Bennett's Terraqueous Gardens

Nature Preserve

Tazewell County

Location and Access:

At the junction of Interstate 74 and Hwy. 150 in East Peoria, take Hwy. 150 north 2.5 mi. to access road 6, turn east and then north on access road 6 and take it north 0.1 mi. The preserve is on the east side of the road.

Description:

Bennett's Terraqueous Gardens is a high-quality seep that lies at the base of deeply dissected bluffs and hills bordering the east side of the Illinois River. The seep community is usually saturated by groundwater that emanates at or near the base of a hill comprised of glacial till. Narrow spring runs flow in rivulets through the seep. Characteristic herbaceous plants found in the seep include swamp thistle, bottlebrush sedge, spotted Joe-Pye weed, fowl manna grass, swamp goldenrod, skunk cabbage, and marsh marigold. A boardwalk provides an opportunity for close views of this interesting wetland. The seep is named in honor of Mr. John Bennett, who donated the property to the Fon du Lac Park District.

Ownership: Fon du Lac Park District

Dedicated: July 1990

Size: 2.74 acres

Topo Map: Peoria East 7.5

For Futher Information Contact: Fon du Lac Park District, Superintendent of Parks, 201 Veterans Drive, East Peoria, IL 61611 (309/699-3923)

3/2010 - R. Heidorn