Cedar Glenn is a large, forested tract along the bluffs of the Mississippi River. The rugged bluffs are mostly mature second growth forest dominated by oak, hickory, sugar maple, and basswood. This Nature Preserve is a significant roosting site for wintering bald eagles.

SIZE: 150,316 acres; 235 square mile

LOCATION: Western Illinois on the Mississippi River; Hancock and Henderson counties

The Nauvoo RRA is located in west-central Illinois on the Mississippi River. Sharply dissected bluffs divide the low, level bottomlands along the river from the higher rolling uplands. The natural resources--woodlands, wetlands, and larger Natural Areas--are mainly associated with the river.

Nauvoo is probably most noteworthy for its history tied to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons). From 1839 to 1846 Nauvoo was the religious, governmental, and cultural center of the Mormons. With 12,000 inhabitants, it was one of the largest cities in Illinois.

LANDCOVER : Cropland is the predominant landcover type (56%) within this site. Approximately 17% of the RRA is wooded (12% upland and 5% bottomland woods). Nonforested wetlands are not abundant. The Mississippi River accounts for the high percentage of water.

NATURAL AREAS : There are nine Natural Areas which range from a four-acre hill prairie site to a 3,856 acre forest tract (Cedar Glen). Natural resources in these areas include aquatic systems, forested bluffs, sand hills, and geological features.

BIOLOGICALLY SIGNIFICANT STREAMS: There are no BSS streams in this RRA.

HERITAGE SITES : Thirty-six Heritage sites occur within the RRA. Seven significant community types, two plant species, 11 animal species, and two rookeries are represented.

STATE AND FEDERAL LAND : Nauvoo State Park is the only state or federal land in the RRA.

NATURE PRESERVES : Two Nature Preserves exist in this RRA. They protect a large forested tract surrounded by cropland and sand hills which support upland forest and prairie communities.

NATURAL DIVISIONS : This RRA is comprised of five natural divisions, approximately half lies in the Middle Mississippi Border Natural Division. The Upper Mississippi and Illinois River Bottomlands, Western Forest-Prairie, and Illinois and Mississippi River Sand Areas divisions comprise 14%, 13%, and 12%, respectively, of the RRA.

SUMMARY OF SITE CHARACTERISTICS: SIZE, BIOLOGIC RESOURCES, AND PUBLIC LANDS