Upper Embarras Woods Nature Preserve

Douglas County

Location and Access:

From Oakland in Coles County continue north on county road 2360E to Walnut Point State Park. Once in the park the preserve, which is situated on the north side of the Embarrass River, can be reached by the park trails.

Description:

The forest community within this nature preserve is a dry-mesic forest representative of the Grand Prairie Section of the Grand Prairie Division. The primary plant community of this site is a white oak, black oak and red oak forest located on bluffs near the Embarrass River. This old growth forest contains several large oaks in excess of 40 inches in diameter. The spring woodland wildflower population includes trilliums, spring beauty, Dutchman's breeches, bloodroot, toothwort, maidenhair fern, sensitive fern and grape fern. Pileated woodpeckers, scarlet tanagers, and several other bird species inhabit this area.

Ownership: Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Dedicated: March 1993

Size: 65 acres

Topo Map: Oakland 7.5

For Further Information Contact: Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Natural Heritage Biologist, R.R. 2, Box 108, Charleston, IL 61920 (217/345-2420)

1/2009 - R. Heidorn