Agencies
Services
Land and Water Reserve Area
1
County
Jo Daviess
Location
The site is found in the northwest corner of Illinois in Jo Daviess County near the Wisconsin border. The Village of Stockton and U.S. Highway 20 are seven miles southeast, and the Village of Warren and Illinois State Route 78 are 10 miles northeast.
Description
The Apple River Canyon was listed on the original Illinois Natural Areas Inventory (INAI #1069) in 1977 in recognition of its high-quality natural communities, unique geology, and numerous state-listed plant and animal species. The Apple River Canyon Land and Water Reserve protects and manages upland woodlands and savanna, mesic floodplain forest, dolomite cliffs, stream segments, dolomite hill prairie, and restorations. In addition to their value for habitat and natural features, the site also provides opportunities for research and outdoor recreation. The Land and Water Reserve was first established in 2003, but there has been various additions over the subsequent years. These additions serve to protect and buffer the scenic beauty of the Apple River Canyon.
Ownership
Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Boy Scouts of America, Natural Land Institute, & Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation
Natural Division
Wisconsin Driftless Natural Division (#1)
Registered
February 2003
Size
779 acres
Access
All parcels are open to the public except for the southern part of the Canyon Camp Addition which is owned by Boy Scouts of America. The site is open to the public for recreational use including hiking, bird watching, and fishing. Mowed trails are found throughout the property. A gravel parking lot is located at the property’s entrance off E. Townsend Road. It is open from dawn to dusk.
Topographic Quad
Scales Mound East & Elizabeth NE
For Further Information
Illinois Nature Preserves Commission
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL 62702
217-785-8686
DNR.INPC@illinois.gov