Simpson Barrens Natural Area
Simpson Township Barrens is a unique ecological area containing several native plant communities such as limestone barrens, seeps, dry and dry-mesic upland forest, an intermittent creek drainage and support a rich diversity of plants. The limestone barrens communities are characterized by very dry, calcium rich soils that support a flora more commonly encountered on the tall grass prairies found north of the Shawnee National Forest. At the Simpson Township Barrens Ecological Area two limestone barrens are located within a matrix of dry and dry-mesic upland forest each with a southwestern aspect. The dry and dry-upland oak forests are dominated by post oaks (Quercus stellata), white oaks (Quercus alba) and black oaks (Quercus velutina). pignut hickory (Carya glabra), and mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa) are also commonly encountered. Unlike the barrens community the forested matrix is characterized by sandstone cliffs, sandstone boulders and other sandstone rocks giving the soils a somewhat sandy consistency. The soils are acidic and support a flora completely different from the limestone barrens.
Points of Interest
Location |
---|
High Knob Lookout |
Simpson Barrens Natural Area |
Nearby Camping
Location | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Clarkco State Park | Numerous | 273 ft | |||
Coon Creek - Shelbyville Lake | 230 | 666 ft | |||
Moraine View State Park | 200 | 853 ft | |||
Illini State Park | Numerous | 563 ft | |||
Turkey Fork Rec. Area | 76 | 278 ft | |||
Stephen A. Forbes State Park | 135 | 604 ft | |||
Archusa Creek Waterpark | 69 | 315 ft | |||
Opossum Creek - Shelbyville Lake | 80 | 654 ft | |||
Faries Park | 37 | 618 ft | |||
Twiltley Branch - Okatibbee Lake | Numerous | 421 ft | |||
Friends Creek Regional Park | 35 | 693 ft | |||
Dunns Falls Water Park | Numerous | 269 ft | |||
Livingston County 4-H Park | Numerous | 636 ft | |||
Maynor Creek Waterpark | Numerous | 362 ft | |||
Clinton Lake State Rec Area | 310 | 725 ft |
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Gauge | Streamflow |
---|---|
Hurricane Creek Near Mulberry Grove
USGS 05592800 |
122 cfs |
Little Wabash River Near Effingham
USGS 03378635 |
385 cfs |
East Fork Shoal Creek Near Coffeen
USGS 05593900 |
26 cfs |
Little Wabash River Below Clay City
USGS 03379500 |
1,040 cfs |
Kaskaskia River At Carlyle
USGS 05593000 |
3,490 cfs |
Kaskaskia River Near Cowden
USGS 05592100 |
910 cfs |
Kaskaskia River At Vandalia
USGS 05592500 |
1,880 cfs |