From Full Teardown to Native Prairie Restoration

About the Project

This DeKalb property needed a complete structure removal followed by environmentally focused site restoration.

The goal wasn’t just demolition — it was to responsibly return the land to a stable, natural prairie condition suitable for future ecological use.

Key Project Stats

• Location: DeKalb, Illinois
• Client: Property owner / redevelopment
• Scope: Demolition, fencing, erosion control, grading, backfill, soil prep, prairie restoration
• Environmental Controls: Silt fencing + erosion protection
• Completion: On schedule‍
• Final Condition: Native prairie-ready land

The Challenge

Returning a site to prairie conditions requires far more than standard demolition.
Key challenges for this project included:

• Protecting the surrounding environment with silt fencing
• Managing debris on a tight site while maintaining clean haul routes
• Importing and compacting clay infill to support a stable grade
• Preparing the soil profile for native prairie growth
• Ensuring proper drainage and long-term erosion control
  

Donegal needed to coordinate demolition and restoration as a unified process — ensuring the site was safe, compliant, and ecologically ready.

Our Approach

1. Perimeter & Environmental Protection

Temporary construction fence secured the site while silt fencing prevented runoff and protected nearby land during demolition.

2. Full Structural Demolition

Our team safely removed the existing structures, sorted recyclable materials, and hauled debris using our in-house trucking fleet.

3. Clay Infill & Compaction

Clay material was imported, placed, and compacted to establish a stable base layer for the new grade.

4. Precision Site Grading

Donegal executed precise grading to prepare the land for proper drainage, erosion control, and future soil layers.

5. Black Dirt Installation

High-quality black dirt was spread and leveled to complete the soil profile required for prairie seeding and long-term ecological restoration.

6. Return to Native Prairie Land

The final condition of the site was a clean, stable, prairie-ready landscape — exactly what the client required.

Results

Delivered to Donegal Standards:

• Safe, efficient demolition and removal
• Clean site with stabilized grade and soil layers
• Full erosion control is maintained throughout
• Eco-friendly preparation for prairie restoration
• Professional fencing and temporary site protection
• Zero safety incidents and full compliance

The property was transformed from a teardown site into a clean, properly graded, prairie-ready landscape — delivered on schedule and to spec.

Why Donegal Was the Right Choice

This project highlights Donegal’s strength in multi-phase site work — combining demolition, environmental controls, trucking, grading, and soil stabilization under one coordinated approach.

Clients choose Donegal because we offer:

• One call for every phase of site work
• Experienced operators and modern equipment
• Environmental awareness and erosion control expertise
• Reliable trucking and material delivery
• Clear communication and dependable scheduling
• Respect for the land and the surrounding environment
  

When a project requires precision, environmental responsibility, and multiple service lines working as one, Donegal gets it done. Flat Out Sir.