Botany Pond located in the Quad at the University of Chicago had experienced multiple challenges throughout its 121 years of existence including: sedimentation, poor water quality and leaks. This restoration project was intended to resolve the current issues at Botany Pond in order to restore it back to being a healthy, horticultural asset on campus.

The project is comprised of two distinct phases:

Botany Pond - Enabling Phase

The enabling phase, also referred to as "dredging of the pond", started in the fall of 2022. During this phase, all of the pond's wildlife was safety removed, the water drained from the pond and removal of the existing sediment began. All in total over one million pounds of sediment was hydro vacuumed and properly disposed of offsite. After removal of the sediment and water a comprehensive review of the existing concrete features was performed.

Botany Pond - Restoration

The Restoration phase included repairing of the concrete structure, rebuilding of a limestone bridge, landscaping modifications around the pond, installation of a new liner at 100% of the pond, planting of new aquatic plants, and the installation of a wetland filtration system. In addition, a turtle habitat was installed along with other wildlife accommodations. The University of Chicago has a wildlife rehabilitator that will be returning the wildlife that was safely removed from the pond in the spring of 2025 after the new plantings have had a chance to establish.