Take a Walk in the Forest

About Our Forest Walk

Woodlands are diverse, complicated habitats – filled with native flora and fauna. The majority of Illinois native wildlife requires the forest habitat for at least a portion of its life. Prior to colonialization – 40 percent of Illinois was forested compared to about 12 percent today. Illinois has 20 native oak species and about 97 percent of our forests are classified as hardwood.

The Watershed is home to both upland forests, with soil that drains easily, and lowland forests, where soil stays wet for long periods of time. Soil–its nutrients and whether its often wet or dry– plays an important role in which plants and animals live inside a forest habitat.

All forests are made up of many layers. Starting from the ground level and moving up, the main layers of all forest types are the forest floor, the understory and the canopy. Each layer has a different set of plants and animals depending upon the availability of sunlight, moisture and food.

The Layers of the Forest

All forests are made up of many layers. Starting from the ground level and moving up, the main layers of all forest types are the forest floor, the understory and the canopy. Each layer has a different set of plants and animals depending upon the availability of sunlight, moisture and food.

Forest Floor

The forest floor contains decomposing leaves, animals droppings, and dead trees. These decay on the forest floor to create new soil and provide nutrients to plants. The forest floor supports ferns, grasses, mosses, mushrooms and tree seedlings.

The Understory

The understory is a layer in the forest that exists below the canopy and above the forest floor. It consists of shorter trees, shrubs, and bushes that are adapted to growing in the shade created by the taller trees in the canopy above. 

The Canopy

The canopy is formed by the mass of intertwined branches, twigs and leaves of fully-grown trees. The tops of the largest trees receive most of the sunlight. The canopy forms a shady, protective “umbrella” over the rest of the forest.

See Our Diverse Habitats

There’s no experience quite like being among the busy and beautiful Watershed forest habitat. Visit for a peaceful stroll or participate in one of our many programs.