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Valparaiso-Wheaton Morainal Complex

Ecoregion in IL, IN

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The Valparaiso-Wheaton Morainal Complex ecoregion is a hilly, hummocky to rolling area containing moraines, kames, eskers, and outwash plains. Characteristically, the Valparaiso Morainal Complex (54f) is studded with small lakes and marshes, and lacks a well integrated drainage system. Lake size and density are less than in the physiographically similar Kettle Moraines (53b), but are much greater than in the physiographically distinct Illinois/Indiana Prairies (54a) and Chicago Lake Plain (54b). Soils are largely derived from thick, late-Wisconsinan glacial drift; loess deposits, if they occur at all, are only thin. Alfisols are common; Mollisols also occur, but are less common than in Ecoregions 53a, 54a, 54b, and 54c. In the early 19th century, prairie and forest dominated the moraines, and swamp white oak forests and marshes occurred in poorly drained areas. Overall, prairie once covered slightly more than half of The Valparaiso-Wheaton Morainal Complex ecoregion. Subsequent fire suppression has reduced the number of prairie openings, thereby increasing forest density (Schwegman, 1973, p. 12). Today, pastureland is common and, particularly in the east near Chicago, urban and suburban development is accelerating. However, wooded areas, lakes, and wetlands are still common. The spotted turtle in Illinois is restricted to the Valparaiso Morainal Complex (54f), and is listed as endangered in the state (Illinois Department of Natural Resources, on-line resource “b”; Illinois Natural History Survey, on-line resource).

— EPA

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