Habitats at our Locations

Forest

Severson Dells Forest Preserve is home to a rich Oak- Hickory forest. Learn what plants and animals make up this unique community!

Savanna

Severson Dells Forest Preserve is proud of the restored savannas, dotted with majestic Oaks and wildflowers, that provide homes for Rusty Patch Bumblebees and more. Once restored, we can expect areas of Savanna at Prairie's Edge.

Stream

Hall Creek is an idyllic stream that runs through meadows, forests, and dolomite cliffs throughout Severson Dells Forest Preserve. It is home to many creatures big and small, as well as some specialized plants. Additionally, once daylighted, we can expect Manning Creek at Prairie's Edge to flow beautifully into the Kishwaukee River.

Grassland

From Wet Prairies to Hilltop Prairies, Severson Dells Forest Preserve has a variety of grassland habitats. The plants and animals that live here are well adapted for extreme conditions like blazing fires, scorching sun, biting frost, and powerful winds. Once restored, Prairie's Edge will be largely prairie.

Pond

The water in this man-made pond at Severson Dells comes from a spring located on the eastern edge of the pond, and if you listen closely, you may even hear water bubbling up from the underground aquifer! Prairie's Edge also features retention ponds that are already beginning to welcome back wildlife.

Dolamite Cliff

Our dolomitic bedrock was formed around 450 million years ago in the Ordovician period, when Illinois was a warm, shallow ocean.