along the Navy Ditch have a developed trail that is part of the Village of Glenview trail system. Loyola is a member of the Chicago River Schools Network and participates in the water quality monitoring program. We have over 500 students involved in educational activities at this site each year and Glenview residents are discovering the river and wetland trail.

Current student activities on Munz Campus:

prairie transect studies, comparing biodiversity on two parts of prairie, [Biology courses]
water quality sampling [Summer School Biology and Honors Environmental Science]
Chicago River Day, clean up of river [student volunteers]
seed collecting and seed dispersal [Honors Environmental Science and SAVE volunteers]
invasive species removal such as Buckthorn and Garlic Mustard and Teasel [SAVE volunteers]

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Loyola Academy

1100 Laramie Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091-1089 | 847-256-1100

Loyola Academy admits students of any race, color and national origin or ethnic origin.