Illinois is widely recognized for its diverse landscapes and natural communities. To account for these differences, regions of Illinois are distinguished from each other based on their Natural Division and Section. Illinois is separated into 14 Natural Divisions and 33 …

A common classification scheme used in Illinois, developed by John Schwegman and coworkers, recognizes fourteen Natural Divisions, plus Lake Michigan-- geographic regions having similar topography, soils, bedrock, plants, and animals.

Illinois is divided into 14 natural divisions. These natural divisions are described by the differences in topography, glacial history, bedrock, soils, and the distribution of native plants and animals found within.

Feb 28, 2023 · The Illinois Natural Areas Inventory is a collection of ecological information on natural areas evaluated to have statewide conservation significance. These areas allow for the preservation biodiversity.

The Illinois area of this glaciation would generally become the Grand Prairie natural division. The moraines and Lake Michigan in northeastern Illinois are all remnants of this glacial period. About 12,000 years ago the climate warmed, and the glaciers began to …

The Natural Areas Program, started in 1963, works closely with the Endangered Species Protection Board and Illinois Nature Preserves Commission to establish legal protection and preservation for areas that reflect Illinois' natural heritage and support Illinois' native species.

Natural Divisions are an important tool for recognizing biological variation across Illinois, and organizing regional needs, objectives and strategies of the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan.

Feb 1, 2021 · The natural divisions of Illinois classification system put Illinois in the forefront of the Nation in terms of the preservation and protection of remnants of natural ecosystems and continues to serve as the foundation for programs almost 50 years later.

Based upon bedrock geology, glaciation, soils, climate and plant and animal distribution, Illinois can be divided into 14 natural regions and 33 distinct sections. From north to south, Illinois is more than 400 miles long. Throughout the 400 miles there is considerable variation in climate, topography and soils.

Oct 5, 2018 · This document provides an overview of the natural divisions and communities of Illinois. It introduces the 14 natural divisions of the state and describes some of the unique natural communities found within each division, including prairies, fens, barrens, forests and bottomlands.