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Thomson Causeway Plants and Wildlife
Thomson Causeway Plants and Wildlife
Bird Checklist for Upper Mississippi River NWR--Lost Mound (Carroll Co., public areas).pdfIn the table below:
Click on the Plant, Bird, Reptile and Amphibian, Insect and Arachnid, and Mammal tabs at the bottom of the table to scroll through the lists.
These lists are based on species identified during site visits and sightings submitted using the link in the sub-bullet point below. Submitted species are added to the table as time allows.
Click here if you would like to submit records of plants or wildlife you have seen at this location.
Bloom periods are based on those provided by the Illinois Plants Database.
About Thomson Causeway
About Thomson Causeway
The US Army Corps of Engineers purchased this island in the 1930s due to the construction of Mississippi River Lock and Dam 13. Before it was a park, portions of this island were farmed by the Potter family who grew melons and other crops. Evidence of past Native American use has also been documented, with cultural resources and burials of Woodland Indians located within the park. Prior to the lock and dam, the land adjacent to this island consisted of floodplain forest, which was cut in preparation for dam construction. These previously wooded areas are now submerged, with stumps of the harvested trees emerging in some locations. These underwater forests are prime fishing spots and areas to navigate with caution by boat.
The majority of the causeway was originally constructed by the Potter family and now consists of a paved road that winds through backwater sloughs, bottomland forest, riverine marsh, and along the shoreline where visitors can view the widest expanse of the Mississippi River basin (3.5-miles). Due to the diversity of habitats encountered along the causeway, numerous species of wildlife and plants are easily observed from your car window. For those looking to stretch their legs, the Potter’s Marsh walking trail is located on the south end of the causeway. Summer is a great time to observe dragonflies, turtles, and sandhill cranes in the park, while fall, winter, and spring offer excellent pelican, waterfowl, and shorebird viewing opportunities.
Amenities
Amenities
This park offers 131 campsites (tent and RV), modern restroom facilities, a hiking trail, picnic shelters, and playground equipment. In addition, The Great River Trail runs through the site.
Literature and links:
Literature and links:
Click here to view a Google Scholar search for additional literature using the pre-filled search terms of "Thomson Causeway Recreation Area, Thomson, Illinois"
Click here to view the US Army Corps of Engineers web page for this site.
Click here to see the Recreation.gov webpage for this site.
Click here to view the Village of Thomson webpage for this site.
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