Agencies
Services
Land and Water Reserve Area
10
County
La Salle
Location
The site lies in the central portion of the Starved Rock State Park complex immediately adjacent to Starved Rock Nature Preserve, one mile south of Utica, on the west side of IL Route 178.
Description
Curt and Helen Simonson Land and Water Reserve has many significant features including a canyon and sandstone bluffs supporting northern relict species, habitat for a state-endangered species, numerous archaeological resources, and adjacency to Starved Rock Nature Preserve. The most significant features are the mesic forest, seeps, and sandstone cliffs of Curtis Canyon. The deep canyon, occupying approximately six acres, is well shaded and protected from winds and warmer air masses, providing a much cooler microclimate than the surrounding upland. Northern relict species like white pine and arborvitae are common on the sandstone ledges and the canyon’s steep slopes. An intermittent stream, named Curtis Creek, runs the length of the canyon, and bisects a rich, mesic upland forest populated by red oak, white oak, pawpaw, Kentucky coffee tree, witch hazel, musclewood, cottonwood, sugar maple, wild hydrangea, and dogwood. The steep slopes and canyon floor both support outstanding spring wildflower displays. Species such as Virginia bluebells, columbine, maidenhair fern, white trillium, hepatica, yellow bellwort, Dutchman’s breeches, squirrel corn, and many other classic spring ephemerals abound. A similar feature to Curtis Canyon is the steep north-facing bluff, lying south of the historic Illinois River floodplain. Comprising approximately six acres, the steep sandstone bluff is mostly occupied by mesic upland forest on talus slopes and ravines. The reserve additionally protects 21 wildlife Species in Greatest Need of Conservation, including 13 forest birds which are sensitive to habitat fragmentation.
Ownership
Illinois Department of Natural Recourses
Natural Division
Grand Prairie Section of the Grand Prairie Natural Division (#4a)
Registered
January 2019
Size
51.5 acres
Access
The site is open to the public.
Topographic Quad
La Salle
For Further Information
Visit the State Park Website or Contact the INPC
Illinois Nature Preserves Commission
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL 62702
217-785-8686
DNR.INPC@illinois.gov