Wetlands 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.
The IDNR Wetlands pages explain Illinois Wetlands Community types and soil classification, and provides general information on wetlands regulation and management in the state.
The 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.
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.
Features remnant tallgrass prairie and wetlands that are home to white-tailed deer, beavers, yellow-headed blackbirds, common snapping turtles and sandhill cranes.
Wetland Science and Policy by 
