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The Coalition was organized on December 12, 2002, under sponsorship of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association, following the adoption of membership resolutions by the City of Chicago Heights, Rich and Thornton Townships, and the Villages of South Holland, Steger and Thornton. Co-incident with the Coalition’s formation, the by-laws extended full membership to the Thorn Creek Ecosystem Partnership and ex-officio memberships to organizations/agencies that support, sponsor or conduct complimentary programs.
The Coalition functions to develop, promote and undertake restoration and recreation enhancement projects within and along Thorn Creek from its headwaters in Will County to its confluence with the Little Calumet River in South Holland. Initially the process was guided by Eubanks & Associates; 2002 "Thorn Creek Stream Inventory and Opportunity Assessment" and 2003 "Comprehensive Ecological Restoration Training Manual"; and IDNR's 2000 "Thorn Creek – An Inventory of the Region's Resources".
Restoration work is planned and performed by crews from a Corps of more than 100 volunteers. Guidance and occasional assistance is provided by Cook County's Forest Preserve District staff and officials from the local U.S. Soil and Water Conservation District.
Beginning with two inaugural projects in 2003 and 32 subsequent projects, Coalition members have eliminated numerous blockages along the creek by removing tons of trees, brush and litter. Water flow has returned to natural channels at those locations, thus preventing further bank erosion.
Future programs will include continued stream debris removal along the approximate 21 mile waterway, the development of creek-side nature trails and 3 canoe launch sites.
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