What is the Butterfield Creek Steering Committee?

While the Steering Committee arose out of the need to control flooding, it has adopted a comprehensive program for the future of the watershed. A watershed approach is necessary in order to manage water resources, protect and enhance habitat, preserve green space, improve aesthetics, provide educational and recreational opportunities related to nature, and involve people in effectively caring for the environment.

Taking The Watershed Approach

Planning for the Butterfield Creek Watershed cannot ignore the complex and fascinating history that has resulted in the watershed we know today. Prior to the beginning of urban development in the watershed, the twenty-six square mile area was dominated by prairies and wetlands with timber areas along the lower reached of the creek. Agricultural development and growth of the watersheds communities have resulted in a complex land use pattern containing open spaces, urban land uses, transportation facilities, agricultural areas, as well as natural and manmade flood and stormwater detention areas.

As is true nearly everywhere in the metropolitan region, communities have not had the technical capabilities to anticipate and address the cumulative impacts of development. Over time, stormwater runoff has increased, with associated adverse impacts on water quality, habitat and wildlife, and aesthectics. Now it is clear that much work must be done to control flooding, repair damage to stream and upland ecosystems, and guide new development in ways that control stormwater and improve the environment.

Water does not respect community boundaries. Therefore, the Butterfield Creek Steering Committee is taking a comprehensive and collaborative watershed approach to achieve the best possible balance between people, land development and the natural environment. The Steering Committee and its member organizations cannot do this alone.

The success of this work will depend on everyone becoming engaged in various ways as "citizens" of the watershed.

Steering Committee Partners

Chicago Academy of Sciences
Chicago Wilderness
Cook County
the Forest Preserve District of Cook County
Governors State University
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center
Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission
Olympia Fields Country Club
Rich Township
South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association
The Conservation Fund
Thorn Creek Audubon Society
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Old Plank Road Trail Management Commission
Old Plank Road Trail Association

Butterfield Creek Steering Committee Members:

Chicago Heights
Flossmoor
Glenwood
Homewood
Matteson
Olympia Fields
Richton Park
University Park

All of the participating Butterfield Creek Steering Committee organizations provide valuable resources and expertise. In order to facilitate information-sharing and cooperative problem-solving, the Steering Committee has engaged a coordinator to support its work and to serve as a clearing house for information. If you would like additional information or if you would like to help the Steering Committee in protecting and enhancing the Butterfield Creek Watershed, please contact:

Richard Mariner, Coordinator
Butterfield Creek Steering Committee
Flossmoor Village Hall
2800 Flossmoor Road
Flossmoor, IL 60422

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