Planting of Trees-Brunner Family Forest Preserve

Kane County, Illinois is soliciting bids for reforestation work planting 1,500 hardwood trees at Brunner Family Forest Preserve, with bids due October 27, 2026 before 9:00 a.m. CDT via BidNet. Bidders must be prequalified through the Illinois Department of Transportation and show evidence of participation in registered apprenticeship programs that have graduated at least five apprentices in each of the past five years for each construction craft performed. Prevailing wage rates set by the Illinois Department of Labor apply, and the contractor must comply with Kane County Ordinance No. 23-340 Responsible Bidder requirements and provide disclosures on campaign contributions and ownership interests.

The work is part of the Longmeadow Parkway Tree Replacement, with an eventual commitment to replant 7,022 trees. The contractor must purchase and furnish specified native hardwoods, including white oak, bur oak, red oak, and bitternut hickory, along with other native species. Duties include digging planting holes with commercial-grade equipment, installing and leveling soil, mulching and watering each tree once, and watering as needed for the contract term. Planting is intended at about 500 trees per growing season in 2027, 2028, and 2029, though some variation is expected due to plant availability. Each tree carries a one-year warranty, and dead trees must be replaced, watered, and mulched at the contractor's expense. Bidders need at least three years of experience installing and caring for native hardwoods and a full-time Project Manager holding at least a baccalaureate in botany, ecology, forestry, or natural resources management, proficient in ANSI 300 standards and International Society of Arboriculture Tree Planting Best Management Practices.

Work takes place at 18N681 Western Avenue, West Dundee, Illinois 60118, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with contractor notice required at least three business days before planting operations. Payment releases 33 percent upon completion of the 2027 planting, 33 percent upon completion of the 2028 planting, and 20 percent upon completion of the final 2029 planting, with 14 percent held until a spring 2030 final evaluation.