Starved Rock Nature Preserve
La Salle County
Location and Access:
From Oglesby, take Highway 71 east and cross the Vermilion River. The preserve is on the north side of the road after crossing the river.
Description:
This site, with its deep canyons and sandstone cliffs, has a rich cultural and biological history. Native Americans used the site, and a fort was built here by the French in the 1700's. White pine, Canada yew, and northern white cedar, plants that are more common farther north, occur on the sandstone cliffs.
The least disturbed plant communities are dry-mesic upland forest, mesic upland forest and dry upland forest. White oak, red oak and black oak are common in all three plant communities. Many very old trees are present in the canyons throughout the park.
Ownership: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Dedicated: May 1967
Size: 582 acres nature preserve, 10 acres buffer
Topo Map: La Salle 7.5
For Further Information Contact: Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Natural Heritage Biologist, Castle Rock State Park, R.R. #2, Oregon, IL 61061 (815/732-6185), or Site Superintendent, Starved Rock State Park, Utica, IL 61373 (815/667-4726)