14620 John Humphrey Drive, Orland
Park, IL 60462
708-349-1350 (W)
708-349-1353 (F)
PLANT ECOLOGY PROFILE
Tallgrass Associates is an environmental consulting firm specializing in environmental
problems requiring expertise in the areas of plant ecology, field biology, botany, wetland delineation or mitigation, natural areas management and restoration, and
related areas in soil ecology. Typical activities for Tallgrass Associates might include the environmental assessment of plant communities, wetland identification, vegetative
cover, or wildlife habitat. TA also represents the interests of public agencies or private developers in regulatory matters before the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.
S. Environmental Protection Agency. Typical projects might include regulatory plans for wetland mitigation, native plant surveys for rare or endangered species, prairie
restoration or native landscaping projects. In addition, the firm provides assistance in designing and planning environmental education and public recreational uses of project
areas. Tallgrass Associates was established in 1982 by Louis Mulé, while he was Professor of Environmental Science at Governors State University, University Park,
Illinois. His doctoral research studied the evolutionary ecology and natural history of flowering plants (i.e. Liatris aspera)
in prairies, savannas, and dunes. He is the
principal ecologist for TA. He is also the
past Chairman for the Open Lands Fund
Commission for the Village of Orland Park and
currently a member of the Conservation &
Sustainablity Advisory Board..
Examples of Environmental Education Projects Completed by Tallgrass Associates
The GSU Prairie Project
Designed & established the first ecologically
based prairie (grass and forb) restoration on bare mineral soil within the GSU Nature Area using a variety of propagation techniques.
Established a prairie landscape plot within the campus grounds for both educational and recreational use.
The GSU Nature Trail
Designed & established a series of nature trails within the back 40 acres of the GSU campus. Also created and designed an interpretive guide to the nature area.
Illiniwek Nature Area - Bridgeview Park District
Designed, planned, and established the Illiniwek Nature Area for Bridgeview Park District. The area includes prairie restoration and management and a system of interpretive trails.
Rich South High School
Developed a complete management plan for the Prairie/Woodland/Marsh Nature Preserve adjoining the high school. The plan included an ecological evaluation of the
area and specific restoration and management recommedations for rejuvenation of the site.
Prairie Insect Surveys
Tallgrass Associates served as the prime contractor for two insect surveys of prairie restorations in the south Cook County area. The surveys were funded by the Illinois Dept. of Conservation in 1985.
Examples of Wetland Delineation & Mitigation Projects
CMC Development (Burbank Prairie)
Delineated small prairie wetland, wrote mitigation and coordinated plans with federal and local agencies. Mitigation involved moving target plant species to a new site in Oak Lawn from Burbank.
Illinois Beach State Park Road Relocation Project
Responsible for the plant community identification and impacts on a relocated entrance to the Park. Communities included beach, dunes, savanna and forest as well as wetlands. (Subcontractor)
Gary Indiana Development Sites (Casino)
Wetland delineation of prime development parcels for proposed casino sites near I-65 and I-80. Wrote environmental field review for project as part of engineering team. (Subcontractor)
Carillon Development (Will County)
Primary subcontractor for the wetland delineation, assessment, and mitigation for 1,400+ acre housing and golf course project along Lily Cache Slough (Weber Rd and I-55).
Terra Landfill Expansion Project (Lake Calumet)
Wrote the wetland mitigation plan outlining the creation of new wetlands in the Illinois International Port District. The project focused on the wetland assessment of 4
management areas involving more than 125 acres. (Subcontractor)
Chain-O-Lakes/Fox River Sludge Site Selection Project (McHenry/Lake Counties)
Exhaustive study of 50+ wetland sites along the Fox River/Chain-O-Lakes corridor for possible sites as depositories for dredged river bottom material. Evaluated natural
features, plants and wildlife as well as potential impacts for site conversion.
Turnberry Country Club (McHenry County)
Consultant to project engineer on recommended plant species for reconstructed prairie fen wetland required for reconfiguration of golf course.
SPG Mitigation Project (Cook County)
Chief consultant for Bridgeview Park District as part of a complex 3-way USEPA/USACE/USDOJ enforcement action and mitigation project required for loss of Bridgeview Court wetlands.
Chicago Ridge Prairie (Cook County)
Project manager for Oak Lawn Park District for 3rd party mitigation project involving removal of
4.5 acres of fill and restoration of this Illinois Nature Preserve.
Wolfe Wildlife Wetlands (Cook County)
Consulting ecologist for Oak Lawn Park District for wetland mitigation project along Stoney Creek. Includes prairie wetland restoration and management.
Examples of
Restoration Projects Completed by Tallgrass Associates
Village of Bridgeview
(Cook County)
Present natural areas manager for sites within
the Village of Bridgeview. Sites include
Bridgeview Court Natural Area and Terry Prairie at
Bridgeview Place subdivision. TA represents the VOB
as the lead ecologist in the design and restoration
of these areas.
Additional natural area, wetland, and mitigation project experience available on request.Call 708/349-1350. Tallgrass Associates is located in Orland Park, Illinois 60462. |
Tallgrass
Associates