Silver-Sleepy Creek Watershed
Silver-Sleepy Creek Watershed Plan
A Watershed Plan was created for the combined Silver & Sleepy Creeks watershed in 2011.
This “watershed planning” process was a comprehensive, community-supported approach to improving water quality, considering groundwater protection, and restoring healthy aquatic communities on a watershed basis.
Watershed planning provides opportunities for community members from multiple jurisdictions to work together and develop solutions to shared water resource challenges. A plan has been developed for each watershed.
This “watershed planning” process was a comprehensive, community-supported approach to improving water quality, considering groundwater protection, and restoring healthy aquatic communities on a watershed basis.
Watershed planning provides opportunities for community members from multiple jurisdictions to work together and develop solutions to shared water resource challenges. A plan has been developed for each watershed.
The Silver Creek and Sleepy Hollow Creek watersheds are home to significant natural resources including dedicated Illinois Nature Preserves, rare fens, and several lakes enjoyed by community members as a source of recreation.
The Defenders and other participating organizations are working with local community members to implement the watershed plans that consider local priorities and concerns.
Silver Creek Watershed
The Silver Creek Watershed Planning Area is located in southeastern McHenry County. The planning area includes the Silver Creek, two additional streams, and 11 square miles of land that drain to these streams. Communities include Oakwood Hills, portions of Cary, Crystal Lake, Prairie Grove, and unincorporated areas of McHenry County. The planning area lies within Nunda and Algonquin townships. The population is approximately 10,235. The Silver Creek Watershed is home to significant natural resources including dedicated Illinois Nature Preserves and rare wetlands. Several lakes enjoyed by community members provide recreational opportunities as well.
Sleepy Creek Watershed
The Sleepy Hollow Creek Watershed Planning Area is located in southeastern McHenry County. The planning area includes the Sleepy Hollow Creek, one additional stream, and almost 20 square miles of land that drain to these streams. Communities include portions of Bull Valley, Crystal Lake, McHenry, Prairie Grove and unincorporated areas of McHenry County. The planning area lies within Township. The population is approximately 12,121. The Sleepy Hollow Creek Watershed is home to significant natural resources including dedicated Illinois Nature Preserves and rare wetlands. Several lakes enjoyed by community members provide recreational opportunities as well.