LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond

The LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond RNA is the most diverse area in Illinois with 14 natural communities, eight of which are of high to very high quality a large area.  The RNA is well buffered with relatively undisturbed natural community types, outstanding geological features, and many rare plants and animals. There are four candidate Regional Forester's Sensitive species, 23 Shawnee National Forest Listed Species, and 29 Shawnee National Forest Listed animals recorded from the area. There are 37 Illinois rare, Threatened, or Endangered plant and animal species in the area. Furthermore, the area contains more plant species than any other site of comparable size and is considered to be one of the most outstanding natural areas in the Midwest . The Federally Endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) and American bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) are observed here. Candidate Regional Forester's Sensitive species known in the area are Price's groundnut (Apios priceana), Arkansas manna grass (Glyceria arkansana), pale manna grass (Puccinellia pallida), and giant sedge (Carex gigantea). The entire Illinois population of woodrat (Neotoma floridana) is found here.