One of the most ecologically significant areas in Illinois

The largest high quality seep in the Illinois River Basin is nestled against the natural bluff within the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge. This rare wetland community is formed when water literally “seeps” out of the glacial terrace. The water gathers into small springs and then runs to the lakes.

As one of the most ecologically significant areas in Illinois, the seep provides unique habitat for a variety of rare plants, including the yellow monkey flower and the fen orchid.

In 2002, 26 acres of the 80-acre seep were designated as a protected Illinois Nature Preserve and rededicated as the Thomas W. and Elizabeth Moews Dore Seep.

Four generations of the Dore family had owned land in the area since Patrick Dore arrived on foot from Chicago in the 1850s.

The Illinois Nature Preserves System protects the states’ last remnants of Illinois’ natural heritage. Today, less than 0.1% of the landscape remains as it did when first seen by Illinois’ early settlers. Permanently protected by state law, nature preserves are private and public lands that have rare plants, animals, or other unique natural features.

The Wetlands Initiative has removed invasive species such as buckthorn, cottonwoods, and other woody vegetation in the seep. Today the area is again a high quality habitat for native flora and fauna.

Visitors can see this unique area by walking the half-mile trail along the bluff. The trailhead is at the dock parking lot.