Find information about Illinois Wetlands
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Wetland Science and Policy
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Publication Date: 2019Wetlands are complex ecosystems that support wildlife and provide many important ecosystem services. This article provides information on the state of Illinois wetlands through the use of data collected by the Critical Trends Assessment Program (CTAP). CTAP is an ongoing statewide survey of Illinois' natural resources that has been collecting data in Illinois wetlands since 1997. Topics that are covered in this article include: Descriptions of Illinois wetlands and their history, trends in wetland plant and arthropod communities, invasive species in Illinois wetlands, encroachment of woody plants into herbaceous wetland communities, and climate change. Recommendations for the conservation of wetlands in Illinois are also provided.
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Illinois Department of Natural Resources: WetlandsThe IDNR Wetlands pages explain Illinois Wetlands Community types and soil classification, and provides general information on wetlands regulation and management in the state.
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IWAP Wetlands CampaignThe primary goals of the Wetland Campaign as part of the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan (IWAP) are to increase wetland quality, acreage, and continuity with natural habitats. Improving wetlands will support all dependent and associated wildlife, as well as restore ecosystem processes that are not only important to the wetlands, but also to the communities around them.
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Wetlands in the Illinois Compiled Statutes (find Illinois Laws)Keyword search for Wetlands in the Illinois Compiled Statutes
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Wetlands and deepwater habitats in Illinois as of 1987Based on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) data. Downloadable dataset from the Illinois Geospatial Data Clearinghouse.
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Search the Library catalog for items about Illinois wetlandsSearch for Illinois and wetlands in subject field; includes many online publications and reports.
Visit an Illinois Wetland
There are wetlands statewide that are open to the public. These sites are managed under jurisdictions ranging from federal to local/municipal. Just a few examples of Illinois' diverse wetlands are listed below.
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Cache River State Natural AreaTotaling 14,960 acres in Johnson, Massac and Pulaski counties, and featuring massive cypress trees.
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Dixon Waterfowl RefugeThe 3,000-acre Sue and Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge is one of the premier natural areas in the state and is open to the public 365 days a year.
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Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge2,631 acres of wetland habitats at the confluence of the Illinois and Spoon rivers.
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Heron County ParkThe Wetland Boardwalk is a 950 foot long handicapped accessible floating walkway at Lake Vermilion is the second longest in Illinois.
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James "Pate" Philip State ParkFeatures remnant tallgrass prairie and wetlands that are home to white-tailed deer, beavers, yellow-headed blackbirds, common snapping turtles and sandhill cranes.
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Volo Bog State Natural AreaThe only open-water quaking bog in Illinois
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Wilkinson--Renwick MarshOne of the very few undisturbed marshes remaining in the Grand Prairie Section of the Grand Prairie Division
UNESCO Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance in Illinois
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Cache River and Cypress Creek WetlandDesignated 01-11-1994.
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The Emiquon Complexdesignated 02-02-2012
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Sue and Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakesdesignated 02-02-2012