T he Butterfield Creek watershed is lacated in southern Cook and eastern Will Counties, with a drainage area of approximately 26 square miles at its confluence with Thorn Creek. The creek and its tributaries flow through the communities of Richton Park, Matteson, Olympia Fields, chicago Heights, Flossmoor, Homewood, Park Forest, and Glenwood. Most of the watershed has been converted to residential areas, with some commercial and industrial uses. Communities in the downstream portion of the watershed have been substantially developed for several decades, while the upstream portion if currently undergoing rapid urbanization. The existing ecological resources of the watershed consist mainly of areas of lowland and wetland along watercourses, and upland areas protected witin forest perserves of other public ownership.

B utterfield Creek has suffered from the hydrologic effects of watershed urbanization. Higher runoff rates due to urbanization have produced flooding problems along the Creek and some tributaries. the higher flow rates and past stream channelization projects have contributed to undtable and eroding stream banks.In the upland areas of the watershed, erosion from construction sites and non-point source pollution from developed areas contribute to reduced water quality and aquatic habitat.

S urveys of the watershed indicate that several large lowland areas providing floodwater storage remain along Butterfield Creek. Preservation of these natural flood storage areas is critical in controlling flooding as the remaining open areas of the watershed ae converted to urban uses. These areas often include remnant or converted wetlands, so that preservation of flood storage also provides the opportunity for wetlands restoration for water quality enhancement, wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities. Recently completed studies also indicate that existing stormwater management features of the uplands areas of the watershed (such as detention basins) can be reconstructed to provide better treatment of stormwater pollutants, and imporve recreation and wildlife habita. Additionally, stormwater quantity and quality impacts from new development can be controlled through application of several types of Best Management Practices.