Agencies
Services
Nature Preserve Area
10
County
Rock Island
Location And Access
From Rock Island at jct. Hwys. 5 & 67, take Hwy. 5 east 0.2 mi. to Black Hawk Historic Site. The nature preserve is in the east half of the park. Special Note: Located in the Quad cities metropolitan area, the preserve is on the south edge of Rock Island, in Black Hawk State Historic Site east of the intersection of US Hwy 67 and Il Hwy 5. Facilities are available and an interpretive trail has been developed.
Description
Black Hawk Forest is one of the few areas left that characterize the Middle Mississippi Border Natural Division. The northern portion of this Division consists of a forested, narrow bluff line along the Mississippi River. Attractive features in the preserve include a high quality upland forest dominated by several oak species. A rich herbaceous understory contains a variety of woodland wildflowers and many types of ferns. About 175 bird species notably, 20 warbler species have been observed here, including chestnut-sided, blue-winged, golden-winged, and yellow warbler. Fourteen mammal species have been observed, including a melanistic phase of fox squirrel. This unique urban natural area has been protected since 1927, thanks to the involvement of a local citizen, John H. Hauberg. His interest in the historical and natural features ultimately saved the park from development. Today, support for the preserve is generated by another local group, the citizens to preserve Black Hawk Park Foundation.
Ownership
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
Dedicated
July 1984
Size
106.6 acres
Topographic Quad
Milan
Topo Map
For Further Information
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, Old State Capitol, Level 2, Springfield, IL 62701 or Site Superintendent, Black Hawk State Historic Site, Rock Island, IL 61201 (309/788-0177)