Carol Stream is fortunate to have many natural areas within and adjacent to its boundaries.
 

These natural areas can be wetlands, riparian (stream) corridors, ponds or lakes, native prairies and forests. 
 


Some of these are naturally occurring while others are man-made, such as our naturalized pond shorelines that include bioengineered wetlands and native prairie buffers.


Natural areas play a vital role in our environment.  They provide habitat for a variety of animals, they lessen the amount of storm water runoff and can provide flood storage thereby reducing flood damages, they help filter out storm water pollutants and prevent soil erosion, they are a source of oxygen, they help cool the environment, they provide active and passive recreational space, they improve land values and lessen the overall impact of development.  For these reasons and others it is important that Carol Stream maintain the valuable resources.

 

 

Natural Environment Topics - Click Links Below to Learn More

Native Prairies, Wetlands & Ponds
     
Forest Preserves

Carol Stream Park District

Riparians