Agencies
Services
Land and Water Reserve Area
5
County
Sangamon
Location
The site is within Riverside Park, which is located west of Business Interstate 55, also known as North Peoria Road, on the north side of Springfield along the Sangamon River.
Description
Sangamon Bottoms Land and Water Reserve protects bottomland forests, wetlands, and associated wildlife. Natural communities consist of Grade C wet-mesic floodplain forest (the most widespread community) dominated by silver maple, green ash, sycamore, and eastern cottonwood; Grade C wet floodplain forest with black willow as the dominant species; Grade C mesic floodplain forest on areas with slightly higher ground which contains bur oak; Grade D maturing floodplain forest; and pond communities in the form of oxbow lakes. A total of 55 bird species have been identified on the reserve, including 14 species sensitive to forest fragmentation.
Ownership
Springfield Park District
Natural Division
Springfield Section of the Grand Prairie Natural Division (#4b)
Registered
September 2018
Size
113 acres
Access
The site is open to the public. Parking may occur along the park roads. The trail system can be accessed from several entry points.
Topographic Quad
Springfield West & Springfield East
For Further Information
Illinois Nature Preserves Commission
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL 62702
217-785-8686
DNR.INPC@illinois.gov