State Beautification
State Beautification Fosters Economic Development
Based on results from other states like North Carolina and Texas, beautification programs contribute to
increased tourism and overall economic development.
Promotes Responsible Stewardship
By combining physical improvements with litter prevention programs and environmental education,
beautification encourages responsible stewardship.
Encourages Environmental Understanding
By planting beautiful native wildflowers instead of turf along our extensive state highway system,
we will help to renew the natural environment.
Is Cost Effective
The wildflower project will use existing resources without expanding spending, and will maximize exposure
by partnering with corporate, municipal, and local partners.
Natural Divisions of Illinois
The state of Illinois lies on an ecological crossroads and has various regions that are representative of other states. The eastern forests of Indiana, the pine forests of Wisconsin, the prairies of Iowa, the rocky forests of Missouri, and the Cypress swamps of Louisiana are represented in the diverse areas throughout Illinois.
Illinois has a wide diversity of plant and animal communities, geology, and topography because of its location. Examples include the hills around Galena, the dunes near Lake Michigan, the flat prairies of Central Illinois, and the swamps along the Ohio River.
In 1973, John Schwegman, working for the Department of Natural Resources, divided the state into 14 Natural Divisions. These divisions are based on natural features including topography, soil type, bedrock material, glacial history, and distributions of plants and animals. The map to the left shows the state divided into these 14 Natural Divisions.
Northwestern Illinois
Northeastern Illinois
Southwestern Illinois
Southern Illinois
Western Illinois
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