[1][2] Additional tracts of land were purchased to increase the size to today's 10,200 acres (4,128 ha).

[2] Native southern hardwood forests and bald cypress, tupelo gum, swamp cottonwood, elm, and tulip poplar trees can be found in the area.

[1][2] Two large tracts have been dedicated as Illinois Nature Preserves and are used for scientific research and education.

[1] Common aquatic plants include buttonbush, lotus, duckweed, coontail, and water primrose.

[2] The lake contains fish such as carp, sucker, channel catfish, black bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie, bowfin, and gar.